Gateron Ink Yellow vs. TTC Silent Frozen (V2)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Yellow and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Ink Yellow and the TTC Silent Frozen. The Gateron Ink Yellow is a linear switch that offers a shorter travel distance, making it ideal for those who desire a typing experience between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. This switch is known for its pleasant smoothness and clackiness, providing a satisfying tactile feedback. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen is also a linear switch, but it stands out for its extremely quiet sound profile. Along with its impressive silence, the TTC Silent Frozen offers a super smooth feel and a pillowy sensation while typing. It is categorized as having a 'thocky', low-pitched, creamy, buttery, muted, feathery, subtle, and polished typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can decide on the best switch for your specific needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
39g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Silver white spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Yellow and TTC Silent Frozen switches differ in their housing materials, with the Ink Yellow featuring a proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing, while the Silent Frozen utilizes a polycarbonate top and bottom housing. The INK blend top housing of the Ink Yellow produces a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound that is often described as clacky. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Frozen creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucent polycarbonate of the Silent Frozen's top housing is particularly useful for users planning to utilize RGB lighting effects.
Similarly, the bottom housing materials of the two switches differ. The INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Yellow contributes to its pointed and high-pitched yet not overly sharp sound profile, leading to a clacky typing experience. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Silent Frozen enhances the switch's sound profile by creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is again due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, allowing for a more resonant and distinct sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it suitable for switches that feature RGB lighting, providing an aesthetically pleasing display.
It is essential to note that the top and bottom housings of a switch play different roles in determining the sound and feel. When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, when releasing a key, the sound is primarily influenced by the top housing. While the housing materials of Gateron Ink Yellow and TTC Silent Frozen switches have their unique characteristics, both switches offer a satisfying and distinctive typing experience, making them suitable choices for keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch, there are clear differences to consider. The Ink Yellow switch has a higher actuation force of 60 grams, providing a medium-heavy feel when initiating keystrokes. In comparison, the Silent Frozen switch requires a lighter force of 39 grams for actuation, offering a much lighter and more sensitive touch. Similarly, when it comes to bottoming out, the Ink Yellow switch features a heavier force of 67 grams, while the Silent Frozen switch requires only 43 grams. This means that while typing or gaming, the Ink Yellow switch will provide a more substantial and solid typing experience due to the higher forces required for both actuation and bottoming out. Conversely, the Silent Frozen switch offers a much lighter and more effortless typing experience, ideal for extended periods of use. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience, with the Ink Yellow being the heavier option and the Silent Frozen being the lighter alternative.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Ink Yellow and TTC Silent Frozen linear switches have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, no matter which switch you choose, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Yellow has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Yellow for $7.35.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, which means it has a moderate sound that is suitable for most purposes. It also has a clacky sound, producing a crisp and percussive sound when pressed. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen switch is described as having a thocky sound profile, which means it produces a deep and satisfying sound when pressed and released. It also has a low-pitched and muted sound, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Overall, if you prefer a neutral and clacky sound, the Ink Yellow will be a good choice, while the Silent Frozen offers a thocky and quieter sound experience.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch offers a mild typing experience. This means it provides a gentle typing sensation that is approachable to most users. It is also described as polished, which results in a smooth and refined finish, reducing friction and providing smooth key travel. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen switch is described as creamy and buttery. This indicates a smooth and buttery typing experience, similar to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. It also offers a feathery feel, requiring little exertion from your fingers, reducing fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, it has a subtle resistance and maintains a light typing feel, making it suitable for shared spaces. Both switches are described as polished, ensuring a sleek and smooth typing experience. If you prefer a mild and polished feel, the Ink Yellow will be a good choice, while the Silent Frozen provides a creamy and buttery sensation.
Taking all the available information into account, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch offers a typing experience between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. It has a pleasant smoothness and clackiness, with a neutral sound profile and a mild, polished feel. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen switch delivers an extremely quiet sound profile, while also being super smooth and providing a pillowy type feel. It has a thocky sound, low-pitched and muted, with a creamy, buttery, and feathery feel. If you want a quieter and more cushioned typing experience, the Silent Frozen switch would be a great choice. However, if you prefer a slightly louder and more versatile switch, the Ink Yellow would be a suitable option. Overall, both switches offer subjective qualities that can enhance your typing experience, and choosing between them depends on your personal preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a typing experience that falls between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch is a great choice. It offers a pleasant smoothness and clackiness, and provides a neutral and clacky sound profile. Additionally, it has a mild and polished feel, with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prioritize an extremely quiet sound profile and a light bottom out force, the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch is the way to go. These switches are super smooth and have a pillowy type feel, providing a thocky, low-pitched, and muted sound. The Silent Frozen switch offers a creamy, buttery, feathery, subtle, and polished feel, making it suitable for extended typing sessions and shared spaces.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Ink Yellow and the TTC Silent Frozen comes down to personal preference. Consider whether you prefer a medium-heavy or light bottom out force, the sound profile that suits your environment and typing style, and the specific feel that you find most comfortable. Both switches offer unique characteristics, so take into account your individual needs and preferences to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard.
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