HMX Gravel vs. TTC Silent Frozen (V2)
An in-depth look at the HMX Gravel and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
In the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly influence both typing experience and overall satisfaction. Two compelling linear options are the HMX Gravel and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2). The HMX Gravel is renowned for its exceptional smoothness and refined feel, providing a medium-light actuation force that ensures an effortless and responsive typing experience. Ideal for those who crave a seamless keystroke without compromising on tactile quality, the Gravel stands out as a favorite among enthusiasts. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) thrives in environments where noise reduction is paramount, offering an extremely quiet sound profile coupled with a pillowy, smooth touch. Characterized by descriptors such as 'thocky,' 'creamy,' and 'buttery,' this switch is perfect for users who prefer a muted experience without sacrificing performance. Both switches cater to different preferences and environments, making them worthy options for varying user needs. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Silver white spring
Housing materials
When comparing the HMX Gravel and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2), both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which contributes to a similar acoustic profile characterized by sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sounds. The rigidity of polycarbonate facilitates a resonant sound, allowing a clear auditory experience that is further enhanced by the material's translucency, making it ideal for setups with RGB lighting. Both switches benefit from this design choice, guaranteeing a visually appealing and sonically rich interaction for users who appreciate dynamic lighting in their keyboards.
However, the materials used in the bottom housing of the switches differ significantly, leading to distinct sound profiles. The Gravel employs nylon for its bottom housing, a material known for providing a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature, which absorbs sound waves more than stiffer plastics. In contrast, the Silent Frozen (V2) opts for polycarbonate in its bottom housing as well, mirroring the top housing's properties and further emphasizing the sharper audio characteristics. This difference in material choices means that while the Gravel produces a rounder bottom-out sound owing to its nylon bottom, the Silent Frozen (V2) maintains a consistent clear and resonant quality across both housing types due to its reliance on polycarbonate.
Ultimately, the unique combination of materials in each switch creates variances that impact the overall typing experience. While the polycarbonate top housing in both switches ensures brightness and clarity in sound when keys are released, the nylon bottom in the Gravel brings a nuance that softens the bottom-out sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate bottom housing in the Silent Frozen (V2) maintains a uniform sharpness throughout. For users looking for a specific auditory feedback, understanding these material differences is crucial; however, those who appreciate the resonant characteristics of polycarbonate will find similarities in the sound profiles of both switches that enhance their keyboard experience, depending on their typing preferences.
Weight
The HMX Gravel linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch both exhibit light actuation and bottom out forces, appealing to users who prefer a softer touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. The Gravel switch features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Silent Frozen (V2) is slightly lighter, with an actuation force of 39 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This makes the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) the lighter option, providing an even easier keystroke experience. In contrast, the Gravel's heavier actuation and bottom out forces may offer a more substantial feel for those who prefer a firmer typing experience. Despite the differences, both switches provide relatively low effort for actuating and bottoming out, ensuring users won't experience fatigue during extended use, though the Silent Frozen (V2) may provide a slightly lighter touch overall.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Gravel linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch is identical, with both switches featuring a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key, users will experience the same amount of distance traveled for both switches, resulting in a similar tactile feel during operation. Consequently, whether choosing the Gravel or the Silent Frozen (V2), users can expect a consistent performance in terms of key travel distance, providing a uniform typing experience across both options.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Gravel has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gravel for $2.99.
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 HMX Gravel switch's characteristics are not specifically detailed, but it can be inferred that it provides a standard mechanical keyboard experience that might be more noticeable in terms of sound for those who enjoy audible feedback. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) offers an exceptionally quiet performance, characterized by its thocky, low-pitched, and muted sound profile. This means that while the Gravel may produce a more traditional mechanical sound that some might find satisfying, the Silent Frozen (V2) is designed to provide a much quieter typing experience, ideal for use in shared workspaces or environments where minimal noise is preferred.
Regarding the feel, the HMX Gravel is noted for its exceptional smoothness and refined typing feel, which likely translates to a pleasant and responsive tactile feedback during use. In contrast, the Silent Frozen (V2) features a creamy and buttery typing sensation, making it feel almost gliding as fingers move across the keys. It is also described as feathery and subtle, which indicates an effortless actuation that requires minimal force, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. This combination of qualities in the Silent Frozen (V2) suggests it could be particularly appealing for users seeking both comfort and a smooth, unintrusive experience.
In conclusion, both the HMX Gravel linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch provide unique auditory and tactile experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Gravel sounds more traditional in its potential noise production while the Silent Frozen (V2) offers a remarkably quiet yet satisfying sound. On the feel side, the Gravel emphasizes smoothness and responsiveness, while the Silent Frozen (V2) excels with its creamy, buttery, and light action. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences regarding sound levels and typing sensations, with both able to deliver quality experiences tailored to different user needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the HMX Gravel linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch, consider your specific needs and typing environment. If you value exceptional smoothness and a refined typing feel, the HMX Gravel with its 50-gram bottom out force will provide a responsive and effortless experience, making it an excellent choice for long typing sessions and gaming alike. Its more pronounced sound profile, while not intrusive, is less muted compared to the Silent Frozen (V2), which might be preferable in quieter environments or shared spaces. On the other hand, if sound is a critical factor for you, especially in a setting where noise might disturb others, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) is your go-to option. With a lighter actuation force of just 43 grams and a uniquely quiet, thocky sound profile that is both muted and low-pitched, this switch allows you to type with minimal noise while enjoying a buttery and creamy feel. Therefore, assess your priorities: whether it’s the silky smoothness and slightly more audible feedback of the Gravel, or the whisper-quiet, delicate touch of the Silent Frozen (V2) that aligns with your typing style. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal comfort and the environment in which you're using your keyboard.
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