HMX Deep Navy vs. TTC Silent Frozen (V2)
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy 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, the HMX Deep Navy and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) each offer distinct advantages tailored to different user experiences. The HMX Deep Navy is celebrated for its rich and sharp sound profile, featuring a full nylon construction that enhances durability and a notably smooth keystroke thanks to its Ly stem design. This switch appeals to typists and gamers alike who appreciate auditory feedback and a solid build. Conversely, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) is designed for those who crave a quieter typing experience, characterized by its extremely muted sound that doesn’t compromise on smoothness. Its pillowy feel is ideal for environments where noise reduction is a priority, making it perfect for both office setups and late-night gaming sessions. While both switches are linear, providing seamless and uninterrupted keystrokes, their acoustic profiles and tactile experiences cater to different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
39g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Ly
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
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Silver white spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the HMX Deep Navy and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switches present a notable contrast that significantly influences their sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Deep Navy employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, leading to a more muted and rounded auditory experience. In comparison, the Silent Frozen (V2) uses polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, which is a stiffer material that produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. This differentiation in housing materials results in distinctly contrasting sound characteristics when typing, with the Deep Navy yielding a richer tone while the Silent Frozen offers clarity and resonance.
Aesthetically and functionally, the choice of material also creates practical implications. The polycarbonate of the Silent Frozen (V2), known for its translucency, is ideal for setups with RGB lighting as it enhances the glow and light diffusion within the switch. In contrast, the nylon of the Deep Navy, while not as visually accommodating for RGB, provides a tactile softness that some users may prefer. Thus, the visual appeal of the Silent Frozen could attract gamers and typists who prioritize customizable lighting, whereas the Deep Navy is likely to resonate more with those who appreciate a classic and traditional feel, without needing the added luminance.
When considering the impact of these materials on the overall switch experience, one must account for the significance of each housing's contribution to the sound and feel during key presses. Since the Deep Navy features nylon in both top and bottom housings, it results in a consistent profile that emphasizes deeper tones. In contrast, the Silent Frozen (V2) combines the crispness of polycarbonate, which enhances the tactile response and auditory feedback of each keystroke. In a mixed-use scenario, a user may appreciate the sum of these parts—pressing down would deliver a distinct click and response from the stiffer polycarbonate while releasing the key would evoke the fuller sound imparted by the softer nylon top. This synergistic relationship between the two housing types showcases how the respective materials can yield diverse but complementary experiences when typing.
Weight
The HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch both feature relatively light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for extended typing sessions and gaming. The Deep Navy switch has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Silent Frozen (V2) offers a slightly lighter actuation force of 39 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This indicates that the Silent Frozen (V2) requires marginally less effort to activate a keystroke and bottom out. For users who prefer a lighter touch, the Silent Frozen (V2) would be the better choice; however, for those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing, the Deep Navy may provide that desired resistance. Ultimately, both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, but the Silent Frozen (V2) is slightly lighter in terms of both actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch, the Deep Navy measures 3.6 mm, while the Silent Frozen (V2) has a slightly shorter distance of 3.5 mm. This indicates that the HMX Deep Navy offers a more substantial travel distance, which may appeal to users who prefer a deeper feel when pressing down on a key. In contrast, the quicker, shorter travel offered by the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) might be preferable for gamers seeking faster response times, even though the difference is minimal. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference, with the Deep Navy providing a more traditional and deeper experience, and the Silent Frozen (V2) delivering a more responsive, yet slightly abrupt feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Deep Navy has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Deep Navy for $2.79.
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
In terms of sound, the HMX Deep Navy linear switch is characterized by its rich, sharp sound profile, likely contributing a more pronounced audio experience as compared to traditional switches. The sound produced is often sharper and more defined, thanks to its full nylon construction, resulting in a unique acoustic signature that may cater to users who appreciate a more engaging auditory feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switch boasts an extremely quiet sound profile, known for its thocky, low-pitched tones that create a deep, rich, and satisfying sound. This muted character softens the audio output significantly, making it suitable for quiet environments or when minimizing noise is a priority. Thus, while the Deep Navy offers a more resonant typing experience, the Silent Frozen (V2) emphasizes silence and subtlety, leading to a distinctly different soundscape.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Deep Navy is said to provide a unique typing experience that users often describe as smooth, although specific adjectives are not given. The smoothness, combined with its intended design, likely offers a pleasant tactile sensation, but further details about the specific qualities are absent. In contrast, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch is rich in various tactile characteristics. Users can expect a creamy, buttery feel that's enhanced by factory lubrication, resulting in a typing experience that's both fluid and reminiscent of gliding over the keys. Additionally, the feathery and subtle aspects of this switch ensure that it requires little effort to actuate, reducing fatigue during long typing sessions. Therefore, while the Deep Navy might provide a commendable feel, the Silent Frozen (V2) offers a distinctly plush and refined tactile experience with additional nuances.
In conclusion, both the HMX Deep Navy and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switches offer appealing qualities tailored to different preferences in sound and feel. The Deep Navy brings a rich and engaging sound profile that sets it apart for those who enjoy auditory feedback, while the Silent Frozen (V2) appeals to users looking for a quiet yet satisfying typing experience with an emphasis on smoothness and ease of use. While the Deep Navy's lack of detailed descriptors leaves some of its feel qualities unknown, the Silent Frozen (V2) excels in providing a nuanced tactile experience. Ultimately, individuals can select between these switches based on their preferences for sound liveliness or a tranquil typing atmosphere, and each would promise a smooth keystroke experience in its own right.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your specific needs and preferences. If you value a more pronounced tactile experience with a rich, thocky sound profile, the Deep Navy switch could be the perfect choice for you. With its smooth keystrokes and silky feel, it can enhance a satisfying typing experience, making it ideal for those who appreciate auditory feedback while typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you are looking for option that minimizes noise and provides a creamy, buttery typing feel, the Silent Frozen (V2) switch stands out as a superior choice. Its ultra-quiet operation makes it suitable for shared workspaces or late-night gaming sessions, while its light actuation force and soft resistance can keep finger fatigue at bay during extended typing sessions. Ultimately, assessing your environment, usage habits, and sound preferences will guide you in selecting the switch that best fits your keyboard experience.
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