KTT Phalaenopsis vs. TTC Silent Frozen (V2)
An in-depth look at the KTT Phalaenopsis and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the KTT Phalaenopsis, a tactile switch, and the TTC Silent Frozen, a linear switch. The Phalaenopsis switch stands out with its beautiful translucent design and light actuation force of 37g. This makes typing effortless and minimizes finger fatigue, even during prolonged typing sessions. With a satisfying tactile bump of 50g, each keystroke becomes a delightful experience. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen switch is characterized by its extremely quiet sound profile, making it ideal for those who prefer a more stealthy typing experience. These switches are also super smooth and provide a pillowy type feel. Categorized with descriptors like "bassy," "stepped," "thocky," "creamy," and "buttery," they offer a muted and feather-like typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
39g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
Silver white spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Phalaenopsis and TTC Silent Frozen switches are nearly identical, both utilizing polycarbonate for their top and bottom housings. This choice of material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in both switches. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, enhancing the overall switch experience. The translucency of polycarbonate in the top housing is particularly beneficial for users planning to utilize RGB lighting, as it allows for vibrant and visually appealing illumination.
Given that both switches share the same polycarbonate housing materials, users can expect similar results in terms of sound profile and aesthetic properties. The use of polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housings ensures a consistent and cohesive switch experience. When pressing down on either switch, the impact and resulting sound will be influenced by the bottom housing. Meanwhile, the sound produced when letting go of a key will primarily be shaped by the characteristics of the top housing. This differentiation highlights the importance of each housing material and its specific role within the switch mechanism.
In summary, the KTT Phalaenopsis and TTC Silent Frozen switches offer comparable housing materials in the form of polycarbonate. This choice provides a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile, with the stiffness of polycarbonate contributing to clear and resonant characteristics. The translucency of the polycarbonate top housing also adds aesthetic value for users interested in RGB lighting. Overall, while the switches may have slight variances in physical design, their shared housing materials ensure a similar auditory and visual experience for users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch, we can observe some similarities and differences. In terms of actuation force, the Phalaenopsis requires 37 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the Silent Frozen requires slightly more at 39 grams. Both switches have relatively light actuation forces, making them suitable for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming sessions.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Phalaenopsis has a higher value of 50 grams, indicating that it requires a slightly stronger push to fully press the key. On the other hand, the bottom out force for the Silent Frozen is 43 grams, making it lighter in comparison.
Considering the weight aspect, individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Silent Frozen linear switch, as it has both a lighter actuation force and bottom out force. These lighter forces enable smoother and faster keystrokes, which can be beneficial for tasks that require speed and precision.
However, some users may prefer a more substantial typing experience that provides a stronger push feel. For these individuals, the Phalaenopsis tactile switch would be a suitable choice, as it has slightly heavier forces for both actuation and bottom out. This can provide a satisfying and tactile feedback while typing, making it a preferred option for those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke.
Ultimately, the decision between the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch depends on individual preferences and typing style. Both switches offer their own advantages, but it is essential to consider factors such as typing comfort and the desired typing experience before making a selection.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch, we can see that there is a noticeable difference. The Phalaenopsis has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Silent Frozen has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Phalaenopsis falls into the category of a more traditional travel distance, providing a deeper feeling when pressed down. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen offers a shallower travel distance, which is preferred by gamers who require faster response times. If you value a more responsive typing experience, the Silent Frozen would be the better choice for you. However, if you enjoy a deeper keypress sensation, the Phalaenopsis with its longer travel distance may be more satisfying. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing experience desired.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Phalaenopsis has an MSRP of $4.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Phalaenopsis for $4.15.
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
The KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch is best known for its effortless typing experience and minimal finger fatigue. With a light actuation force of 37g, these switches make typing a breeze even during extended sessions. The 50g tactile force also provides a satisfying and discernible tactile bump, ensuring each keystroke is a delightful experience. In terms of sound, the Phalaenopsis switches are described as having a bassy and thocky sound profile. This means that they offer a deeper and richer sound similar to the depth and richness associated with bass tones, resulting in a satisfying "thud" or "knock" when the key is pressed and released.
On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch is characterized by its extremely quiet sound profile. These switches are also super smooth and have a pillowy type feel. The sound profile of the Silent Frozen switches is described as thocky, low-pitched, and muted. This means that they produce a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed, with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. The muted characteristics of the switch minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Phalaenopsis switches are described as stepped, meaning they have a mild tactile bump. This provides a more subtle and gentle resistance to the keystroke, allowing for a comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen switches are described as creamy, buttery, feathery, subtle, and polished. This means that they offer a smooth and buttery typing experience, with a seamless, effortless, and uniform sensation. They are exceptionally light to press, reducing finger fatigue and making them comfortable for extended typing sessions. Additionally, the polished finish of the switch provides reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, both the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Phalaenopsis provides a satisfying and discernible tactile bump, with a bassy and thocky sound profile. It offers a stepped feel, providing a more mild tactile experience. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen has an extremely quiet sound profile, with a thocky, low-pitched, and muted sound. It offers a creamy, buttery, feathery, subtle, and polished feel, providing a smooth and effortless typing experience. Based on the available information, it can be concluded that both switches provide enjoyable typing experiences, albeit with different sound and feel characteristics.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you prioritize a delightful typing experience with a discernible tactile bump, effortless typing with minimal finger fatigue, and a satisfying and rich sound profile characterized by deep "thocky" or bassy tones, then the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch is the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you value an extremely quiet sound profile, super smooth and pillowy feel, and a typing experience that is smooth, buttery, feathery, and subtle, then the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch is the ideal option. The Silent Frozen switch also offers a lower bottom out force of 43 grams compared to the Phalaenopsis' 50 grams, making it even lighter to press. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and priorities in terms of feel, sound, and typing experience.
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