KTT Pine vs. TTC Silent Frozen (V2)
An in-depth look at the KTT Pine and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are many options to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics. Two switches that stand out are the KTT Pine, a linear switch, and the TTC Silent Frozen, also a linear switch. The KTT Pine switch is best known for its medium-heavy weight and buttery smooth feel, providing an effortless typing experience. With a polished, factory-lubed finish, these switches minimize friction, resulting in smooth key travel. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen switch is characterized by its extremely quiet sound profile, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. The Silent Frozen switches are also super smooth and have a pillowy type feel. Both switches share qualities such as being low-pitched and creamy, but differ in terms of their categorizations. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
39g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Spring
Silver white spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Pine and the TTC Silent Frozen, namely polycarbonate, play a significant role in shaping the sound profiles of these switches. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a similar sound profile characterized by sharpness, higher pitch, and crispness. This can be attributed to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which allows for clearer and more resonant sound production. In addition to its acoustic properties, polycarbonate is also aesthetically beneficial due to its translucency, making it an ideal choice for switches that utilize RGB lighting.
Despite the similarities in housing materials, slight differences can be observed when considering the specific impact of the top and bottom housings. The bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed down. As a result, the qualities of the polycarbonate bottom housing will affect the tactile feedback experienced when typing or gaming. Conversely, the top housing has a more pronounced impact on the sound produced when a key is released. The polycarbonate top housing, therefore, contributes to the overall acoustic experience by shaping the sound after the initial keystroke.
In essence, while the KTT Pine and TTC Silent Frozen both employ polycarbonate for their top and bottom housings, it is important to note the division of qualities between the two parts. The similarity in material ensures that both switches will deliver a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisp sound profile, along with the visual appeal of translucent housing for RGB lighting effects. However, the characteristics of each housing will come into play differently during the typing or gaming experience, with the bottom housing influencing the feel of pressing down on the switch and the top housing influencing the sound upon key release.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Pine linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Pine switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Silent Frozen requires a lighter 39 grams to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, the Pine switch has a bottom out force of 58 grams, while the Silent Frozen has a lower bottom out force of 43 grams. This means that the Pine switch offers a slightly heavier and more substantial typing experience, requiring more force to activate and fully press down. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen switch provides a lighter and more effortless keystroke, making it preferable for those who prefer a lighter touch or plan on typing for longer periods of time. Both switches fall within the medium range for actuation force, but the Pine switch is heavier and requires a slightly stronger push compared to the lighter Silent Frozen switch.
Travel distance
The KTT Pine linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Pine's travel distance of 4 mm is considered a more traditional and standard distance, while the Silent Frozen's 3.5 mm is on the shallower side. This means that if you prefer a more responsive typing experience, the Silent Frozen switch with its shorter travel distance would be a better choice. Gamers, in particular, often opt for shorter travel distances to achieve faster response times. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper and more substantial key press, the Pine switch with its longer travel distance would be a more suitable option. It is important to consider personal preferences and typing habits when choosing between these switches. However, both switches offer different experiences and results due to their contrasting travel distances.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine 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
In terms of sound, the KTT Pine linear switch can be described as bassy and low-pitched. These qualities result in a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch is described 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, the Silent Frozen switch's muted attribute minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the choice of board and keycaps. Overall, both switches offer similar qualities in terms of sound, providing a low-pitched and potentially bass-heavy sound profile.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, both the KTT Pine and TTC Silent Frozen linear switches can be described as buttery and creamy. This implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. The application of lubricant in the factory contributes to this smoothness, ensuring that the switches offer a silky sensation when typing. Additionally, the Silent Frozen switch is also described as feathery, meaning it is exceptionally light to press and requires little exertion from the fingers. This reduces finger fatigue and makes it comfortable for extended typing sessions. The Silent Frozen switch also offers a subtle resistance, creating a gentle typing feel, and its polished finish further enhances the smooth and refined typing experience by reducing friction and providing smooth key travel. In summary, both switches deliver a similar feel with their buttery and creamy attributes, offering smooth and effortless keystrokes, while the Silent Frozen switch adds a feathery sensation and a subtle resistance to the typing experience.
Considering all the available information, both the KTT Pine and TTC Silent Frozen linear switches offer similar subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. They provide a low-pitched sound profile, potentially with bass tones, and a smooth and effortless typing experience. The main difference lies in the additional attributes offered by the Silent Frozen switch, such as a thocky sound, a muted sound profile, a feathery sensation, and a subtle resistance. These attributes make the Silent Frozen switch suitable for those who prefer quieter keyboards and require a light typing experience with reduced finger fatigue. However, it is important to remember that the ultimate typing experience is also influenced by personal preference and the other components of the keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Pine linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch, there are a few key factors to consider. If you prefer a medium-bottom out force and a typing experience that is buttery smooth, the Pine switch may be the better choice for you. Additionally, if you enjoy a switch with a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, the Pine switch is worth considering. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and prioritize a keyboard switch with an extremely quiet sound profile, the Silent Frozen switch may be more suitable. Moreover, if you are looking for a creamy and buttery typing experience, both switches offer this sensation. However, if you value a feathery or subtle switch that requires little exertion from your fingers and reduces finger fatigue, the Silent Frozen switch may be a better fit. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your personal preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. Consider these factors carefully to choose the switch that will enhance your typing experience the most.
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