KTT Cream Yellow vs. TTC Silent Frozen (V2)
An in-depth look at the KTT Cream Yellow and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that often come up in discussions are the KTT Cream Yellow and the TTC Silent Frozen. The Cream Yellow switch is well-known for its distinctively clacky sound and bouncy typing feel. With a shortened bottom-out distance, a long-pole stem, and a lengthened spring, this switch delivers resonant audio feedback and provides a uniquely bouncy typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen switch stands out for its extremely quiet sound profile. It offers a super smooth and pillowy type feel, earning it descriptions such as thocky, low-pitched, creamy, buttery, muted, feathery, subtle, and polished. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision based on your preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
39g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Silver white spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Cream Yellow and the TTC Silent Frozen, it is evident that they both utilize polycarbonate for the top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous for those looking to incorporate RGB lighting into their keyboard setup. Thus, it can be inferred that the sound and aesthetic qualities will be quite similar for both switches due to the shared polycarbonate top housing.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, there is a notable difference between the Cream Yellow and Silent Frozen. The Cream Yellow features a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, ultimately creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, aligning with the benefits of polycarbonate mentioned previously. This stiffer plastic material yields a more clear and resonant sound profile.
Considering the impact of the bottom and top housing materials, pressing down on either switch will predominantly showcase the qualities of the respective bottom housing. The Cream Yellow's nylon bottom housing will shape the bottom-out sound and feel, resulting in a deeper and fuller typing experience. Meanwhile, the top housing, which is polycarbonate for both switches, will have a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key. Thus, users can expect contrasting sound profiles when it comes to the bottom-out and key release sound based on the different bottom housing materials while still obtaining similar results for the top housing due to the shared polycarbonate construction.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch, there are notable differences between the two. The Cream Yellow has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams, whereas the Silent Frozen requires a lighter force of 39 grams to trigger a keystroke. In terms of the bottom out force, the Cream Yellow again requires a slightly heavier force of 58 grams compared to the Silent Frozen's 43 grams.
Considering weight as a factor, some individuals may prefer the lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Silent Frozen switch. This lighter touch allows for longer typing periods without causing fatigue, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, those seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Cream Yellow switch. With its heavier forces, it provides a stronger push feel, giving a satisfying tactile response while typing.
In summary, while the Cream Yellow switch is heavier in both actuation and bottom out forces, the Silent Frozen switch offers a lighter touch. The choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch is exactly the same, both measuring at 3.5 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same travel distance of 3.5 mm from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches will deliver similar results and provide a consistent typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Cream Yellow has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cream Yellow for $2.55.
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
The Cream Yellow switch is best known for its distinctively clacky sound. When pressed, it produces a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen switch is characterized by its extremely quiet sound profile. It produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed and released, commonly referred to as a "thocky" sound. This low-pitched switch features a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, providing a muted and softer sound compared to a regular or clacky switch.
In terms of feel, the Cream Yellow switch offers a uniquely bouncy typing experience. The shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem of the switch contribute to this bouncy and spring-like feedback sensation. It provides a lively feel, offering rebound when pressed. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen switch provides a creamy and buttery typing experience. The switch is smooth and lubricated, offering a silky sensation when typing. It provides a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation, often described as "buttery" or "polished." Additionally, the Silent Frozen switch is exceptionally light to press, reducing finger fatigue and making it comfortable for extended typing sessions.
In conclusion, the Cream Yellow switch and the Silent Frozen switch have distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cream Yellow switch is known for its clacky sound, while the Silent Frozen switch offers a thocky and low-pitched sound profile. In terms of feel, the Cream Yellow switch provides a bouncy feedback sensation, while the Silent Frozen switch offers a creamy and buttery typing experience. Both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience depending on your personal preferences. If you are looking for a sharp and snappy feel with a resonant sound, the Cream Yellow switch would be a great choice. However, if you prefer an extremely quiet and smooth typing experience, the Silent Frozen switch is the way to go.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Cream Yellow and the TTC Silent Frozen switches, it ultimately comes down to personal preferences and priorities. If you value a distinctively clacky sound with a bouncy typing feel, then the Cream Yellow switch would be a good choice for you. Its shortened bottom-out distance, long-pole stem, and lengthened spring contribute to its unique audio feedback and lively typing experience. On the other hand, if you prioritize an extremely quiet sound profile with a smooth and pillowy typing feel, then the Silent Frozen switch would be more suitable. These switches are known for their silent operation, smoothness, and a satisfying thocky sound. Additionally, the Silent Frozen switch is characterized by its feathery, creamy, and buttery typing experience, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. Ultimately, consider factors such as sound preference, typing feel, and your specific usage scenarios to make an informed decision between these two switches.
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