TTC Flame Red vs. TTC Silent Frozen (V2)
An in-depth look at the TTC Flame Red and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to comparing and contrasting mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that come to mind are the TTC Flame Red and TTC Silent Frozen. The Flame Red switches are widely recognized for their mesmerizing light diffuser, making them an ideal choice for those who crave a visually stunning backlit, RGB keyboard. Typing on Flame Reds offers a satisfyingly weighty smoothness accompanied by a clacky sound profile, enhancing the overall tactile experience. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen switches are renowned for their incredible quietness, making them perfect for individuals who prefer a more discreet typing experience. These switches also boast a pillowy feel and remain exceptionally smooth. Categorized as both 'Thocky' and 'Creamy', the Silent Frozen switches offer a low-pitched, buttery sensation that is muted, feathery, and subtly polished. However, while these general pointers give a glimpse into the unique features of each switch, let's now delve deeper to fully understand the nuances and determine the best switch for your personal preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
39g
Bottom-out force
54g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
24.5mm long spring
Spring
Silver white spring
Housing materials
The TTC Flame Red and the TTC Silent Frozen differ in their choice of housing materials for both the top and bottom components. The Flame Red utilizes nylon for its top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, producing a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen incorporates polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, leads to a more clear and resonant sound. This difference in housing materials directly affects the overall sound experience when typing on these switches.
From an aesthetic perspective, the TTC Silent Frozen holds an advantage over the Flame Red due to its polycarbonate top housing. The clear nature of polycarbonate allows for better transmission of RGB lighting, making it an excellent choice for those who plan to have illuminated switches. The translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visual appeal of the Silent Frozen, adding an extra layer of customization and personalization to the keyboard setup. On the other hand, the Flame Red, with its nylon top housing, may not offer the same level of visual vibrancy and flexibility in terms of lighting effects.
When it comes to the feeling of typing on these switches, the qualities of the housing materials are split between the top and bottom components. Pressing down on the switch, the experience will be influenced by the bottom housing. The Flame Red's nylon bottom housing will contribute to a deeper and fuller bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the Silent Frozen's polycarbonate bottom housing will result in a sharper and crisper bottom-out experience. When releasing a key, the sound and feel will be influenced by the characteristics of the top housing. The Flame Red's nylon top housing, with its softer nature, will contribute to a rounder sound when letting go of a key. Meanwhile, the Silent Frozen's polycarbonate top housing will produce a more clear and resonant sound upon key release. Despite these differences, both switches aim to provide an enhanced typing experience based on the specific qualities that their respective housing materials bring to the table.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch, there are noticeable differences in the forces required for keystrokes. The Flame Red switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams, falling within the medium-light range. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen switch has a lighter actuation force of 39 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it even lighter.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Silent Frozen switch would be the more suitable option, as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke and bottom out. This can be advantageous for prolonged typing sessions or gaming marathons, as it reduces fatigue and allows for a smoother typing experience.
On the contrary, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Flame Red switch. With its slightly heavier actuation force and bottom out force, it provides a stronger push feel, resulting in a more tactile typing experience. This may be preferred by those who desire more feedback and a greater sense of keypress confirmation.
In terms of weight, the Silent Frozen switch is lighter in both actuation and bottom out force compared to the Flame Red switch. This lightweight characteristic of the Silent Frozen switch makes it an appealing choice for individuals who prioritize prolonged typing sessions or require a more effortless keystroke.
In summary, the difference in actuation force and bottom out force between the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch provides individuals with options that cater to their preference for either a lighter or heavier typing experience. Whether one prefers a more substantial or effortless keystroke, both switches offer distinct qualities that can enhance their typing or gaming sessions accordingly.
Travel distance
The TTC Flame Red linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch have noticeable differences in their travel distances. The Flame Red has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Silent Frozen has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Flame Red's 4.0mm travel distance is more traditional and provides a deeper feel when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen's slightly shorter 3.5 mm travel distance is favored by gamers who seek faster response times. The shorter travel distance allows for quicker key presses, which can be advantageous in gaming scenarios. However, it is important to note that a shorter travel distance may feel too abrupt for some individuals who prefer a more substantial depth to their key presses. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences and whether a more responsive or deeper key press is desired.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flame Red has an MSRP of $7.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flame Red for $4.38.
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 TTC Flame Red switch is characterized as having a neutral sound profile. This means that it offers a moderate sound that is suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use the switch at home or in a work environment. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen switch is described as thocky, low-pitched, and muted. This means that it produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed, with a bass-heavy and mellow tone. Additionally, the Silent Frozen switch is designed to minimize noise and provide a quieter typing experience compared to regular mechanical switches. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be affected by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Flame Red switch is described as offering a mild and polished typing experience. A mild switch provides a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users, with qualities that fall in a safe middle-ground zone. The polished aspect of the switch ensures a smooth and refined finish, resulting in sleek and frictionless key travel. Similarly, the TTC Silent Frozen switch offers a creamy, buttery, feathery, subtle, and polished typing experience. This means that it provides a smooth and buttery sensation, with a seamless and effortless keystroke experience. The feathery aspect of the switch reduces finger fatigue by requiring little exertion, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. The subtle resistance and lack of resonant sound also make it suitable for shared spaces.
In conclusion, the TTC Flame Red and Silent Frozen switches differ in terms of their sound and feel characteristics. The Flame Red switch offers a weighty smoothness and clacky sound profile, making it suitable for those who prefer a moderate sound and solid key feel. It also provides a mild and polished typing experience, ensuring approachability and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen switch stands out for its extremely quiet sound profile, deep thocky sound, and low-pitched, muted qualities. It provides a creamy, buttery, feathery, and subtle typing experience, offering smooth and effortless key presses with minimal finger fatigue. Both switches have their unique qualities, allowing users to choose based on their preferences for sound and feel. However, if you are looking for similar results, you can expect a smooth and refined typing experience with both switches due to their polished finishes.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize visual aesthetics and enjoy using a backlit, RGB keyboard, the TTC Flame Red linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. These switches offer a weighty smoothness and clacky sound profile, making them a great option for both beginners and advanced users. Additionally, the Flame Red switches have a moderate sound profile, which makes them suitable for use at home or in a work environment.
On the other hand, if you value a quiet typing experience, the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch is the way to go. These switches have an extremely quiet sound profile, allowing for noise reduction in shared spaces or situations where you prefer to keep your keyboard noise to a minimum. The Silent Frozen switches also offer super smooth and pillowy typing experience, thanks to their creamy, buttery, and polished qualities.
In conclusion, the choice between the TTC Flame Red and Silent Frozen switches ultimately depends on your priorities and preferences. If you prioritize visual appeal and a weighty, clacky sound profile, opt for the Flame Red switches. However, if you prefer a quiet and smooth typing experience, go for the Silent Frozen switches. Both options provide excellent quality and can enhance your overall keyboarding experience.
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