Gateron Oil King (V2) vs. TTC Silent Frozen (V2)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Oil King (V2) and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a plethora of options available, each with its own unique characteristics. Two switches that stand out in particular are the Gateron Oil King and the TTC Silent Frozen, both falling under the linear switch category. The Oil King is widely regarded for its exceptional smoothness and a satisfying, low-pitched sound akin to the snap of a dark chocolate bar. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen is best known for its remarkable quietness and a plush, pillowy feel. With their respective qualities, these switches offer distinct advantages for different preferences. However, let's delve deeper into their specific attributes beyond these generalities, so you can make an informed decision on the ideal switch for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Color coated
Spring
Silver white spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Oil King and the TTC Silent Frozen switches have distinct characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Oil King uses a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound. The nylon material absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing. In contrast, the Silent Frozen features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound.
Regarding the bottom housing, the Oil King employs a proprietary INK blend, resulting in a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound. This sound profile is described as clacky, providing a satisfying typing experience. Similarly, the Silent Frozen utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which also contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Both switches exhibit these qualities in their bottom housing, ensuring an enjoyable sound when pressing down on the keys.
However, it is important to note that if a switch has different top and bottom housings, the characteristics of each housing material will be distributed accordingly. The bottom-out sound and feel will be influenced more by the qualities of the bottom housing, while the sound when releasing a key will be more impacted by the top housing. This differentiation plays a role in the overall typing experience and sound profile of the switches.
In conclusion, the Gateron Oil King and the TTC Silent Frozen differ in their housing materials and, consequently, their sound profiles. The Oil King's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, while the Silent Frozen's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound. Both switches share the use of polycarbonate in their bottom housing, resulting in a similar sharper and crisper sound profile. The distribution of housing materials in a switch is important, as it affects the typing experience, sound when pressing down, and sound when releasing a key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch, there are notable differences. The Oil King switch has a medium-heavy actuation force of 55 grams, meaning that a moderate amount of pressure is needed to initiate a keystroke. In contrast, the Silent Frozen switch has a lighter actuation force of 39 grams, requiring less force for each keystroke. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Oil King switch is heavier at 65 grams, offering a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen switch has a lighter bottom out force of 43 grams, allowing for a lighter and smoother typing experience. These differences in weight can be beneficial for different individuals based on their preferences. Those who prefer a lighter feel may opt for the Silent Frozen switch, as it allows for longer periods of comfortable typing or gaming. However, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience and appreciate a stronger push feel may prefer the Oil King switch, as it provides a heavier actuation and bottom out force. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron Oil King linear switch is 4 mm, while the travel distance of the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch is 3.5 mm. The Oil King has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Silent Frozen. A travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered more traditional, providing a balanced depth for typing. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen's 3.5 mm travel distance falls on the shallower side, which some gamers prefer for faster response times. Choosing between the two options depends on personal preference. If you prioritize a shorter travel distance for increased responsiveness, the Silent Frozen would be the better choice. However, if you prefer a deeper keypress experience, the Oil King with its longer travel distance may be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer different experiences, catering to different individuals' preferences.
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 Oil King (V2) comes in at $6.50 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Oil King linear switch is known for its low-pitched and bass-heavy tone. It offers a mellow sound profile, reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch produces a thocky sound, which is deep, rich, and satisfying. It gives off a soft "knock" when the key is pressed and released. Both switches have a low-pitched sound characteristic, but the Oil King is more bass-heavy while the Silent Frozen has a muted quality, reducing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. It's important to note that the sound of the switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, both the Gateron Oil King and TTC Silent Frozen switches offer a smooth and buttery typing experience. They are described as creamy, silky, and buttery switches, providing a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. This can be attributed to lubricant applied at the factory or specific materials used in the switches. The experience is described as gliding your fingers across the keys with ease, as they effortlessly melt into each keystroke. Both switches are also described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. In addition, the Silent Frozen switch has a feathery feel, meaning it is exceptionally light to press and requires little exertion from your fingers, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions.
In conclusion, the subjective qualities of the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch show some similarities. Both switches offer a smooth and buttery typing experience with reduced friction and uniform key travel. They have a low-pitched sound characteristic, although the Oil King is more bass-heavy while the Silent Frozen has a muted sound profile. The Silent Frozen switch also has a feathery feel, making it ideal for extended typing sessions with reduced finger fatigue. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, as well as other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Conclusion
In summary, if you prioritize a medium-heavy bottom out force and a deep, rich sound profile, the Gateron Oil King linear switch is the way to go. These switches offer buttery smoothness and a low-pitched, bassy sound reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping. On the other hand, if you prefer a light bottom out force and an extremely quiet sound profile, the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch is the better choice. These switches are also super smooth and have a pillowy feel, with a thocky, low-pitched, and muted sound. Both switches provide a creamy, buttery typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. However, the Silent Frozen switch also offers a feathery and subtle typing feel, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. Ultimately, the decision between the Gateron Oil King and TTC Silent Frozen switches depends on your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel.
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