TTC Ice vs. TTC Silent Frozen (V2)
An in-depth look at the TTC Ice and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Ice and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) each present unique attributes that cater to different user preferences. The TTC Ice switches are renowned for their crystal-clear transparent design, delivering a smooth and responsive typing experience that produces a satisfying bottom-out sound, making them an excellent choice for users who enjoy a premium feel in both gaming and everyday tasks. In contrast, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switches are characterized by their extremely quiet sound profile, offering a super smooth and pillowy typing experience that feels both creamy and buttery under the fingers. This makes the Silent Frozen (V2) particularly attractive for those who prefer a muted typing environment without sacrificing performance. Both switches present compelling reasons to choose them based on one's priorities, be it acoustics or aesthetics. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
24mm single-stage spring
Spring
Silver white spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Ice and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switches, both constructed with polycarbonate, lend notable similarities to their sound and aesthetic appeal. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing for both switches creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is largely attributed to polycarbonate's relatively stiff composition, which results in a clear and resonant audio experience. Consequently, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for those seeking to enhance their keyboard aesthetics with RGB lighting, as it allows light to pass through with enhanced vibrancy and effect. This shared quality ensures that both switches produce an impressive auditory response when used in environments featuring advanced lighting systems.
On a deeper level, the consistent choice of polycarbonate for the bottom housing of both the TTC Ice and the Silent Frozen (V2) reinforces the continuity in the auditory experience. Similar to the top housing, the polycarbonate bottom housing also supports a crisp sound profile. However, the bottom housing plays a more critical role during the bottom-out phase of key presses, contributing to the overall tactile experience when actuating the keys. The harder, stiffer nature of the material ensures that users will perceive a pronounced and impactful bottom-out sound, which can significantly enhance their typing experience. Thus, the construction of both switches provides a cohesive auditory and tactile experience, rooted in the properties of polycarbonate.
In summary, the similarities in housing materials between the TTC Ice and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) yield comparable acoustic results. Both switches leverage polycarbonate in their designs, ensuring a consistent and resonant sound profile across the spectrum. While each housing contributes uniquely to the keypress experience—where the top housing accentuates the sound during release and the bottom housing enhances the sound upon key press—the shared use of polycarbonate ensures that users can expect similar high-quality performance and aesthetic benefits from both models. Consequently, users can confidently choose between the two, knowing that their selection will yield a comparable result in terms of sound and visual engagement in any lighting setup.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the TTC Ice linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch, notable differences emerge. The TTC Ice switch features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, positioning it in the medium range for tactile feedback. In contrast, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) boasts a lighter actuation force of 39 grams and a significantly lower bottom out force of 43 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a softer typing experience. This means that the Silent Frozen (V2) is the lighter option, ideal for long typing sessions or gaming without causing undue fatigue. In contrast, the Ice's heavier forces cater to those who appreciate a more substantial push feel when typing. Overall, while both switches are designed for different user preferences, those seeking a lighter experience would benefit from the Silent Frozen (V2), whereas the Ice switch is better suited for those who favor a firmer keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Ice linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch, there's a notable difference: the Ice has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Frozen (V2) features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Ice the longer option and the Silent Frozen (V2) the shorter, providing users with varying levels of keypress feedback. For gamers seeking quicker response times, the shorter travel distance of the Silent Frozen (V2) may be more appealing, allowing for faster actuation. Conversely, those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing may gravitate towards the Ice, as its greater travel distance offers a deeper and more satisfying keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these switches hinges on personal preference regarding the responsiveness and depth of the keypress experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Ice has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice for $5.99.
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 TTC Ice switch delivers a satisfying bottom-out sound, making it a pleasant choice for those who enjoy audible keypress feedback during typing or gaming. In contrast, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) excels in providing an extremely quiet sound profile, characterized as thocky, low-pitched, and muted. Users can expect a soft, deep "thud" when a key is pressed and released, allowing for a more discreet typing experience. This trait makes the Silent Frozen (V2) particularly suitable for environments where noise is a concern, such as shared workspaces or late-night gaming sessions.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Ice switch is praised for its smooth and responsive typing experience, although specific descriptors for its tactile feedback weren't provided. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen (V2) boasts a notably creamy and buttery feel with a feather-light actuation, making it exceptionally comfortable for long typing sessions. Users will likely find it easy to glide over the keys with minimal effort, reducing fatigue and enhancing overall typing pleasure. The subtle resistance and polished nature of the Silent Frozen (V2) ensure a refined touch that further contributes to its appeal.
In summary, while the TTC Ice switch offers a satisfying auditory experience with a smooth feel, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) stands out for its exceptionally muted sound profile and creamy, feather-light typing sensation. Both switches cater to distinct preferences: the Ice for those who appreciate a richer sound and responsive feedback, while the Silent Frozen (V2) is ideal for users seeking a quiet, comfortable typing environment without sacrificing smoothness. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual sound preferences and tactile needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the TTC Ice linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch, your preferences in typing experience and environment will play a crucial role. If you enjoy a medium bottom-out force and are looking for a switch that balances a responsive feel with a satisfying bottom-out sound, the TTC Ice is your best bet; it's particularly well-suited for gaming and everyday typing alike. This switch's transparent design also adds a visually appealing element to your keyboard. On the other hand, if you prioritize quietness and a lighter touch, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) would be the ideal choice. With a bottom-out force of only 43 grams, you’ll experience a buttery, creamy feel that makes it easy on the fingers during extended use, all while minimizing noise—a fantastic option for shared workspaces or quiet environments. Ultimately, your decision will hinge on whether you favor a more pronounced auditory experience and a medium actuation with the Ice or the whisper-quiet, plush feel of the Silent Frozen (V2).
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