Durock Light Tactile vs. TTC Silent Frozen (V2)
An in-depth look at the Durock Light Tactile and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are countless options to choose from. Two switches that stand out among the rest are the Durock Light Tactile and the TTC Silent Frozen. The Light Tactile switch from Durock is celebrated for its gentle tactility, offering a welcome contrast to the sharper tactile switches commonly found in the market. Typing on these switches provides users with an angelic tactility, accompanied by a jelly-like sound signature. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen switches from TTC are best known for their exceedingly quiet sound profile. Not only are these switches super smooth, but they also have a pillowy feel that enhances the typing experience. The Light Tactile switch is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished', whereas the Silent Frozen switch boasts qualifications such as 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', 'Creamy', 'Buttery', 'Muted', 'Feathery', 'Subtle', and 'Polished'. While these general pointers offer insight into the unique characteristics of each switch, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
52g
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
The Durock Light Tactile and TTC Silent Frozen both feature a polycarbonate top housing. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for those seeking a more distinct typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting, adding a visual appeal to the switches. Therefore, whether you opt for the Light Tactile or the Silent Frozen, you can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics.
Where the Light Tactile and Silent Frozen differ is in their bottom housing material. The Light Tactile utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the Silent Frozen features a polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the stiffer nature of polycarbonate in the Silent Frozen's bottom housing delivers a clearer and more resonant sound. This means that the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches will vary between the two, offering users different tactile experiences based on their preferences.
It's important to note that the bottom housing material plays a significant role in the overall typing experience. As you press down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become apparent, influencing the sound and feel of the switch. Meanwhile, upon releasing a key, the top housing material takes center stage in shaping the sound produced. This means that while both the Light Tactile and Silent Frozen share a polycarbonate top housing, the nylon and polycarbonate bottom housings contribute to differences in the overall typing experience. Whether you prioritize a deeper and fuller sound or a clearer and more resonant sound will guide your choice between these two switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Light Tactile switch has an actuation force of 52 grams, while the Silent Frozen has a lighter actuation force of 39 grams. This means that the Silent Frozen requires less force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Light Tactile. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Light Tactile switch is 67 grams, which is heavier compared to the Silent Frozen's bottom out force of 43 grams.
These differences in force can greatly impact the typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter touch and smoother typing sensation, the Silent Frozen would be a suitable choice with its lower actuation and bottom out forces. This can be beneficial for individuals who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions as it reduces the strain on the fingers and allows for increased comfort.
On the other hand, the Light Tactile switch provides a slightly heavier and more substantial typing experience. This can be preferred by individuals who appreciate a stronger push feel while typing and enjoy the tactile feedback that comes with it. The additional force required for actuation and bottoming out can provide a sense of satisfaction for those who desire a more responsive and firm keystroke.
It is worth noting that although the forces differ between the two switches, both can still deliver satisfactory results based on individual preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these switches would depend on the user's personal typing style and the desired feel they wish to achieve.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch is 4 mm, while the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Light Tactile's travel distance is considered more traditional, providing a balanced depth when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the 3.5 mm travel distance of the Silent Frozen switch is slightly shallower, making it popular among gamers who prioritize quicker response times. If you prefer a more responsive typing experience, the shorter travel distance of the Silent Frozen switch would be a suitable choice. However, for those who enjoy a deeper keystroke, the Light Tactile switch with its 4 mm travel distance would be preferable. Both switches offer their own advantages and appeal to different preferences, ensuring that users can find a suitable option based on their personal typing style and preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Light Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Tactile for $4.25.
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 Durock Light Tactile switch offers a gentle and jelly-like sound signature. It is not overly loud or obtrusive, making it suitable for both home and office environments. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen switch is characterized by its extremely quiet sound profile. It produces a soft and muted sound, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. The Silent Frozen switch has a thocky, low-pitched sound, which creates a deep and satisfying tone when the key is pressed and released. Overall, if you are looking for a more neutral sound profile, the Light Tactile switch would be a good choice, whereas if you prefer a quieter and more low-pitched sound, the Silent Frozen switch is worth considering.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Light Tactile switch provides a mild and approachable typing experience. It offers a gentle tactility that falls in a safe middle-ground category, making it comfortable for most users. Additionally, the Light Tactile switch has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen switch offers a creamy and buttery typing experience. It glides effortlessly under your fingers, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation. The Silent Frozen switch is also described as feathery, meaning it requires little exertion from your fingers, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Overall, both switches offer a pleasant typing experience, with the Light Tactile switch being mild and polished, while the Silent Frozen switch provides a creamy and effortless feel.
Considering all the available information, the Durock Light Tactile switch and the TTC Silent Frozen switch offer different subjective qualities. The Light Tactile switch is known for its gentle tactility and jelly-like sound signature, providing a neutral experience suitable for most purposes. It has a mild feel with a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen switch is characterized by its extremely quiet sound profile, offering a thocky, low-pitched sound. It provides a creamy and buttery typing experience, effortlessly gliding under your fingers. Additionally, the Silent Frozen switch is feathery, reducing finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions. While both switches have their own unique qualities, those seeking a more neutral and gently tactile experience may prefer the Light Tactile switch, while those looking for a quieter and smooth typing experience may opt for the Silent Frozen switch. Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference and the specific requirements of the user.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a switch with a gentle tactility and a jelly-like sound signature, the Durock Light Tactile is a great choice. Its medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams provides a satisfying typing experience, and its neutral sound profile makes it suitable for both beginners and advanced users in any setting. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quiet sound profile and a pillowy feel, the TTC Silent Frozen is the switch for you. With a light bottom out force of 43 grams, it offers a feathery and comfortable typing experience, perfect for extended gaming, school, or work sessions. The Silent Frozen's thocky, low-pitched, and muted sound characteristics create a deep, satisfying, and less obtrusive typing sound. Both switches offer smooth and refined typing experiences due to their polished finishes and reduced friction. Ultimately, your choice between the Durock Light Tactile and the TTC Silent Frozen depends on your preference for tactility, sound profile, and bottom out force.
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