Huano Grape Orange vs. TTC Silent Frozen (V2)
An in-depth look at the Huano Grape Orange and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly influence your typing experience. The Huano Grape Orange switch is celebrated for its remarkably light actuation force of just 40 grams, offering an effortless keypress that can enhance productivity and comfort during extended writing sessions. In contrast, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switch is tailored for those who prioritize a quiet workspace. Known for its smooth and pillowy feel, this switch delivers a muted typing experience that minimizes disruptive noise without sacrificing the tactile satisfaction many users seek. While the Grape Orange excels at reducing fatigue with its lighter touch, the Silent Frozen (V2) caters to users in noise-sensitive environments or those who enjoy a more subdued acoustic profile. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
39g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Silver white spring
Housing materials
The housing materials for both the Huano Grape Orange and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switches demonstrate both similarities and differences that contribute to their overall acoustic profiles. Both switches feature polycarbonate for their top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The rigidity of the polycarbonate helps enhance sound clarity and resonance, making it particularly well-suited for RGB lighting applications due to its translucency. This similarity suggests that users can expect a similar crisp sound when they release the keys for both switches, regardless of the individual switch design. The visual appeal provided by the clear polycarbonate top is also a common attribute of these switches, enhancing the aesthetic experience.
On the other hand, the materials used for the bottom housing of the two switches are distinct and significantly affect their overall acoustic character. The Huano Grape Orange utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, which is characterized as a softer material that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This contrasts sharply with the TTC Silent Frozen (V2), which employs polycarbonate for its bottom housing as well. The use of nylon in the Grape Orange allows for sound absorption and gives a rounder tone, while the polycarbonate bottom of the Silent Frozen (V2) continues to enhance the higher-pitched sound profile. Thus, when a key is bottomed out, the Grape Orange will provide a more muted impact compared to the sharper sound generated by the Silent Frozen (V2).
Ultimately, the divergent housing materials mean that the two switches will deliver different auditory experiences, particularly at the bottom-out point. While both switches employ polycarbonate to enhance sound clarity on the release, the nylon bottom of the Grape Orange yields a fuller sound that contrasts with the crisper note of the polycarbonate bottom in the Silent Frozen (V2). Consequently, users might find that their typing experience varies between these two products, making the Grape Orange more suited for those who prefer a softer auditory feedback while typing, whereas the Silent Frozen (V2) caters to users leaning towards a more pronounced and lively sound profile.
Weight
The Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch both fall into the category of light switches, but they have slight differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Grape Orange has an actuation force of 40 grams, while the Silent Frozen (V2) has a slightly lighter actuation force of 39 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Grape Orange has a higher measurement at 50 grams compared to the Silent Frozen (V2), which measures 43 grams. This means that while both switches are generally light to operate, the Grape Orange offers a bit more resistance at bottom out, resulting in a more substantial typing experience. Overall, if you're looking for a lighter typing feel, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) would be a better choice; however, if you prefer a little more weight when bottoming out, the Huano Grape Orange might be preferable.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch, the Grape Orange has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Frozen (V2) measures slightly shorter at 3.5 mm. This makes the Grape Orange the longer option by 0.1 mm. For those who prioritize faster response times, the shorter travel distance of the Silent Frozen (V2) may be preferable, as it allows for quicker actuation. Conversely, the Grape Orange, with its longer travel distance, may offer a more satisfying depth for users who appreciate a more substantial key press. Thus, individuals’ preferences regarding switch feel and responsiveness will determine which switch they ultimately choose, as the Grape Orange provides a traditional feel with slightly more travel, while the Silent Frozen (V2) caters to a desire for expedience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Grape Orange has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Grape Orange for $2.79.
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 Huano Grape Orange switch is relatively unknown, leaving an opportunity to explore its acoustic profile further. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) boasts an extremely quiet sound profile characterized by a thocky resonance that produces a deep, satisfying tone with each keystroke. This low-pitched, muted sound minimizes the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards, making it a preferred choice for users in shared spaces or quiet environments. The subdued nature of the Silent Frozen (V2) will provide a more discreet typing experience, while the Grape Orange’s sound remains a variable that invites personal exploration and assessment.
When evaluating the feel, the Grape Orange switch provides an exceptionally light and effortless typing experience with its ultra-low actuation force of 40g, which is perfect for those long typing sessions where fatigue could be an issue. In contrast, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) emphasizes a creamy, buttery experience that results in a smooth, almost velvety keystroke. This combination of lightness and polish in the Silent Frozen design enhances the overall typing sensation, contributing to a feathery feel that significantly reduces finger strain. Collectively, while the specific tactile experience of the Grape Orange remains unreported, the emphasis on ease of typing suggests that both switches are comfortable for prolonged use, albeit with different tactile signatures.
When considering all available information, the Huano Grape Orange switch offers a lightweight actuation that caters to those who prioritize minimal exertion during typing. In contrast, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) focuses on a seamless, whisper-quiet typing experience with an emphasis on smoothness and comfort. Overall, if you prefer a quieter, polished feel, the Silent Frozen may be the way to go. However, if a light actuation force is more critical to your typing comfort, the Grape Orange could be an excellent choice. Ultimately, both switches excel in creating enjoyable typing environments, albeit catering to different preferences in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and environment. If you prioritize a lighter actuation force and are looking for an effortless typing experience, especially during marathon sessions of work or gaming, the Grape Orange switch, with its ultra-low actuation force of 40g, would be an excellent choice. Its smooth and polished feel is ideal for typing with minimal resistance, reducing finger fatigue significantly. On the other hand, if you are in a shared workspace or simply prefer a quieter, more subtle sound profile, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) is designed to deliver a thocky yet muted typing experience characterized by a creamy and buttery feel. With a slightly lower actuation force of 43g, it provides a smooth typing sensation while ensuring that your keystrokes don’t disrupt others around you. Ultimately, consider your environment and how you want your typing experience to feel—whether you lean toward the light and effortless feedback of the Grape Orange or the quiet, refined touch of the Silent Frozen (V2).