Durock Medium Tactile vs. TTC Silent Frozen (V2)
An in-depth look at the Durock Medium Tactile and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options in the market are the Durock Medium Tactile and the TTC Silent Frozen. The Durock Medium Tactile is widely praised for its unique tactile experience. With a pronounced yet balanced tactility, it provides satisfying feedback with each keystroke. Additionally, its jelly-like sound signature adds a touch of quirkiness to the typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen distinguishes itself with its remarkably quiet sound profile. If you prefer a keyboard that won't disturb those around you, these switches offer a whisper-quiet typing experience. Moreover, they are known for their smoothness and pillowy feel, making your typing sessions comfortable and enjoyable. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
39g
Bottom-out force
65g
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 Medium Tactile and the TTC Silent Frozen both utilize polycarbonate as the material for their top housing. This choice creates a similar sound profile for both switches, characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Polycarbonate, being a stiff plastic, contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for those looking for a distinct auditory experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it perfect for users who plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows for vibrant and visually appealing effects.
Where the two switches differ is in their choice of bottom housing material. The Medium Tactile features a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. This can add a sense of depth and richness to the overall typing experience with the Medium Tactile switch. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, aligning it with the top housing. This choice maintains the sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile, ensuring a consistent auditory feedback throughout the keystrokes.
While the top and bottom housings differ between the Durock Medium Tactile and the TTC Silent Frozen, it is important to note that the qualities of each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on either switch, the bottom housing's characteristics will be felt more prominently, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will have a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key. With this distinction, users can expect similar sound profiles but with nuanced variations in tactile feedback and typing experience, depending on their individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch, there are notable differences to consider. Firstly, in terms of weight, the Silent Frozen is lighter, making it suitable for longer typing sessions or extended gaming periods. With an actuation force of 39 grams, it requires less force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Medium Tactile, whose actuation force is not specified. On the other hand, some users may prefer a heavier actuation force for a more substantial typing experience. In this case, the Medium Tactile switch provides a potentially heavier actuation force. However, both switches have relatively similar bottom out forces, with the Silent Frozen requiring 43 grams and the Medium Tactile weighing in at 65 grams, making them both on the lighter side. Overall, individuals seeking a lighter feel will find satisfaction with the Silent Frozen, while those who prefer a more substantial push may lean towards the Medium Tactile switch.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch, it is evident that the Medium Tactile has a longer travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the Silent Frozen has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm.
Traditionally, a travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered the standard, providing a balanced experience for users. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen offers a more shallow travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is preferred by gamers seeking faster response times. The shorter travel distance allows for quicker key presses, enhancing the gaming experience.
However, it is important to note that while shorter travel distances are popular among gamers, some individuals may find them to be too abrupt. If you prefer a deeper key press that provides a more satisfying tactile feedback, the Medium Tactile with its longer travel distance may be the better option for you.
In conclusion, while the Durock Medium Tactile and the TTC Silent Frozen differ in their travel distances, both switches can provide satisfactory typing or gaming experiences depending on individual preferences. If you prioritize faster response times, the Silent Frozen may be the better choice; however, if you prefer a more refined and satisfying key press, the Medium Tactile would suit your needs better.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Medium 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 Medium 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
The Durock Medium Tactile switch is best known for its pronounced yet balanced tactility and jelly-like sound signature. Although the exact sound qualities are not described, it can be expected to have a unique sound that is both tactile and somewhat soft. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen switch is characterized by an extremely quiet sound profile. Descriptions of the Silent Frozen switch include thocky (deep and satisfying sound), low-pitched (bass-heavy and mellow tone), and muted (softer and quieter sound). These sound qualities make the Silent Frozen switch ideal for those who prefer a more subtle and less noticeable typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is described as "accented," meaning it provides a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. Additionally, it is referred to as "stepped," suggesting that it has two stages of tactile feedback with pre-travel and/or post-travel sensations. The switch is also categorized as "mild," offering a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. It is further described as "polished," indicating a smooth and refined finish that ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In comparison, the TTC Silent Frozen switch is described as "creamy" and "buttery," signifying a smooth and buttery typing experience. These switches are known for their seamless, effortless, and uniform keystrokes. Additionally, the Silent Frozen switch is referred to as "feathery," implying an exceptionally light press that reduces finger fatigue and strain. Another descriptor used for the Silent Frozen switch is "subtle," indicating a gentle resistance and a sound signature that is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces. Similar to the Medium Tactile switch, the Silent Frozen switch is also described as "polished," ensuring smooth and refined key movements.
Overall, the Durock Medium Tactile and TTC Silent Frozen switches offer different subjective qualities. The Medium Tactile switch provides a pronounced yet balanced tactility with a jelly-like sound signature, while the Silent Frozen switch is extremely quiet and super smooth with a pillowy type feel. If you are looking for a tactile switch with a unique sound and balanced tactility, the Medium Tactile switch would be an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quiet typing experience with smooth and effortless keystrokes, the Silent Frozen switch would be a better option. Both switches have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a pronounced but balanced tactility, the Durock Medium Tactile is a great choice. It offers a jelly-like sound signature and provides an accented, stepped, mild, and polished typing experience. On the other hand, if you prioritize a light bottom out force and an extremely quiet sound profile, the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch is the way to go. It is known for its thocky, low-pitched, and muted sound, as well as its creamy, buttery, feathery, subtle, and polished feel. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prefer a heavier tactile switch with a more pronounced sound and feel, or a lighter linear switch with a focus on quietness and smoothness.
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