TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. TTC Silent Frozen (V2)
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) offer distinct experiences for different types of typists. The Gold Brown Pro is ideal for those who prefer a subtle tactile feedback, with a gentle bump that allows for immersive typing without loud distractions. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen (V2) is perfect for those seeking a silent typing experience, with a smooth and pillowy feel that minimizes noise. While both switches offer a subtle and nuanced typing experience, they cater to different preferences in terms of sound profile and tactile feedback. 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
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
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
NPI
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
The key difference between the housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) lies in their bottom housing. The Gold Brown Pro features a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen (V2) utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that leads to a clearer and more resonant sound compared to nylon.
In terms of the top housing, both the Gold Brown Pro and Silent Frozen (V2) use polycarbonate, which creates a similar effect on the sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of switches results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that will be used with RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through the housing. This means that regardless of which switch you choose, you can expect a similar sound profile and aesthetic appeal from the polycarbonate top housing.
Overall, the combination of housing materials in the Gold Brown Pro and Silent Frozen (V2) switches leads to a unique typing experience. The split between the bottom and top housing allows for a balance of sound qualities when typing and releasing a key. The nylon bottom housing in the Gold Brown Pro provides a deeper and fuller sound upon bottoming out a key, while the polycarbonate top housing in both switches creates a sharper and crisper sound when releasing a key. This combination of housing materials offers a diverse sound profile that caters to different preferences in typing feel and sound.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch reveals some differences. The Gold Brown Pro has a higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Silent Frozen (V2) with 39 grams, making the Gold Brown Pro slightly heavier when it comes to triggering keystrokes. However, the bottom out force of the Silent Frozen (V2) at 43 grams indicates that it requires more force to fully press down compared to None for the Gold Brown Pro. This means that while the Gold Brown Pro may have a higher actuation force, the Silent Frozen (V2) requires more force to fully press down, providing a different typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and whether one prefers a lighter actuation force or a heavier bottom out force.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, slightly longer than the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch with a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular for their faster response times, especially among gamers. If you prefer a more responsive feel, the Silent Frozen (V2) may be the better choice due to its slightly shorter travel distance. However, if you prefer a switch with a bit more depth to the keypress, the Gold Brown Pro might be more suitable for you. Ultimately, both switches offer similar experiences due to their close travel distances, so the choice between the two may come down to personal preference.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown Pro for $2.90.
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 TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch offers a thocky, low-pitched, and neutral sound profile, providing a deep, rich, and satisfying auditory experience that is not overwhelming. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch provides a thocky, low-pitched, and muted sound, creating a soft and quiet typing environment that minimizes noise. Both switches offer a satisfying sound experience, with the Gold Brown Pro being slightly more pronounced due to its neutral profile compared to the Silent Frozen's muted tones.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Gold Brown Pro switch is polished, silky, mild, subtle, and stepped, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with gentle tactile feedback. In contrast, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switch offers a creamy, buttery, feathery, subtle, and polished feel, ensuring a buttery smooth keystroke sensation with minimal resistance. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, with the Gold Brown Pro being slightly more pronounced in its tactile feedback compared to the Silent Frozen's smoother, linear feel.
Overall, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch each have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Gold Brown Pro offers a subtle tactile feedback with a neutral sound profile, perfect for those seeking a refined typing experience without distracting noise. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen (V2) provides a smooth, quiet, and buttery typing feel, ideal for users looking for a seamless and silent keystroke experience. Depending on whether you prioritize tactile feedback or smoothness, you can achieve similar satisfying results with either of these high-quality TTC switches.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are someone who values a subtle yet tactile typing experience with minimal distraction, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch would be the ideal choice for you. It offers a gentle tactile bump and subdued sound profile, allowing you to immerse yourself in your typing tasks without being overwhelmed by noise. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quiet and smooth typing experience with a light actuation force, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch would be more suitable for your needs. With its extremely quiet sound profile and pillowy feel, this switch ensures a peaceful and effortless typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your preference for tactile feedback and sound profile, so choose wisely based on your typing style and environment.