Cherry MX Red vs. TTC Silent Frozen (V2)
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Red 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 Cherry MX Red and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2), both linear switches. The Cherry MX Red is praised for its slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, providing a robust typing experience that balances responsiveness with a satisfying auditory depth. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen (V2) stands out for its extremely quiet sound profile, coupled with a super smooth and pillowy feel. While the MX Red offers a 'thocky' and low-pitched typing experience, the Silent Frozen (V2) is described as 'creamy,' 'buttery,' 'muted,' 'feathery,' 'subtle,' and 'polished'. Depending on your preferences for sound level and typing feel, each switch has its own unique qualities to offer. 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
45g
Actuation force
39g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Red and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2), we can see that they both offer unique qualities. The MX Red features a nylon top and bottom housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic properties. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen (V2) utilizes polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While the MX Red provides a rounder sound, the Silent Frozen (V2) offers a more resonant and clear sound, especially beneficial for RGB lighting enthusiasts with its translucent polycarbonate material.
Despite their differences in housing materials, both the Cherry MX Red and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) aim to enhance the typing experience for users. The nylon housing of the MX Red provides a classic feel with its softer plastic properties, absorbing more sound to create a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate housing of the Silent Frozen (V2) delivers a crisper and more resonant sound, emphasizing clarity and sharpness in each keystroke. While the MX Red focuses on a deeper sound profile, the Silent Frozen (V2) prioritizes a clearer and more defined sound quality.
Overall, the choice between the Cherry MX Red and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) hinges on personal preferences and desired typing experience. While the MX Red offers a classic feel with its nylon housing, providing a deeper sound profile, the Silent Frozen (V2) stands out with its polycarbonate housing, delivering a sharper and more resonant sound. Whether you prefer a rounder and fuller sound or a crisper and clearer sound, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the housing material plays a crucial role in determining the overall sound profile and feel of each keystroke, making it an essential consideration for those looking to enhance their typing experience.
Weight
The actuation force of the Cherry MX Red linear switch is 45 grams, while the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 39 grams. The Cherry MX Red has no specified bottom out force, whereas the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) has a bottom out force of 43 grams, which is heavier than its actuation force. The weight of a switch is crucial as it can affect typing comfort and fatigue. Some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others might opt for the Cherry MX Red for a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for typing feel and endurance.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch, it is clear that the MX Red has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Silent Frozen (V2) with a distance of 3.5 mm. The MX Red switch provides a slightly deeper key press, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen (V2) switch offers a shorter travel distance, making it ideal for those seeking a quicker response time, such as gamers. Both switches provide a smooth linear typing experience, but the MX Red offers a longer key press while the Silent Frozen (V2) offers a shorter key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key press depth and response time.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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
In terms of sound, both the Cherry MX Red and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switches are described as thocky and low-pitched, providing a deep and satisfying keystroke sound. However, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switch offers a muted sound profile, significantly reducing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience without compromising on the tactile feedback of a mechanical switch.
When it comes to feel, the Cherry MX Red switch is described as textured, potentially offering some friction when pressed. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switch is characterized by its creamy, buttery, feathery, subtle, and polished feel. This means that typing on the Silent Frozen switch will be incredibly smooth and effortless, with a reduced chance of finger fatigue due to the light actuation force required. The lubricated nature of these switches enhances the overall typing experience, making each keystroke feel silky and seamless.
Overall, while both the Cherry MX Red and TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switches provide a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, the Silent Frozen switch shines in terms of providing a quieter typing experience and a smoother, more comfortable feel. If you are looking for a switch that offers a more robust and slightly textured typing experience, the MX Red may be the way to go. However, if you prioritize a silent, buttery smooth feel with reduced friction and light actuation force, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switch would be the ideal choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you're seeking.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prioritize a slightly heftier feel with a deeper sound profile, along with a thocky and low-pitched sound, then the MX Red may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you value an extremely quiet typing experience with super smooth keys that have a pillowy feel, along with a thocky, low-pitched, and muted sound, then the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switch would be more suitable. Consider factors such as bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel when making your decision. Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique characteristics, so choose the one that aligns best with your preferences and typing style.
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