Gateron Melodic vs. TTC Silent Frozen (V2)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic 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 to consider are the Gateron Melodic, a clicky switch, and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2), a linear switch. The Gateron Melodic stands out for its smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems, offering users a classic clicky sound with tactile feedback while maintaining smoothness. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) is recognized for its extremely quiet sound profile and super smooth feel, providing a subtle and polished typing experience. While the Melodic is known for its invigorating and crunchy feel, the Silent Frozen (V2) offers a more low-pitched and creamy typing experience. 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
60g
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Silver white spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Melodic and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2), it's clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. However, the Silent Frozen (V2) also incorporates polycarbonate for the bottom housing, while the Melodic uses nylon for the bottom housing. This difference leads to the Melodic offering a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon, compared to the clearer and resonant sound profile of the Silent Frozen (V2) with its polycarbonate bottom housing.
In terms of aesthetics, both switches benefit from the use of polycarbonate for their clear housings, especially when paired with RGB lighting. The translucency of polycarbonate allows the light to shine through, creating a visually appealing experience for users. However, the choice of nylon for the Melodic's bottom housing contrasts with the Silent Frozen (V2)'s polycarbonate bottom housing, impacting the overall sound experience of each switch. While the Melodic offers a duller and rounder sound due to the sound-absorbing properties of nylon, the Silent Frozen (V2) provides a sharper and crisper sound profile with its relatively stiffer polycarbonate bottom housing.
Ultimately, the difference in bottom housing material between the Gateron Melodic and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) results in a distinct typing experience for each switch. The combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in the Melodic offers a unique sound profile that emphasizes depth and fullness. In contrast, the Silent Frozen (V2) with its polycarbonate top and bottom housings delivers a sound profile that is sharper and clearer. Whether you prefer a softer, more absorbing sound experience or a sharper, more resonant one, the choice between these switches will depend on your personal preference for typing feel and sound.
Weight
The Gateron Melodic clicky switch and TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch differ in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Melodic has a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Silent Frozen (V2) has a lighter bottom out force of 43 grams. In terms of actuation force, the Melodic's force is unknown, while the Silent Frozen (V2) has an actuation force of 39 grams. This means that the Silent Frozen (V2) requires a lighter force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Melodic switch. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Silent Frozen (V2) more suitable, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Melodic. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Melodic clicky 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 Silent Frozen switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the Melodic switch. The Melodic switch provides a slightly longer distance for those who prefer a bit more depth in their key presses, while the Silent Frozen switch offers a quicker response time with its shorter travel distance. Both switches are suitable options depending on personal preference, with the Melodic providing a slightly longer travel distance and the Silent Frozen offering a shorter one. Ultimately, the choice between the two would come down to individual preference for typing or gaming experiences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 Gateron Melodic clicky switch is known for its resonant and crunchy sound profile, offering a higher-pitched and immersive auditory experience with a clean and sharp sound. In contrast, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch is characterized by its thocky, low-pitched, and muted sound, resulting in a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed, ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound, the Melodic clicky switch provides a more traditional clicky and crisp sound, while the Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch offers a softer and more mellow tone.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch is described as buttery and invigorating, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with pronounced feedback and moderate to firm actuation force. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch offers a creamy, buttery, feathery, subtle, and polished typing experience with a smooth and buttery feel, reduced finger fatigue, gentle resistance, and smooth key travel. Depending on your preference for typing feel, the Melodic clicky switch offers a more tactile and reactive experience, while the Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch provides a silky and effortless keystroke sensation.
In conclusion, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. If you enjoy a traditional clicky sound with tactile feedback, the Melodic switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter and smoother typing experience with reduced finger fatigue, the Silent Frozen (V2) switch is a great choice. Remember that personal preference plays a significant role in choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, so it's essential to consider both sound and feel characteristics before making your decision. Regardless of your choice, both switches offer high-quality performance for an enhanced typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch, consider your preferences and needs. If you enjoy a resonant and crunchy sound profile, along with a buttery and invigorating feel, the Melodic switch may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a thocky, low-pitched, and muted sound profile, along with a creamy, feathery, subtle, and polished feel, the Silent Frozen (V2) switch might be more suited to your liking. Additionally, take into account the bottom out force of each switch, with the Melodic being medium at 60 grams and the Silent Frozen (V2) being light at 43 grams. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to personal preference and the typing experience you desire.
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