Gateron Mountain Top vs. TTC Silent Frozen (V2)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mountain Top 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 for either office use or personal preference, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Mountain Top and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2), both of which are linear switches. The Gateron Mountain Top is designed with a focus on providing a quiet yet lightly tactile typing experience, making it ideal for professional settings where discretion is key. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) stands out for its incredibly quiet sound profile and smooth, pillowy feel, offering a unique typing experience that is both creamy and muted. While the Mountain Top switch boasts a bouncy and easy-to-press feel, the Silent Frozen (V2) switch is characterized by its thocky and low-pitched typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing needs you have; 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
40g
Actuation force
39g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm double-stage spring
Spring
Silver white spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mountain Top and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2), it is clear that they both offer unique sound profiles based on their nylon and polycarbonate compositions. The Mountain Top's nylon top and bottom housings create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer plastic's ability to absorb more sound. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen (V2)'s polycarbonate housings produce a sharper and crisper sound profile, thanks to the stiffer nature of the plastic. These differences in sound profiles make the two switches distinct in terms of the typing experience they offer to users.
Despite their differences, the similarities between the Gateron Mountain Top and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) lie in their use of clear housing materials. Both switches utilize either nylon or polycarbonate in their housings, allowing for a transparent design that is aesthetically pleasing and useful for RGB lighting purposes. This shared feature showcases the versatility of clear housing materials in enhancing the visual appeal of mechanical switches. Additionally, the translucency of the housings allows for a unique lighting experience that can complement the overall typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Mountain Top and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) will come down to personal preference regarding sound profile and typing feel. While the Mountain Top offers a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon housings, the Silent Frozen (V2) provides a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate housings. Both switches demonstrate the impact that housing materials can have on the overall typing experience, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Whether one prefers a softer and dull sound or a stiffer and more resonant sound, these housing materials cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 40 grams compared to the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch with 39 grams. Both switches have relatively light actuation forces, making them suitable for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Mountain Top requires a slightly heavier 50 grams compared to the Silent Frozen (V2) with 43 grams. This means that the Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch may provide a slightly lighter typing experience overall. Overall, both switches offer a smooth and light typing experience, with the Mountain Top being slightly heavier in terms of bottom out force. For those who prefer a more substantial typing feel, the Mountain Top may be the preferred choice, while those who enjoy a lighter touch may opt for the Silent Frozen (V2).
Travel distance
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Silent Frozen (V2) has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Mountain Top. However, both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for their faster response times. Gamers who prefer a more responsive feel may opt for either of these switches. On the other hand, those who enjoy a bit more depth in their keypresses may find the slightly longer travel distance of the Silent Frozen (V2) more to their liking. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preferences for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Gateron Mountain Top comes in at $6.00 per 10 switches.
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 Mountain Top switch offers a neutral typing experience that is suitable for most intents and purposes. While not entirely silent, these switches provide a moderate sound profile that is balanced and appropriate for professional settings. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switch is characterized by its extremely quiet sound profile, producing a thocky, low-pitched, and muted sound that is deeply satisfying. The Silent Frozen (V2) switch is designed to minimize noise, making it ideal for shared spaces or environments where noise is a concern. Ultimately, if sound is a significant factor for your decision, the Silent Frozen (V2) switch would be the quieter option while still offering a pleasant typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Mountain Top switch provides a bouncy and easy-to-press typing sensation with a mild and subtle resistance. These switches offer a lively feel with gentle resistance, making typing effortless and comfortable. Conversely, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switch offers a creamy and buttery typing experience that feels smooth and fluid. With feathery and subtle resistance, these switches are exceptionally light to press and provide a comfortable typing experience for extended use. The polished finish of the Silent Frozen (V2) switches results in reduced friction and smooth key travel, enhancing the overall typing feel. If tactile feedback and typing comfort are essential to you, the Silent Frozen (V2) switch would provide a more luxurious and satisfying typing experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron Mountain Top and TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switches both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Mountain Top switch provides a more neutral sound profile with a bouncy and easy-to-press typing feel, suitable for professional environments. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen (V2) switch stands out for its extremely quiet sound profile, creamy and buttery typing feel, and polished finish for smooth key travel. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer distinct advantages, ensuring a pleasant and customized typing experience. Ultimately, whether you choose the Mountain Top or Silent Frozen (V2) switch, you can expect a high-quality typing experience tailored to your specific needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch, consider the environment where you will be using the keyboard. If you work in an office setting where quiet typing is essential, the Mountain Top switch may be the better choice due to its subdued sound profile and light actuation force. On the other hand, if you prioritize an extremely quiet typing experience with a smooth and pillowy feel, the Silent Frozen (V2) switch is the way to go. Additionally, if you prefer a switch with a thocky, low-pitched, and muted sound, the Silent Frozen (V2) would be more suitable. However, if you enjoy a bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, or subtle typing feel, the Mountain Top switch offers a variety of desirable characteristics. Ultimately, your decision should align with your preferences and your specific typing needs.
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