TTC Gold Brown vs. TTC Silent Frozen (V2)
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Brown and the TTC Silent Frozen offer distinct experiences for users seeking different qualities in their typing experience. The Gold Brown switches provide a balanced feel, featuring a slight but satisfying bump and a moderate weightiness. With a rounded sound profile that is softer compared to most switches, these Gold Browns offer a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen switches are renowned for their extremely quiet sound profile, making them an excellent choice for those who prefer minimal noise. These switches are also exceptionally smooth, providing a pillowy feel that adds to the overall typing experience. While these general descriptions provide an overview of the switches, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
39g
Bottom-out force
63g
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
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Silver white spring
Housing materials
Comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown and the TTC Silent Frozen, both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housings. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. Therefore, when it comes to the top housing, both the TTC Gold Brown and the TTC Silent Frozen offer similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics.
However, their differences lie in the bottom housing material. The Gold Brown employs nylon, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is because nylon is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen uses polycarbonate for its bottom housing as well. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile. This means that the Silent Frozen's bottom housing is likely to produce a sharper and higher-pitched sound compared to the Gold Brown's nylon bottom housing.
It is worth noting that the qualities brought about by these different bottom housing materials will be felt and heard differently when typing. The impact on the bottom-out sound and feel will be more influenced by the bottom housing, while the sound when releasing a key will be more affected by the top housing. So, while there may be differences in the sound produced by the bottom housing of the Gold Brown and Silent Frozen, the overall typing experience will still showcase similarities due to the shared polycarbonate top housing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch, there are notable differences between the two. The Gold Brown has a medium actuation force of 55 grams, meaning it requires a moderate amount of force to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the Silent Frozen has a lighter actuation force of 39 grams, making it easier to activate. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Gold Brown is slightly heavier at 63 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen has a lighter bottom out force of 43 grams, allowing for a softer touch when pressing down on the keys. In terms of weight, the Gold Brown is heavier overall, while the Silent Frozen offers a lighter typing experience. Depending on personal preference, individuals may favor the Gold Brown for a more significant push feel or opt for the Silent Frozen for its lighter touch and ease of use. Both switches provide reliable performance, ensuring that users will achieve similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces with either option.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch, it is clear that the Gold Brown has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Silent Frozen has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. In terms of traditional standards, the Gold Brown falls into the category of a more conventional 4.0 mm travel distance, while the Silent Frozen offers a slightly shallower 3.5 mm travel distance. However, the choice between these two switches ultimately depends on personal preference. Gamers, for instance, typically prefer shorter travel distances for quicker response times, making the Silent Frozen an attractive option for them. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial key press may gravitate towards the Gold Brown with its longer travel distance. Both options offer their own advantages, and the decision of which one to choose ultimately comes down to one's individual preferences and needs.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown for $3.28.
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 comparing the sound qualities of the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch, it is evident that they differ significantly. The Gold Brown switch has a balanced sound profile, with a slight, satisfying bump and a generally softer sound than most switches. It is not completely silent, but the rounded sound it produces is more pleasant and less pronounced. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen switch is characterized by an extremely quiet sound profile. It produces a deep, rich, and satisfying "thocky" sound when pressed, with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. It is a muted switch that minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Therefore, if you prefer a softer and quieter sound, the Silent Frozen switch would be the better choice. However, if you prefer a more balanced sound with a slight bump, the Gold Brown switch will suit your preferences.
In terms of feel, both the Gold Brown and Silent Frozen switches share some similarities. They are both described as providing a smooth and buttery typing experience, resulting in a seamless, effortless, and uniform sensation. Both switches offer reduced friction, smooth key travel, and a polished finish, contributing to a sleek typing experience. The Gold Brown switch is described as mild and accented, providing a middle-ground zone of tactility that is approachable to most users. It offers a gentle typing experience that is not overwhelming or subtle and is suitable for a wide range of users. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen switch is described as creamy and feathery. It offers an exceptionally light typing experience with little exertion required, reducing finger fatigue and making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. It has a gentle resistance and a sound signature that is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces. Therefore, both switches provide a smooth and polished feel, but the Silent Frozen switch offers a lighter and more effortless typing experience.
Based on the available information, it is clear that the Gold Brown and Silent Frozen switches have different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Brown switch has a balanced sound profile with a slight bump, providing a moderate weightiness and a softer sound than most switches. It offers a mild and accented feel, providing a safe and approachable typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen switch has an extremely quiet sound profile with a deep, rich, and satisfying "thocky" sound. It provides a smooth and creamy typing experience, with a feathery and subtle feel that reduces finger fatigue and is suitable for shared spaces. Therefore, choosing between these switches depends on your personal preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a balanced switch with a moderate weightiness and a slight, satisfying bump, then the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch is the way to go. It has a rounded sound profile that is generally softer than most switches without being completely silent. These Gold Browns are suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use them at home or work.
On the other hand, if you prioritize an extremely quiet sound profile and a super smooth, pillowy feel, then the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch is the better choice. These Silent Frozen switches produce a deep, rich, and satisfying "thocky" sound when pressed and released. They also have a low-pitched, muted sound, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Moreover, the Silent Frozen switches offer a smooth and buttery typing experience, reducing finger fatigue and providing comfort for extended typing sessions.
Ultimately, the decision between the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch will depend on your personal preferences and requirements. Consider factors such as the desired sound profile, typing feel, and the environment in which you will be using the keyboard. By understanding the unique characteristics of each switch, you can make an informed choice that suits your needs.
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