Gateron CM vs. TTC Silent Frozen (V2)
An in-depth look at the Gateron CM and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can greatly impact your typing experience. Two popular linear switches worth comparing and contrasting are the Gateron CM and the TTC Silent Frozen. The Gateron CM switches make a bold statement with their full nylon housing, breaking away from the convention of polycarbonate housings. This unique design delivers a richer, deeper sound signature, creating a satisfying auditory experience. Additionally, the impeccable factory lube job ensures an effortlessly smooth typing journey, where each keystroke feels like gliding gracefully. With their lengthened, dual-staged spring, these CM switches offer a bouncy typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen switches are characterized by an extremely quiet sound profile, perfect for those working in shared spaces or seeking a more subtle typing experience. These switches are also super smooth and have a pillowy feel, adding a touch of comfort to each keystroke. Both switches offer categories such as "Buttery," "Creamy," and "Polished," showcasing their similarities in terms of smoothness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your specific typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
39g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Dual-staged 20mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Silver white spring
Housing materials
The Gateron CM and the TTC Silent Frozen have contrasting housing materials in both their top and bottom housings. The CM features a nylon top and bottom housing, while the Silent Frozen utilizes polycarbonate in both housings. This choice of materials leads to distinct differences in sound profiles between the two switches. The nylon top housing of the CM creates a deeper and fuller sound, as the softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder tone. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Frozen produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, thanks to its relatively stiffer plastic, which enhances clarity and resonance. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Frozen is advantageous if RGB lighting is to be used, as its translucency allows for better illumination.
While the top housings of the CM and Silent Frozen differ, both switches share the nylon bottom housing material. This nylon material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches, as its softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder tone. The impact of the bottom housing is particularly noticeable in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. The choice of nylon for the CM and Silent Frozen's bottom housing ensures a consistent experience in this aspect.
In conclusion, the Gateron CM and TTC Silent Frozen switches differ in their housing materials, particularly in the top housings. The nylon top housing of the CM produces a deeper and fuller sound, whereas the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Frozen creates a sharper and crisper sound, especially beneficial for RGB lighting. However, both switches share the nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a consistent deep and full sound. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on the desired sound profile and aesthetic preferences, with the CM offering a softer tone and the Silent Frozen providing a clearer and resonant sound experience, especially when combined with RGB lighting.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CM linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Gateron CM has a higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Silent Frozen's 39 grams, making it heavier in this aspect. Similarly, the bottom out force of the CM is 63.5 grams whereas the Silent Frozen requires only 43 grams, further indicating that the CM is the heavier option. Those who prefer a more substantial typing experience and a stronger push feel may lean towards the Gateron CM due to its heavier forces. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen is a lighter option, which can be advantageous for individuals who want to type for longer periods of time without experiencing fatigue. Despite the differences, it's important to note that both switches provide satisfactory results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, albeit with contrasting weight considerations.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron CM linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the travel distance of the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch is slightly shorter at 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have become popular in recent times. Gamers, in particular, often opt for shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, the TTC Silent Frozen switch with its slightly shorter travel distance would be the better choice. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt. In that case, the Gateron CM switch with its slightly longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying and substantial keystroke experience. Ultimately, the preference between the two would depend on one's personal preference for depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CM has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CM for $4.25.
The TTC Silent Frozen (V2) has an MSRP of $8.61 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Frozen (V2) for $5.33.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the Gateron CM linear switch offers a bass-heavy and richer sound profile. These switches produce a lower frequency range, resulting in a deep and satisfying thocky sound. The sound can be compared to a soft "knock" or a deep "thud" when the key is pressed and released. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch also offers a thocky sound profile, but it is characterized by its extremely quiet and muted sound. These switches produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. Overall, both switches provide a deep and rich sound experience, with the CM being more bass-heavy and the Silent Frozen focusing on quietness.
In terms of feel, both the Gateron CM linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch offer a smooth and buttery typing experience. Both switches have a creamy and polished feel, resulting in a seamless and effortless keystroke experience. They provide reduced friction and smooth key travel, allowing for comfortable and fluid typing sessions. Additionally, the Silent Frozen switch offers a feathery feel, meaning it requires little exertion from your fingers and reduces finger fatigue. The CM switch, on the other hand, provides a bouncy typing experience due to its lengthened, dual-staged spring. Overall, both switches offer a similar smooth and buttery feel, with the Silent Frozen having additional lightness and the CM providing a bouncier experience.
Considering the available information, the Gateron CM linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch offer different subjective qualities but provide similar results in some aspects. In terms of sound, the CM switch offers a bass-heavy and deeper sound profile, while the Silent Frozen switch focuses on being extremely quiet and muted. When it comes to feel, both switches offer a smooth and buttery typing experience, with the Silent Frozen switch also providing a feathery lightness. Depending on personal preferences, one switch may be preferred over the other. However, both switches promise an effortlessly smooth typing journey and can be a great choice for enthusiasts seeking a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron CM linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch, it ultimately depends on your preferences for sound and feel. If you prioritize a deeper and richer sound profile with a bassy and thocky tone, the CM switch would be a great choice for you. Its full nylon housing and factory lube job contribute to a bouncy and smooth typing experience, making each keystroke feel like a graceful glide.
On the other hand, if you value an extremely quiet sound profile and a pillowy typing feel, the TTC Silent Frozen switch is the way to go. Its thocky and low-pitched sound, combined with its super smooth and creamy typing experience, create a satisfying and muted switch. Additionally, the Silent Frozen switch offers variations like a feathery feel with light actuation force, reducing finger fatigue, or a subtle switch that maintains a light typing feel and is suitable for shared spaces.
Consider your personal preferences for sound and feel when making your decision. Whether you prefer the bassy and thocky sound of the CM switch or the quiet and pillowy typing feel of the Silent Frozen switch, both options provide smooth and enjoyable typing experiences. Overall, the choice between these two switches ultimately depends on your desired sound and feel preferences.
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