Gateron Glory Red vs. TTC Silent Frozen (V2)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red 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 Gateron Glory Red and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) stand out as two compelling options for users seeking a linear switch. The Glory Red is celebrated for its lighter feel, offering a smooth keystroke and a pleasing travel distance that many typists find enjoyable. Its design caters to those who appreciate a quick and lightweight response, allowing for fast-paced typing without the fatigue often associated with heavier switches. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen (V2) is renowned for its ultra-quiet operation, making it ideal for environments where noise reduction is crucial. Its super smooth keystroke combined with a "pillowy" feel not only provides a luxurious typing experience but also emphasizes a more subtle sound profile, classified as 'thocky' and 'polished.' While both switches cater to different preferences, the Glory Red emphasizes speed and tactile feedback, whereas the Silent Frozen (V2) prioritizes discretion and comfort. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
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
POK
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Glory Red and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2), significant distinctions arise, particularly with respect to sound profile and aesthetic qualities. The Glory Red utilizes a nylon top housing that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, as a softer plastic, tends to absorb more sound, resulting in a rounder and less sharp auditory experience. In contrast, the Silent Frozen (V2) features a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is much stiffer, allowing for greater resonance and clarity, which can be especially beneficial for users who desire an audible typing experience. The translucent quality of the polycarbonate also allows for better RGB lighting effects, making it visually appealing for keyboard enthusiasts.
The bottom housing of the switches follows a similar pattern, reinforcing the differences in sound profiles. The Gateron Glory Red features a nylon bottom housing, echoing the characteristics of its top housing by delivering a sound profile that is deep and rounded. This softness contributes to a muted acoustic footprint, providing a quieter typing experience overall. In contrast, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, which aligns with its top housing to create a strikingly clear and resonant sound. Given that the bottom housing plays a vital role in the bottom-out sound and feel, the polycarbonate construction allows for a more pronounced auditory experience when the key is fully pressed down.
Both the Gateron Glory Red and TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switches possess unique sound qualities derived from their material compositions, which collectively influence the overall user experience. The differing materials—nylon in the Glory Red and polycarbonate in the Silent Frozen (V2)—lead to contrasting auditory profiles, ensuring that users can choose based on their preferred sound and typing feel. However, if one were to mix and match the housings, the outcome would be a hybrid experience where the softer, muted sound of nylon could merge with the clearer, more resonant sound produced by polycarbonate. Therefore, depending on the configuration of materials selected, one can achieve various auditory results that may cater to different preferences in typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Glory Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, which makes it slightly heavier than the Silent Frozen (V2), with its lighter actuation force of 39 grams. This difference in actuation forces means that users who prefer a lighter switch for longer typing sessions or gaming might lean towards the Silent Frozen (V2). However, the bottom out force for the Glory Red is unknown, while the Silent Frozen (V2) has a bottom out force of 43 grams. This information suggests that the Silent Frozen (V2) may provide a more defined feedback when bottoming out, enhancing the typing experience for those who prefer that feel. Consequently, if seeking a lighter touch overall, the Silent Frozen (V2) is the more suitable option, while those who favor a heavier push should consider the Gateron Glory Red, especially if they can manage without knowing its bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch, the Gateron Glory Red measures 3.6 mm, while the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Glory Red offers a longer travel distance compared to the Silent Frozen (V2) by 0.1 mm, which may provide a more substantial feel when pressing the key; this could appeal to users who prefer a deeper, more tactile experience. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2), with its shorter travel distance, might be favored by gamers or individuals seeking quicker response times, as it allows for more rapid key presses. Thus, your choice between the two switches will ultimately depend on your preference for travel distance and the type of responsiveness you value in your keyboard experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Glory Red has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Red for $4.19.
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 Gateron Glory Red switch is generally expected to have a smooth and understated acoustic profile, though specific descriptors for its sound haven't been provided. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) excels in providing a notably quiet typing experience characterized by a thocky, low-pitched, and muted sound. The thocky quality brings a deep and satisfying tone that resonates well during use, while the muted aspect adds a layer of discretion, making it suitable for quieter environments. The low-pitched sound and muted characteristics suggest that the Silent Frozen (V2) is particularly advantageous for users who prioritize minimizing noise during typing, especially in shared spaces.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Glory Red provides a harmonious typing experience that is smooth, with a pleasant travel distance; however, specific descriptors of its tactile feel remain unspecified. In contrast, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) is known for its exceptionally smooth, creamy, and buttery typing sensation, making every keystroke enjoyable and effortless. This switch also boasts a feathery lightness, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions, and is polished to enhance the overall typing experience. The subtle resistance adds to its comfort, creating an adaptive feel that is well-suited for both gaming and productivity tasks.
Overall, while the Gateron Glory Red offers a favorable typing experience characterized by smooth motion, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) shines with its remarkably quiet and pleasingly tactile attributes. Both switches cater to users seeking a smooth keystroke but differ significantly in their sound profiles and tactile sensations. If you opt for the Silent Frozen (V2), you can expect a quieter and more refined experience, while the Glory Red may appeal more to those who appreciate a straightforward yet satisfying feedback during each press. Ultimately, the choice will depend on your specific preferences regarding sound and feel in your typing environment.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Glory Red and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switches ultimately depends on your typing environment and personal preferences. If you prioritize a highly responsive, smooth keystroke experience without the need for noise reduction, the Gateron Glory Red is an excellent choice. Its very light actuation and pleasing travel distance create an enjoyable typing sensation, making it particularly suited for fast typists or gamers who thrive on a more tactile response without distractions. However, if you often find yourself in quieter settings—such as an office, library, or shared workspace, where minimizing sound is crucial—the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) will be more appropriate. With its low-pitched, thocky sound profile and creamy, buttery feel, this switch allows for a comfortable typing experience, all the while muffling your keystrokes to keep noise at bay. In summary, consider your typing speed, the ambient noise levels in your surroundings, and your sensitivity to sound and feel when making your decision between these two switches.
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