Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) vs. TTC Silent Frozen (V2)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to comparing and contrasting two mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the TTC Silent Frozen, both being linear switches, each offers its unique set of advantages. The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro is well-regarded for its smoothness and satisfyingly thick resistance, making it ideal for both gaming and typing experiences. Its low, "thocky" sound adds a sense of texture to each keystroke. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen stands out for its extremely quiet sound profile, offering a pillowy type feel. This switch is remarkably smooth and is categorized as 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', 'Creamy', 'Buttery', 'Muted', 'Feathery', 'Subtle', and 'Polished'. Both switches excel in providing a pleasant tactile experience, but let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
39g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
Nylon
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
The housing materials of the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the TTC Silent Frozen differ significantly. The Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) features a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Silent Frozen employs a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate, being stiffer, produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This difference in housing materials leads to distinct auditory experiences when typing on the two switches.
Similar differences can be observed in the bottom housing of the two switches. The Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile similar to its top housing. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen features a polycarbonate bottom housing, resulting in a sharper and more resonant sound profile. Additionally, the use of a translucent polycarbonate bottom housing makes it ideal for switches designed to incorporate RGB lighting effects. As with the top housing, the choice of bottom housing material significantly impacts the overall sound and feel of the switch.
When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become evident in the bottom-out sound and feel. The bottom housing material, whether nylon or polycarbonate, has a substantial impact on this aspect. However, the sound when releasing a key is predominantly influenced by the top housing material. Therefore, the characteristics of the housing materials are distributed between the top and bottom of the switch, resulting in different sound profiles and tactile experiences during typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch, there are notable differences. The Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Silent Frozen's lighter 39 grams. Similarly, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) also has a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Silent Frozen has a lighter bottom out force of 43 grams. This means that the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) provides a slightly more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the Silent Frozen offers a lighter touch for those who prefer a lighter and more effortless keystroke. While the results may not be exactly similar, those who prefer a lighter switch will find the Silent Frozen to be a better fit, while those who prefer a slightly heavier switch for a more substantial typing experience will prefer the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3).
Travel distance
The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch have different travel distances. The Milky Yellow Pro has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Silent Frozen has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The 4.0 mm travel distance of the Milky Yellow Pro is more traditional, providing a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the 3.5 mm travel distance of the Silent Frozen is shallower and more responsive, making it preferred by gamers who prioritize faster response times. The choice between these switches ultimately depends on personal preference - if you prefer a deeper and more hearty depth, the Milky Yellow Pro with its 4 mm travel distance would be the better option. However, if you prioritize a more responsive typing experience, the Silent Frozen with its shorter 3.5 mm travel distance would be the ideal choice.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) has an MSRP of $2.33 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) for $2.30.
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 $5.55.
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, both the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the TTC Silent Frozen switches offer a deep and rich "thocky" sound profile. Both switches have a low-pitched, bass-heavy tone that provides a satisfying auditory experience during key presses. The Silent Frozen switches, however, have an additional quality of being muted, which means they produce a softer and quieter sound compared to the Milky Yellow Pro switches. It's worth noting that the sound of these switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, both switches are described as being buttery, which implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. They provide a seamless and effortless typing sensation, allowing for a uniform and comfortable typing experience. The Silent Frozen switches also have additional descriptors such as creamy and polished, indicating a silky and refined typing experience. These switches are designed to reduce friction and provide smooth key travel, resulting in a gliding sensation when typing.
Taking into consideration all the available information, both the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the TTC Silent Frozen switches offer a similar overall experience. They both provide a thocky sound profile with low-pitched tones, and they both have a buttery and smooth feel during key presses. The Silent Frozen switches, however, have the added quality of being muted, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to the Milky Yellow Pro switches. Additionally, the Silent Frozen switches offer descriptors such as creamy and polished, indicating an even more refined and smooth typing experience. Ultimately, both switches are excellent options for budget enthusiasts and provide a satisfying typing experience, but the Silent Frozen switches may offer a slightly quieter and more luxurious feel.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when it comes to choosing between the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switches, there are a few key factors to consider.
The Milky Yellow Pro is a classic budget switch that offers a satisfyingly thick resistance and a low, "thocky" sound. It excels in both gaming and typing, making it a versatile and all-purpose switch. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen switch is known for its extremely quiet sound profile and pillowy type feel. It also produces a deep, rich, and satisfying "thocky" sound.
If you prioritize a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses, characterized by a lower frequency range resembling bass tones, the Milky Yellow Pro would be a good choice for you. However, if you prefer a quieter and more muted sound that minimizes noise, the Silent Frozen switch would be a better fit. Both switches offer a low-pitched sound profile, with the Milky Yellow Pro being described as "bassy" and the Silent Frozen as having a more mellow tone.
In terms of feel, the Milky Yellow Pro switch is described as "buttery," offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. However, some users may prefer a textured switch with noticeable friction when pressed, which the Milky Yellow Pro does not provide. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen switch is described as "creamy," providing a smooth and buttery typing experience. It also offers a feathery feel, requiring little exertion from your fingers and reducing finger fatigue.
Ultimately, if you are looking for a budget-friendly switch that excels in both gaming and typing and offers a satisfyingly thick resistance and low, "thocky" sound, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro would be an excellent choice. However, if you prioritize a quiet and muted sound profile, as well as a smooth and buttery typing experience with a feathery feel, the TTC Silent Frozen switch would be the better option for you. Consider your sound and feel preferences to make the decision that best suits your needs and preferences.
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