Durock Koala vs. TTC Silent Frozen (V2)
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Koala and TTC Silent Frozen (V2) are popular options that offer distinct characteristics for different preferences. The Durock Koala is a tactile switch known for its pronounced bump without being too overwhelming, making it a suitable choice for those who enjoy a tactile response without excessive noise. In contrast, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) is a linear switch famous for its extremely quiet sound profile and smooth, buttery feel, appealing to users who prioritize a silent typing experience. While the Koala provides a balanced tactile feedback, the Silent Frozen offers a whisper-quiet operation and silky keystrokes. 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
N/A
Actuation force
39g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Silver white spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Koala and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2), we can see that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches that want to incorporate RGB lighting. However, the Koala differs in its use of nylon for the bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Silent Frozen (V2)'s polycarbonate bottom housing.
When it comes to the sound and feel of these switches, the materials used in the bottom housing have a significant impact. The nylon bottom housing of the Koala creates a duller and rounder sound profile, emphasizing a softer typing experience. In contrast, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Silent Frozen (V2) contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, creating a different typing feel. This difference in bottom housing material can greatly influence the overall experience of using these switches.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches like the Durock Koala and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) plays a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of typing. While both switches share a polycarbonate top housing, they diverge in their bottom housing materials, leading to distinct sound profiles and typing experiences. Whether you prefer the deeper sound of nylon or the clear resonance of polycarbonate, understanding the role of each housing material can help you choose a switch that best fits your preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Koala tactile switch and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch, it is evident that the Koala has a much heavier bottom out force of 67 grams compared to the Silent Frozen (V2) at 43 grams, making the Koala the heavier switch. The actuation force of the Koala is None grams, while the Silent Frozen (V2) has an actuation force of 39 grams, making the Silent Frozen (V2) the lighter switch in terms of actuation force. This means that the Koala provides a more substantial typing experience with a harder push feel, while the Silent Frozen (V2) offers a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on whether a user prefers a heavier or lighter typing experience, as both switches have their own advantages based on weight preferences.
Travel distance
The Durock Koala tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Koala has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Silent Frozen switch. The difference may not be significant for some users, but for those who prefer a deeper key press, the Koala may be more appealing. On the other hand, those looking for a quicker response time and a shallower key press may find the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switch to be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Koala has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Koala for $4.21.
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 Durock Koala offers a low-pitched and neutral profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone with a moderate actuation force requirement. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) boasts a thocky, low-pitched, and muted sound, producing a deep, rich, and satisfying tone that minimizes noise. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Koala focusing on a balanced, resonant sound and the Silent Frozen (V2) emphasizing a quiet and pleasant thocky experience.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Koala is described as polished, accented, stepped, and stiff, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with a moderate tactile feel that is not overwhelming but still pronounced. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) is characterized by its creamy, buttery, feathery, subtle, and polished feel, providing a smooth and buttery typing sensation with light actuation force and reduced finger fatigue. Both switches offer a different tactile experience, with the Koala focusing on a medium tactile bump within the keystroke and the Silent Frozen (V2) providing a silky and effortless typing experience.
Overall, the Durock Koala and TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switches each have their unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. The Koala offers a balanced and resonant typing experience with a moderate tactile bump, while the Silent Frozen (V2) provides a quiet and smooth typing sensation with a buttery feel. Depending on whether you prioritize sound or feel in your typing experience, you can choose between the pronounced tactility of the Koala or the smoothness and quiet operation of the Silent Frozen (V2). Despite their differences, both switches offer high-quality performance that will enhance your typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch, consider the following guidelines: opt for the Koala if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a pronounced tactile bump that doesn't span the entire keystroke. The Koalas are perfect for those who enjoy a punchy keystroke with a bit of resonance but not too loud. On the other hand, choose the Silent Frozen (V2) if you prefer a light bottom out force, extremely quiet sound profile, and super smooth feel with a pillowy sensation. The Silent Frozen switches are known for their thocky sound, low-pitched tone, and muted sound profile. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will come down to your personal preference for key feel, sound profile, and bottom out force.
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