Outemu Crystal Brown vs. TTC Silent Frozen (V2)
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal Brown and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Crystal Brown and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) offer unique experiences for users. The Crystal Brown is a tactile switch, providing a satisfying bump feedback with each key press. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen (V2) is a linear switch known for its extremely quiet sound profile and smooth, pillowy feel. While the Crystal Brown offers tactile feedback ideal for typists who enjoy a responsive feel, the Silent Frozen (V2) provides a silent and smooth typing experience, making it perfect for those in shared workspaces or late-night gaming sessions. 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
55g
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
Partial box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Silver white spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Crystal Brown and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2), both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. However, the Crystal Brown's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Silent Frozen (V2)'s polycarbonate bottom housing, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller, rounder sound. This difference in bottom housing material may result in a slightly different typing experience between the two switches.
Despite having different bottom housing materials, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing that delivers similar sound characteristics. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, particularly when typing or releasing a key. The translucent nature of polycarbonate also enhances the aesthetic appeal of the switches, especially when paired with RGB lighting. However, the Crystal Brown's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper sound profile compared to the Silent Frozen (V2)'s polycarbonate bottom housing, which may affect the overall typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in a switch can significantly impact its sound profile and typing experience. While both the Outemu Crystal Brown and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) share a polycarbonate top housing for a sharper sound profile, the Crystal Brown's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Silent Frozen (V2)'s polycarbonate bottom housing. The combination of different housing materials in each switch results in a unique typing experience, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing affecting the sound when releasing a key. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference for sound and typing feel.
Weight
The Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch which has an actuation force of 39 grams, making the Crystal Brown a bit heavier. When it comes to bottom out force, the Crystal Brown also requires more force at 55 grams compared to the Silent Frozen (V2) at 43 grams. This means that the Crystal Brown switch offers a more substantial typing experience with a slightly heavier touch, while the Silent Frozen (V2) provides a lighter and gentler typing feel. Both switches offer a tactile feedback but the Silent Frozen (V2) is lighter if that's what you prefer. If you prefer a heavier touch, then the Crystal Brown would be the better option for you. Additionally, both switches allow for a comfortable typing experience that caters to different preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch, we can see that the Crystal Brown has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Silent Frozen's 3.5 mm. The Crystal Brown offers a more traditional travel distance, providing a deeper key press experience, which some users may find more satisfying and precise. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen offers a shallower travel distance, which could appeal to those looking for a quicker response time, such as gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance - whether one prefers the longer, more tactile experience of the Crystal Brown or the shorter, more responsive feel of the Silent Frozen. Both switches offer unique benefits, and selecting the right one will ensure a satisfying typing or gaming experience.
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 Outemu Crystal Brown comes in at $3.10 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 Outemu Crystal Brown switch is known for its lack of distinctive characteristics. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switch is characterized by its extremely quiet sound profile. The Silent Frozen switch is described as having a "thocky" sound, meaning it produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. Additionally, it has a low-pitched and muted tonality, creating a quieter typing experience overall. While the Crystal Brown switch may offer a more traditional sound, the Silent Frozen switch provides a unique and silent typing experience that is ideal for quiet environments or shared spaces.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch does not have any specific descriptors available. However, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switch is characterized by its smooth and "pillowy" feel. The switch is described as creamy and buttery, offering a smooth and fluid typing experience. It has a feathery and subtle resistance, making it light to press and comfortable for extended typing sessions. The polished finish of the Silent Frozen switch also contributes to a sleek and refined typing feel, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Overall, the Silent Frozen switch provides a gentle and comfortable typing experience that is suitable for users looking for a smooth and quiet switch option.
In conclusion, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switch offer contrasting qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Crystal Brown switch is more traditional and lacks specific descriptors, the Silent Frozen switch stands out for its extremely quiet sound profile and smooth, buttery feel. Depending on your preferences for sound and typing experience, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different needs. If you prefer a quieter and smoother typing experience, the Silent Frozen switch may be the better choice. However, if you are looking for a more traditional sound without specific feel preferences, the Crystal Brown switch can also provide a reliable typing experience. Ultimately, the right choice between these two switches depends on individual preferences and requirements for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch, you should consider your preference for a medium-light bottom out force with a tactile feel versus a light bottom out force with a smooth linear feel. If you prioritize a tactile typing experience and don't mind a bit of noise, the Crystal Brown switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a quiet and smooth typing experience with a lighter touch, the Silent Frozen (V2) switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound profile.
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