Gateron Ink Box Black vs. TTC Silent Frozen (V2)

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Ink Box Black and the TTC Silent Frozen. The Ink Box Black is widely recognized for its smooth and creamy feel, while also emitting a distinctive clacky and high-pitched sound reminiscent of shaking a spray paint can. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen switch is best known for its remarkably quiet operation, offering a thocky and low-pitched sound alongside its buttery and muted feel. Both switches provide a polished typing experience, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you determine which switch is the best fit for your preferences.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Box Black Linear

TTC Silent Frozen (V2) Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

$8.61

$5.55 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Black and the TTC Silent Frozen differ in their composition. The Ink Box Black utilizes a proprietary INK blend for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile that is described as clacky. In contrast, the Silent Frozen features polycarbonate housing for both the top and bottom, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile. Aesthetically, the use of polycarbonate allows for translucency, making it ideal for RGB lighting.

If we compare the top housings of these switches, both the Ink Box Black's INK blend and the Silent Frozen's polycarbonate contribute to a thin and higher-pitched sound. However, the Silent Frozen's polycarbonate may offer a slightly sharper and more resonant sound due to its stiffness. For those who prioritize a clacky sound, the Ink Box Black may be preferred, while those seeking a sharper and crisper sound may gravitate towards the Silent Frozen.

The bottom housings of these switches also exhibit differences. The INK blend of the Ink Box Black and the polycarbonate material of the Silent Frozen play a role in the bottom-out sound and feel. The Ink Box Black's INK blend contributes to a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound, while the Silent Frozen's polycarbonate creates a sharper and crisper sound. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the bottom-out sound. Depending on preferences, users may find the Ink Box Black's bottom housing to offer a clacky feel, or the Silent Frozen's polycarbonate bottom housing to provide a clearer and more impactful experience.

Overall, while there are similarities in the sound profiles resulting from both the top and bottom housing materials, the differences in the materials used (INK blend in Ink Box Black, polycarbonate in Silent Frozen) result in variations in sound characteristics. Whether one prefers a clacky or sharper sound profile, or prioritizes RGB lighting, these differences in housing materials provide options for different user preferences.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch, there are significant differences to consider. The Ink Box Black has a higher actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Silent Frozen's lower actuation force of 39 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Ink Box Black again proves to be heavier with a force of 70 grams, while the Silent Frozen has a lighter bottom out force of 43 grams.

The weight of these switches can greatly impact the typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter feel, the Silent Frozen would be the ideal choice as it allows for longer periods of comfortable typing. This lightweight characteristic is also beneficial for individuals who bring their keyboards to work or engage in extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, users who prefer a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Ink Box Black switch due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. This provides a stronger push feel that some typists find more satisfying.

In terms of similarities, it is worth noting that the actuation and bottom out forces of the Silent Frozen are both lower than that of the Ink Box Black. This means that, for users who prefer a lighter typing experience, both switches would yield similar results in terms of force required. However, it is important to recognize that the Ink Box Black is overall heavier in force compared to the Silent Frozen.

Travel distance

The Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more prevalent in the market. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for quicker response times, so if you prioritize responsiveness, the Silent Frozen switch would be the better choice. However, some individuals may find shorter distances too abrupt and prefer a more substantial feel. In such cases, the Gateron Ink Box Black switch with its slightly longer travel distance would be the preferred option. Overall, both switches offer similar results in terms of distance, but the Silent Frozen is slightly shorter while the Ink Box Black provides a touch more depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Ink Box Black switch is known for producing a clacky and high-pitched sound. This means that when you press the keys, you will experience a sharp and snappy sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen switch has a thocky and low-pitched sound profile. This means that the sound it produces is deep, rich, and satisfying, resembling a deep "thud" or a soft "knock". Additionally, the Silent Frozen switch is labeled as "muted," which means it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to a regular switch, further minimizing the noise associated with mechanical keyboards. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors, such as the type of keyboard and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Box Black switch is often described as feeling silky and polished. This means that it offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The switch's smooth and refined finish contributes to a sleek typing sensation, reducing friction and providing smooth key travel. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen switch is described as feeling creamy, buttery, feathery, subtle, and also polished. These characteristics indicate that the Silent Frozen switch offers a smooth and buttery typing experience, with effortless and uniform keystrokes. It has a light actuation force, reducing finger fatigue and making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. Similar to the Ink Box Black, the Silent Frozen also benefits from a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Taking into account the available information, both the Gateron Ink Box Black and the TTC Silent Frozen switches have subjective qualities that make them desirable for different preferences. The Ink Box Black offers a clacky and high-pitched sound, together with a silky and polished feel. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen provides a thocky and low-pitched sound, along with a creamy, buttery, feathery, subtle, and polished feel. While they have different sound and feel characteristics, it is important to consider personal preferences and the overall setup of the keyboard, including factors like the chosen board and keycaps, as these can affect the sound and feel of the switches.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you're looking for a slightly heavier switch with a clacky and high-pitched sound profile and a silky and polished feel, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch would be a great choice for you. These switches offer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. They also provide an exceptionally smooth typing experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a thocky, low-pitched, and muted sound profile, as well as a creamy, buttery, feathery, subtle, and polished feel, the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch would be a better fit. With a bottom out force of 43 grams, these switches offer a deep and satisfying sound while providing a smooth and buttery typing experience. Additionally, their light actuation force reduces finger fatigue and makes them comfortable for extended typing sessions. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique characteristics and choosing between them depends on your personal preferences for sound and feel.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Box Black Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn more

TTC Silent Frozen (V2) Linear

$8.61

$5.55 per 10

Learn more