Outemu Tom vs. TTC Silent Frozen (V2)
An in-depth look at the Outemu Tom 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 Tom, a tactile switch, and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2), a linear switch, offer distinct qualities for different preferences. The Tom is renowned for its None, providing a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen (V2) stands out for its extremely quiet sound profile, smooth operation, and pillowy feel, making it ideal for those who prioritize a noiseless and buttery typing experience. While these general pointers can help guide your decision, it's essential to delve deeper into the specifics of each switch to determine which one suits your preferences best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
39g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Tom and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2), it is clear that both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. This means that they will both exhibit a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to switches with different top housing materials. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing also allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding an aesthetic appeal to both switches. However, the Tom's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the Silent Frozen (V2)'s polycarbonate bottom housing.
Despite both switches having a polycarbonate top housing, the difference in bottom housing material between the Outemu Tom and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) results in distinct sound profiles. The Tom's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, leading to a deeper and fuller sound while the Silent Frozen (V2)'s polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and more resonant sound. This disparity in bottom housing material affects the overall typing experience, with the impact on bottom-out sound and feel being more pronounced in the Tom due to the nature of nylon, while the sound when releasing a key will be influenced more by the material of the top housing.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and typing experience. While both the Outemu Tom and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) feature a polycarbonate top housing for a sharper and crisper sound, the difference in bottom housing material results in distinct sound profiles. The Tom's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, while the Silent Frozen (V2)'s polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and clearer sound. Overall, the combination of top and bottom housing materials in a switch influences the tactile feedback and sound profile, ultimately enhancing the overall typing experience for users.
Weight
The Outemu Tom tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch, which only requires 39 grams of force to actuate. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Tom switch does not have a specified bottom out force, while the Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch has a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it a lighter option. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience that allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue, the Silent Frozen (V2) would be the better choice. On the other hand, users who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may prefer the heavier actuation force of the Outemu Tom switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Outemu Tom tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Silent Frozen (V2) has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Outemu Tom. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may result in a slightly different typing experience, with the Silent Frozen (V2) offering a bit more depth when pressed. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference 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 Outemu Tom 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 Tom switch is known for not having a specific reputation. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switch is characterized by its extremely quiet sound profile, described as "thocky," low-pitched, and muted. This means that the Silent Frozen (V2) switch will produce a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed, with a bass-heavy and mellow tone, all while minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. The sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Tom switch does not have a well-known descriptor. In contrast, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switch is described as creamy, buttery, feathery, subtle, and polished. This means that typing on the Silent Frozen (V2) switch will provide a smooth and buttery typing experience, with a seamless, effortless, and uniform sensation, as well as reduced finger fatigue and refined key travel. The light actuation force and smooth key travel make it comfortable for extended typing sessions.
In conclusion, if you prefer a switch with a quiet sound profile, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switch would be the ideal choice due to its thocky, low-pitched, and muted characteristics. On the other hand, if you value a smoother and more refined typing experience, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switch with its creamy, buttery, feathery, subtle, and polished feel would be the better option. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choosing between the two would depend on whether you prioritize sound or feel in your mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Tom tactile switch and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch, you might want to opt for the Tom if you prefer a switch with a bottom out force of None grams and enjoy its unique characteristics. On the other hand, if you prioritize a light bottom out force of 43 grams and are looking for a switch that is characterized by extremely quiet sound profile, super smooth feel, and a pillowy sensation, then the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch would be the better choice for you. Consider your preferences in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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