Huano Elf vs. TTC Silent Frozen (V2)
An in-depth look at the Huano Elf and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Huano Elf and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) mechanical switches, enthusiasts will find themselves navigating the subtleties of feel and sound that each variant uniquely offers. The Huano Elf switches are celebrated for their POK top housing, which not only enhances acoustics but also delivers a distinctive deep sound signature paired with a medium-light actuation force, making them an appealing option for those who enjoy a satisfying tactile feedback during typing. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switches excel in providing a nearly silent typing experience, characterized by their buttery smoothness and pillowy feel, making them ideal for users who prioritize quiet operation yet still desire an engaging and pleasant typing experience. While the Elf switches offer a vibrant sound profile that can energize the typing experience, the Silent Frozen (V2) caters to a need for discretion without sacrificing performance. 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
42g
Actuation force
39g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
Silver white spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Huano Elf and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) exhibit significant differences that influence both sound and performance characteristics. The Huano Elf features a POK (polyketone) material for its top housing, which offers a smooth and clacky feel, attributed to its relatively low coefficient of friction of 0.04. Its durability also stands out, with wear resistance notably stronger than POM and superior shock resistance compared to Nylon, making it an excellent choice for long-lasting switches. In contrast, the Silent Frozen (V2) utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, a material known for producing a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate enables clearer resonance, making it an ideal choice for users looking for an articulated sound experience, especially in setups with RGB lighting due to its translucent properties.
Moving to the bottom housing, there is another stark contrast between the two models. The Elf employs a nylon bottom housing, known for its softer characteristics that result in a deeper, fuller sound. This softness allows it to absorb sound more effectively, creating a rounder auditory experience compared to harder materials. Conversely, the Silent Frozen (V2) uses polycarbonate for its bottom housing, which aligns with the top housing's qualities to produce a consistently sharper and crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate throughout both housing sections tends to emphasize a more resonant audio profile, impacting the perceived sound when bottoming out and releasing the keys compared to the muted response of the nylon used in the Elf.
In summary, although both the Huano Elf and TTC Silent Frozen (V2) showcase distinct sound profiles due to their different top and bottom housing materials, their contrasting properties ultimately contribute to unique user experiences. While the Elf embraces a smooth and durable approach with a deeper sound thanks to nylon, the Silent Frozen (V2) leans into clarity and sharpness with polycarbonate throughout. If one were to combine elements of these switches, possibly through modification, similar sound characteristics could emerge by tuning the housing materials to balance the smoother feel of nylon with the clarity of polycarbonate, achieving an appeal to both tactile and auditory preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Elf features an actuation force of 42 grams, while the Silent Frozen (V2) has a lighter actuation force of 39 grams, making it a better choice for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force for the Elf remains unknown, while the Silent Frozen (V2) has a bottom out force of 43 grams. This means that users of the Silent Frozen (V2) will experience a more defined resistance when pressing the key all the way down. Consequently, if you prioritize a lighter keystroke for comfort during long use, the Silent Frozen (V2) may be the superior option, while the Huano Elf offers a slightly heavier actuation force, which may appeal to those seeking a more substantial typing feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Elf linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch, the Elf features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Frozen (V2) measures slightly shorter at 3.5 mm. This makes the Huano Elf the longer of the two switches, offering a more pronounced key travel that some users may prefer for a more tactile typing experience. Conversely, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2), with its shorter travel distance, is better suited for gamers or those who prioritize responsiveness, as it facilitates quicker actuation. Ultimately, if you're looking for a switch that provides depth and a more substantial feel, the Huano Elf would be the better choice, while the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) might appeal to those who favor a snappier performance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Elf has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Elf for $3.29.
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 $5.55.
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 Huano Elf switch is known for its deep sound signature, which adds a richness to the typing experience that many users find satisfying. This acoustic profile benefits from its POK top housing, enhancing overall sound quality. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) boasts an extremely quiet sound profile characterized by muted tones. While the Elf produces a thocky, low-pitched sound that resonates well, the Silent Frozen (V2) focuses on minimizing noise levels with a softer thud, making it ideal for those who want to type without disturbing others. Essentially, if you prefer a more resonant typing experience with echoing sounds, the Elf may be for you, while the Silent Frozen (V2) is tailored for those who prioritize a quiet environment.
When it comes to feel, the Elf switch offers a medium-light resistance that provides a balanced typing experience. This gives users a satisfying tactile response without being overly strenuous during extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Silent Frozen (V2) is celebrated for its buttery smoothness, delivering a fluid keystroke that feels almost effortless. Its feathery touch requires minimal exertion, reducing finger fatigue over long periods of usage, which can be particularly beneficial for gamers and typists alike. The Elf offers a gentle yet responsive tactile experience, whereas the Silent Frozen (V2) offers a pillowy feel that's exceptionally light and subtle, appealing to those seeking comfort without compromise.
In summary, both the Huano Elf and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) are excellent choices depending on what you're seeking in a mechanical keyboard switch. If you desire a deeper, rich sound signature and a balanced touch, the Elf switches stand out. Conversely, if silence and smoothness are your priorities, the Silent Frozen (V2) would be more suitable, offering a quiet and effortless typing experience. Overall, while they differ in sound profile and tactile feel, both switches provide a high-quality, enjoyable typing experience that can elevate your mechanical keyboard setup. Depending on your priorities, choosing between them will ultimately lead to a satisfying result.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Huano Elf linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) largely depends on your personal preferences and the environment in which you’ll be using your keyboard. If you’re drawn to a switch that offers an immersive typing experience marked by a deep, thocky sound signature, the Elf may be the ideal choice for you. Although specific bottom-out force data is unavailable, its design suggests a medium-light feel that can make extended typing sessions enjoyable, especially if you appreciate a more audible feedback and a satisfying acoustic profile. Conversely, if you prioritize a nearly silent operation or often type in shared spaces, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) is engineered to deliver a whisper-quiet experience. With its light 43-gram bottom-out force and buttery-smooth keystrokes, this switch minimizes sound while providing a feathery, yet subtly responsive typing sensation. In summary, select the Huano Elf for a richer auditory experience and tactile satisfaction, while opting for the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) if silence and comfort are paramount for your typing needs.
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