Gateron Luciola vs. TTC Silent Frozen (V2)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Luciola and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Luciola and TTC Silent Frozen are two popular options when it comes to mechanical keyboard switches. The Luciola stands out with its eye-catching glow-in-the-dark feature, appealing to those who enjoy an aesthetically pleasing keyboard setup. With a medium heft, it offers a smooth and bouncy typing experience, accompanied by a distinctive "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile. In contrast, the Silent Frozen is characterized by its extremely quiet sound profile, making it a great choice for those who prefer a more discreet typing experience. Alongside its smoothness, this switch also provides a pillowy type feel. The Luciola's sound profile is defined as 'Snappy', 'Clacky', 'Chirpy', 'Marbly', 'Buttery', 'High-pitched', and 'Polished', while the Silent Frozen is categorized 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 best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
39g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
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
22mm double-staged long spring; black-plated
Spring
Silver white spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Luciola and TTC Silent Frozen keyboards have different housing materials for both their top and bottom housings. The Luciola features a proprietary INK blend in both its top and bottom housings, while the Silent Frozen utilizes polycarbonate for both. While the Luciola's INK blend creates a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, the Silent Frozen's polycarbonate material produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Both materials provide a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound, but the polycarbonate used in the Silent Frozen housing offers a more clear and resonant sound due to its stiffer nature. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it especially useful if RGB lighting is a factor.
The choice of housing material in the Luciola and Silent Frozen keyboards also affects the feel and impact of pressing down and letting go of a key. The bottom housing, which is made of either the INK blend or polycarbonate, greatly influences the bottom-out sound and feel, providing a distinctive experience when typing. The top housing, on the other hand, contributes to the sound produced when releasing a key. Whether it is the INK blend or polycarbonate, the top housing material will have a significant impact on the sound profile when you let go of a key. While their specific housing materials differ, both the Luciola and Silent Frozen keyboards adapt the qualities of their respective housing materials to deliver unique and immersive typing experiences.
In summary, the Gateron Luciola and TTC Silent Frozen keyboards offer different housing materials with their own distinct characteristics. The Luciola's proprietary INK blend creates a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, while the Silent Frozen's polycarbonate material produces a sharper and crisper sound profile. Though they differ in material, both the INK blend and polycarbonate contribute to a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound. Additionally, the choice of housing material determines the overall impact and feel when pressing down and releasing keys. Whether it is the bottom housing with its influence on the bottom-out sound and feel or the top housing affecting the sound when letting go, each material plays a crucial role. Despite their differences, both keyboards provide immersive typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch, it becomes evident that there are notable differences between the two. The Luciola has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Silent Frozen's lighter actuation force of 39 grams. Similarly, the Luciola also has a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Silent Frozen has a lighter bottom out force of 43 grams. This implies that the Luciola offers a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, which some users may prefer for a satisfying feedback. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen provides a lighter typing sensation, suitable for those who value prolonged typing sessions or gaming sessions without straining their fingers. While the forces differ between the two switches, users can achieve similar results by selecting the Luciola for a slightly heavier experience or opting for the Silent Frozen for a lighter typing sensation. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on personal preferences and specific typing requirements.
Travel distance
The Gateron Luciola linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch have differing travel distances. The Luciola has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Frozen has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular, especially among gamers who value faster response times. If you prefer a highly responsive switch, the Silent Frozen may be the better option due to its slightly shorter travel distance. However, for those who prefer a deeper, more substantial feel when pressing a key, the Luciola's longer travel distance may be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Luciola has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Luciola for $6.50.
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 Gateron Luciola switch is best described as clacky, chirpy, marbly, or high-pitched. These switches produce a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, with a crisp and bright tone. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen switch is known for being thocky, low-pitched, and muted. It produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed, with a softer and quieter profile compared to regular switches. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen. Overall, if you prefer a sharper and more percussive sound, the Gateron Luciola would be a better choice. However, if you prefer a deeper and quieter sound, the TTC Silent Frozen is the way to go.
When it comes to feel, both the Gateron Luciola and TTC Silent Frozen switches offer a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. They are both described as buttery, providing a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Additionally, they both have polished finishes, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Gateron Luciola is also known for its snappy and bouncy feel, while the TTC Silent Frozen is described as creamy, feathery, subtle, and polished. The creamy sensation of the Silent Frozen can be attributed to lubricant applied at the factory or specific materials used. The featherlight actuation force of the Silent Frozen makes it comfortable for extended typing sessions, reducing finger fatigue. Overall, both switches offer a similar high-quality typing experience with smooth and polished key travel.
In conclusion, the Gateron Luciola and TTC Silent Frozen switches have some differences in sound and feel, but they both offer excellent subjective qualities. The Luciola has a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a snappy and bouncy typing feel. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen has a thocky and low-pitched sound, offering a creamy and feathery typing experience. In terms of feel, both switches are buttery, polished, and provide smooth key travel. If you prefer a sharper sound and bouncier feel, the Luciola is a great choice. However, if you prefer a deeper and quieter sound, along with a featherlight typing feel, the Silent Frozen switch is an excellent option. Regardless of your choice, both switches will deliver satisfying typing experiences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when it comes to choosing between the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch, it ultimately depends on your preferences and typing needs. If you prioritize a medium heft and enjoy a smooth and bouncy typing feel, along with an eye-catching glow-in-the-dark feature, the Luciola switch would be a suitable choice for you. Additionally, if you appreciate a clacky, chirpy, marbly, or high-pitched sound profile, the Luciola switch can provide the crisp and bright sound you're looking for.
On the other hand, if having an extremely quiet sound profile is a priority for you, along with super smooth and pillowy typing feel, the TTC Silent Frozen switch may be the better option. It offers a thocky, low-pitched, or muted sound profile, which produces deep and satisfying sounds when pressed. Furthermore, if you prefer a creamy, feathery, subtle, or buttery typing experience, the Silent Frozen switch can provide a smooth and effortless keystroke sensation.
Consider your personal preferences regarding sound, typing feel, bottom out force when making a decision between these two switches. Whether you prioritize an eye-catching design, a specific sound profile, or typing comfort, both the Gateron Luciola and TTC Silent Frozen switches have their unique qualities to cater to your needs. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on what characteristics are most important to you in your mechanical keyboard.
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