Durock Piano vs. TTC Silent Frozen (V2)
An in-depth look at the Durock Piano and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that often come up in discussions are the Durock Piano and the TTC Silent Frozen, both of which are linear switches. The Durock Piano is best known for its proprietary material blend, which contributes to its reputation as one of the most pleasant linear switches to type on. Users have reported a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature when using these switches. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen is distinguished by its extremely quiet sound profile, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer minimal noise distractions. These switches are also super smooth and offer a pillowy type feel. While the Durock Piano is categorized as "bassy," "frictionless," and "silky," the Silent Frozen is described as "thocky," "low-pitched," "creamy," "buttery," "muted," "feathery," "subtle," and "polished." However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your keyboard needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
39g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Mystery material
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Silver white spring
Housing materials
The Durock Piano and the TTC Silent Frozen have different housing materials, which result in distinct sound profiles. The Piano features a proprietary POM blend for both its top and bottom housing, while the Silent Frozen utilizes polycarbonate for both housings. The POM blend of the Piano offers a satisfying and deep sound profile, although the exact details of the blend are unknown. On the other hand, the polycarbonate used in the Silent Frozen creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances clarity and resonance. Thus, while they differ in sound characteristics, both switches provide a unique audio experience.
In terms of aesthetics, the visibility of the housing material plays a crucial role. The POM blend used in the Piano does not offer transparency, resulting in a solid and opaque appearance. On the contrary, polycarbonate is translucent, making it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. The ability to transmit light through the switch's housing adds a visually appealing element to the Silent Frozen. Therefore, those seeking a switch with vibrant lighting effects may find the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Frozen more desirable.
When considering the overall experience of using these switches, it is important to note that the qualities of the housing materials are divided between the top and bottom housings. The impact of the bottom housing is more prominent during key presses, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. In contrast, the top housing has a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key. This division of characteristics allows for a customized auditory experience depending on the user's preferences. Whether the user prioritizes the initial impact or the sound produced upon key release, both the Piano and the Silent Frozen can deliver similar results, albeit with slightly different tones and textures.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Durock Piano linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The actuation force of the Durock Piano switch is currently unknown, while the Silent Frozen switch requires a mere 39 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Piano switch is heavier with a measurement of 63.5 grams, while the Silent Frozen switch has a lighter bottom out force of 43 grams.
Considering weight, the lighter actuation force of the Silent Frozen switch allows for a smoother and quicker typing experience, which can be beneficial for those seeking extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Piano switch offers a more substantial push feel due to its heavier bottom out force. This can be advantageous for individuals who prefer a more tactile and satisfying typing experience.
In terms of weight preference, those who enjoy lighter switches may favor the Silent Frozen switch for its lower actuation and bottom out forces. This would be ideal for individuals who prioritize longer typing sessions or gaming comfort. Conversely, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may find the heavier actuation force and bottom out force of the Piano switch to be more suitable.
Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Piano linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch, it is clear that the Piano has a longer travel distance of 4.0mm compared to the Silent Frozen's 3.5mm. The Piano's 4.0mm travel distance is more traditional, providing a deeper feeling when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen's 3.5mm travel distance is slightly shorter, making it a preferred choice for gamers who value faster response times. While both switches offer a satisfactory range of travel distance, the longer travel distance of the Piano may appeal more to those who prefer a more substantial and immersive typing experience, whereas the Silent Frozen's shorter travel distance may be favored by those seeking snappy and precise key presses.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
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 Durock Piano linear switch is best known for its proprietary material blend, which results in a pleasant typing experience. When using the Piano switches, users report a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature. This means that the switch offers a smooth and effortless typing experience, with a rich and bassy sound when pressed.
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 Silent Frozen switches offer a thocky sound, which produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed and released. Additionally, they have a low-pitched tone and a muted sound, reducing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards.
In terms of sound, the Piano switches have a deep and rich sound profile, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen switches offer a deep and satisfying thocky sound, with a low-pitched and muted tone. Both switches provide a pleasant auditory experience, but with slightly different characteristics.
When it comes to feel, the Piano switches are described as frictionless and silky. These switches offer an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing resistance and friction when pressing the keys. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen switches are described as creamy, buttery, feathery, subtle, and polished. They provide a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, with a seamless and uniform typing sensation. The Silent Frozen switches also require little exertion from your fingers, reducing finger fatigue and making them comfortable for extended typing sessions.
In conclusion, while the Durock Piano linear switches and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switches offer different sound profiles and typing feels, they both provide a pleasant and enjoyable typing experience. The Piano switches are characterized by a deep and creamy sound, with a gliding push feel, while the Silent Frozen switches offer a quiet and thocky sound, with a super smooth and pillowy feel. Depending on personal preference, one switch may be preferred over the other, but both switches will yield similar results in terms of overall satisfaction.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Piano linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams, the Piano switch would be a better choice. It offers a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 43 grams, the Silent Frozen switch would be more suitable. It provides a pillowy type feel and an extremely quiet sound profile.
In terms of sound, the Piano switch offers a bassy experience with a lower frequency range, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. In contrast, the Silent Frozen switch produces a satisfying thocky sound with a deep, rich, and low-pitched tone. It also has a muted profile, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards.
Considering feel, the Piano switch is frictionless and silky, providing an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen switch offers a creamy, buttery, feathery, subtle, and polished feel. It allows for easy and comfortable typing sessions, reduces finger fatigue, and offers a sleek typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Piano linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch depends on your individual preferences regarding bottom out force, sound, and feel.
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