Gateron Ink Red vs. TTC Silent Frozen (V2)

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two options that may catch your attention are the Gateron Ink Red and the TTC Silent Frozen, both of which are linear switches. The Gateron Ink Red is widely recognized for its lower actuation force, making it an ideal choice for individuals with a lighter typing style. It boasts a satisfyingly smooth operation, coupled with a crispy and clacky sound profile, resulting in an effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen is renowned for its exceptionally quiet sound profile, guaranteeing a disturbance-free environment. Moreover, these switches offer a super smooth action and provide a pillowy type feel when typing. The Silent Frozen switch is generally described as thocky, low-pitched, creamy, buttery, muted, feathery, subtle, and polished. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision regarding the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Red Linear

TTC Silent Frozen (V2) Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

$8.61

$5.33 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron Ink Red and TTC Silent Frozen switches both feature different housing materials for their top and bottom housings. The Ink Red utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend for both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile that is often described as clacky. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen switches incorporate a polycarbonate material for both the top and bottom housings, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the Silent Frozen switches provides a more clear and resonant sound due to its stiffness, making it especially useful if you plan to use RGB lighting.

Although they have different housing materials, both the Ink Red and Silent Frozen switches offer similar qualities in terms of sound. The INK blend in the Ink Red provides a thin and higher-pitched sound, while the polycarbonate material in the Silent Frozen enhances the sharpness and clarity of the sound. Therefore, both switches offer satisfying sound profiles that are characterized by their high-pitched nature. If you're looking for a switch that produces a clacky sound, either option would be suitable.

It's worth noting that the bottom housing material has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when you press down on a key, while the top housing influences the sound when you release the key. With the Ink Red switches, the qualities of the INK blend are present in both the top and bottom housings, resulting in consistent sound characteristics throughout the keystroke. Similarly, the Silent Frozen switches maintain a consistent sound experience as the polycarbonate material is utilized in both the top and bottom housings. Thus, regardless of which switch you choose, you can expect similar results in terms of sound quality and experience during use.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch, we can observe some key differences. The Ink Red switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Silent Frozen's 39 grams. This means that the Silent Frozen requires a lighter touch to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Ink Red switch has a heavier force of 60 grams, while the Silent Frozen requires a lighter force of 43 grams.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Silent Frozen switch would be a suitable choice as its actuation and bottom out forces are both lighter compared to the Ink Red. This lighter touch can be advantageous for individuals who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Ink Red switch offers a slightly heavier push feel, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger tactile response.

It is important to consider personal preferences and typing habits when deciding between these switches. The differences in actuation and bottom out forces can greatly impact the typing experience and ultimately determine which switch is more suitable for an individual's needs.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Gateron Ink Red linear switch is 4 mm, while the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Ink Red has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Silent Frozen. A traditional travel distance is typically around 4.0 mm, while a shorter travel distance of 3.0 mm is considered more shallow. Nowadays, shorter travel distances have become more prevalent, especially among gamers who value faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive experience, the shorter travel distance of the Silent Frozen may be the better option for you. However, some individuals find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt. If you prefer a deeper key press, the Ink Red's slightly longer travel distance may be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch have different sound profiles. The Ink Red is known for its crispy and clacky sound profile, which gives it a unique acoustic signature. This makes it stand out from other switches and is suitable for those who prefer a switch with a moderate actuation force and sound profile. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen switch is characterized by an extremely quiet sound profile. It produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed, creating a thocky and low-pitched tone. The muted nature of these switches makes them perfect for minimizing noise in shared spaces. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps.

When it comes to feel, both switches provide smooth and effortless typing experiences. The Ink Red is described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing feel with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. It also has a mild characteristic, providing a gentle and approachable typing experience. Moreover, its polished finish enhances the overall smoothness of the typing feel. Similarly, the Silent Frozen switch is known for its creamy and buttery feel. The application of lubricant at the factory or specific materials used in these switches contributes to a gliding sensation when typing. They offer a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing experience. Additionally, the Silent Frozen switch has a feathery characteristic, which means it requires little exertion from the fingers, reducing fatigue during extended typing sessions. It also has a subtle resistance, making it suitable for shared spaces. Both switches have a polished finish that results in reduced friction and smooth key travel.

In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Red and TTC Silent Frozen linear switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ink Red has a crispy and clacky sound profile, while the Silent Frozen produces a thocky and low-pitched sound. In terms of feel, the Ink Red provides a silky and mild typing experience with a polished finish, while the Silent Frozen offers a creamy, buttery, feathery, and subtle feel with a polished finish as well. While the switches have their unique characteristics, it is important to consider personal preference, the intended use, and other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen to determine the best fit for each individual.

Conclusion

In summary, if you prefer a lighter typing style and want a switch with a lower actuation force, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch is the one for you. These switches are satisfyingly smooth, have a crispy and clacky sound profile, and are effortless to type on. They offer a moderate sound profile, making them suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, or if you plan to use them at home or work. Additionally, the Ink Reds have a silky typing feel, minimizing resistance and enhancing the overall smoothness of your typing experience.

On the other hand, if you prioritize a quiet environment and want a switch with a lighter bottom out force, the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch would be a better choice. These switches are characterized by their extremely quiet sound profile, making them ideal for shared spaces or situations where noise is a concern. They are also super smooth and have a pillowy type feel when typing. The Silent Frozen switches produce a thocky sound when pressed, giving a deep, rich, and satisfying tone. With a light typing feel, these switches reduce finger fatigue and provide comfort during prolonged typing sessions.

Ultimately, the decision between the Gateron Ink Red and TTC Silent Frozen switches depends on your individual preferences and priorities. Consider your typing style, desired sound profile, and typing feel to choose the switch that best suits your needs. Whichever switch you choose, both offer smoothness, quietness, and an enjoyable typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Red Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn more

TTC Silent Frozen (V2) Linear

$8.61

$5.33 per 10

Learn more