Outemu Phoenix vs. TTC Silent Frozen (V2)
An in-depth look at the Outemu Phoenix 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 stand out - the Outemu Phoenix and the TTC Silent Frozen. The Phoenix is a clicky switch, renowned for its under-skirt click mechanism, making it one of the most unique options available today. With a crystalline and sparkling type feel and sound profile, it falls under the categories of being both crunchy and polished. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen switch from TTC is a linear switch known for its extremely quiet sound profile. It offers a super smooth typing experience with a pillowy type feel. Categorized as thocky, low-pitched, creamy, buttery, muted, feathery, subtle, and polished, it provides a different tactile experience compared to the Phoenix. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your keyboard.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
39g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Silver white spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Phoenix and the TTC Silent Frozen both feature polycarbonate top and bottom housings. This means that they will have similar qualities and attributes when it comes to sound and feel. Both switches will produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the use of polycarbonate, which is known for its stiffness and ability to create clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate material makes it ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through and create visually appealing effects. Therefore, users can expect comparable results in terms of sound and aesthetics from both the Outemu Phoenix and the TTC Silent Frozen due to their shared housing materials.
However, despite their similarities, it is worth noting that the qualities brought about by the different housing materials of the top and bottom sections of the switch will be split between the two for each model. When pressing down on the switch, the user will primarily experience the attributes of the bottom housing, which has a greater impact on the sound and feel of the switch when it bottom-outs. Conversely, the top housing will play a larger role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, while the overall sound profile and aesthetic benefits will be similar between the two switches, the specific nuances of the bottom-out and key release sounds may differ slightly due to the utilization of different materials for their respective housings.
In conclusion, the Outemu Phoenix and the TTC Silent Frozen share the use of polycarbonate in their top and bottom housings. This results in similar sound characteristics such as sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profiles. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes them both ideal choices for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. However, slight variations may arise in the specific sound qualities when bottoming out or releasing a key due to the differences in the bottom and top housing materials. Overall, users can expect comparable performance and aesthetics from these two switches thanks to their shared housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch, it is evident that they have distinct differences. The actuation force of the Phoenix switch is not specified, while the Silent Frozen switch has an actuation force of 39 grams, making it lighter. On the other hand, the Phoenix switch has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is medium, whereas the Silent Frozen switch has a bottom out force of 43 grams, classified as light.
Considering weight, those who prefer a lighter typing experience or expect longer usage periods may lean towards the Silent Frozen switch. This switch's lower actuation force allows for a more effortless keystroke triggering, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. Conversely, individuals seeking a more substantial typing feel and prefer a stronger push may opt for the Phoenix switch. Its higher bottom out force delivers a more pronounced typing experience, offering a satisfying resistance during keystrokes.
While the exact actuation force of the Phoenix switch remains unknown, it is clear that both switches offer differing levels of force. Thus, depending on personal preferences and requirements, users can select a switch with either a lighter or heavier force, tailoring their typing experience accordingly.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch, we can see that the Phoenix has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Silent Frozen has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have become more prevalent in recent years. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, the Phoenix switch may be the better option for you. However, some individuals find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt and prefer a more substantial key press. In this case, the Silent Frozen switch with its slightly longer travel distance may be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and the desired typing 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 Phoenix comes in at $4.15 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 Phoenix clicky switch is often described as crunchy. This means that when you press the key, it produces a sound reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch is characterized as thocky, low-pitched, and muted. This means that it produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed, with a bass-heavy and mellow tone. Additionally, it aims to minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Phoenix switch is described as polished, indicating that it provides a smooth and refined typing experience. This is due to either the materials used or the factory lubing of the switch. As a result, it offers reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch is described as creamy, buttery, feathery, subtle, and polished. This means that it offers a smooth and buttery typing experience with a silky sensation. It provides a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation, with an exceptionally light to press feel that reduces finger fatigue. This makes it comfortable for extended typing sessions. Additionally, it has a gentle resistance and a sound signature that is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces.
In conclusion, the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Phoenix switch has a unique crystalline and sparkling feel and sound profile, characterized by a crunchy sound and a polished feel. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen switch is known for being extremely quiet, smooth, and pillowy, with a thocky, low-pitched, and muted sound profile, and a creamy, buttery, feathery, subtle, and polished feel. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer distinct experiences. However, it's important to consider other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used, as they can also influence the overall sound and feel of the switch. Ultimately, if you are looking for similar results in terms of sound and feel, you can expect a crunchy and polished experience with the Phoenix switch, while the Silent Frozen switch offers a thocky, low-pitched, and muted sound with a creamy, buttery, feathery, subtle, and polished feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who enjoys a unique and sparkling feel and sound profile, and prefers a switch with a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, then the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch would be a great choice for you. These switches are best known for their under-skirt click mechanism, providing a crunchy sound reminiscent of stepping on autumn leaves. In terms of feel, the Phoenix switch offers a polished experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prioritize a quiet typing experience and prefer a lighter bottom out force of 43 grams, the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch would be more suitable for you. These switches are characterized by an extremely quiet sound profile, referred to as thocky, which produces a deep, satisfying sound similar to a soft knock or thud. The Silent Frozen switches are also super smooth, offering a creamy and buttery typing experience that feels like effortlessly gliding your fingers across the keys.
Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch depends on your personal preferences and priorities. If you value a unique and sparkling clicky experience with a medium bottom out force, then go for the Phoenix switch. However, if you prefer a quiet and smooth typing experience with a lighter bottom out force, then the Silent Frozen switch is the way to go. Consider your desired sound and feel, and make your decision accordingly.
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