KTT Mallo vs. TTC Silent Frozen (V2)
An in-depth look at the KTT Mallo and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Mallo, a tactile switch, to the TTC Silent Frozen (V2), a linear switch, there are distinct differences that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. The Mallo is praised for its subtle tactility and medium-light typing feel, offering a balanced experience for typists while maintaining a neutral sound signature that suits various typing environments. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen (V2) stands out for its extremely quiet sound profile, smooth key presses, and pillowy feel, creating a creamy and buttery typing experience. Each switch offers unique characteristics that appeal to different users based on their preferences. 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
55g
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
No
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Silver white spring
Housing materials
While both the KTT Mallo and TTC Silent Frozen (V2) use polycarbonate for their top housing, they differ in the material used for the bottom housing. The Mallo features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen (V2) utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, contributing to a sharper and crisper sound profile due to polycarbonate's stiffness. This contrast in bottom housing materials results in a difference in the overall sound and feel of typing on the switches.
Despite the difference in bottom housing materials, both the Mallo and Silent Frozen (V2) offer a similar sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile with their polycarbonate top housings. This similarity is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which creates a clear and resonant sound profile. Additionally, both switches benefit aesthetically from the translucency of polycarbonate, especially in conjunction with RGB lighting. While the top housing has a more significant impact on the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing plays a crucial role in the bottom-out sound and overall feel of typing on the switches.
Overall, the choice between the KTT Mallo and TTC Silent Frozen (V2) may come down to personal preference regarding sound profile and typing feel. The Mallo's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, while the Silent Frozen (V2)'s polycarbonate bottom housing offers a sharper and crisper sound. However, both switches share the benefits of using polycarbonate in their top housing, resulting in a similar high-pitched and clear sound profile. Whether you prefer a softer, absorbing sound or a more resonant and clear sound, the differences in housing materials between these two switches provide unique options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch, it is evident that the Mallo requires no specific actuation force, making it a lighter option in terms of initial force needed to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen (V2) has an actuation force of 39 grams, falling in the light category. In terms of bottom out force, the Mallo has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is medium-light, while the Silent Frozen (V2) has a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it even lighter. This means that the Silent Frozen (V2) is lighter in both actuation and bottom out force compared to the Mallo. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time, the Silent Frozen (V2) may be the more suitable option. However, for those who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience, the Mallo may be the better choice. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The KTT Mallo 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. In this case, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the KTT Mallo tactile switch. Both switches offer a decent travel distance that provides a satisfying typing experience. The Mallo with its 4 mm travel distance provides a bit more depth in each keypress compared to the Silent Frozen (V2) with its 3.5 mm travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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
The KTT Mallo switch offers a neutral and subdued sound profile that is just noticeable without being overwhelming, making it suitable for various typing environments. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switch is characterized by a thocky, low-pitched, and muted sound that provides a deep, rich, and satisfying typing experience. While the Mallo switch offers a more balanced and versatile sound, the Silent Frozen switch provides a quieter and more immersive typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Mallo switch is described as feathery, mild, stepped, and subtle, offering a light and gentle typing experience that reduces finger fatigue. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switch is described as creamy, buttery, feathery, subtle, and polished, providing a smooth and buttery typing sensation with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, with the Mallo focusing on a lighter feel and the Silent Frozen emphasizing a smooth and fluid keystroke.
In conclusion, the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Mallo switch provides a subtle and versatile sound profile with a balanced tactile feel, while the Silent Frozen switch offers a quieter sound with a smooth and buttery typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound and typing feel, but both switches will deliver exceptional performance for typing enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch, you should consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value a balanced tactile feedback with a medium-light typing feel and a versatile sound signature that neither dominates nor fades into the background, the Mallo switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer an extremely quiet sound profile with super smooth and pillowy feel switches, then the Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch is the one for you. Ultimately, the choice between these switches boils down to whether you prioritize gentle tactility and medium-light typing feel or an ultra-quiet sound profile and smooth typing experience. Consider your typing needs and preferences carefully to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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