Kailh Plum vs. TTC Silent Frozen (V2)
An in-depth look at the Kailh Plum 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 Kailh Plum and the TTC Silent Frozen. The Plum is a tactile switch that stands out for its unique combination of weight and tactility. Unlike many other tactile switches, the Plum's hefty feel does not come with a pronounced tactile bump. This, coupled with its neutral and enjoyable sound profile, makes it a distinct choice. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen is a linear switch known for its extreme quietness and smoothness. With a sound profile that can be described as thocky, low-pitched, creamy, buttery, muted, feathery, subtle, and polished, these switches offer a pillowy feel. Both switches have their own set of strengths, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
39g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Silver white spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Plum and the TTC Silent Frozen share many similarities. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it a popular choice for switches with RGB lighting. These similarities in the top housing materials suggest that the sound experience when pressing down on the keys will be quite similar for both switches.
However, a notable difference lies in the bottom housing materials of the two switches. The Plum employs nylon, a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen uses polycarbonate for the bottom housing as well, emphasizing a sharper and clearer sound. This means that the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the keys will differ between the two switches. The Plum's nylon bottom housing may provide a more subdued and rounded sound experience, while the Silent Frozen's polycarbonate bottom housing will maintain a sharper and crisper sound.
In summary, while the top housing materials of the Kailh Plum and the TTC Silent Frozen are the same, providing a comparable sound profile, their bottom housing materials differ. The Plum's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, while the Silent Frozen's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a sharper and clearer sound. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of the desired sound profile when typing.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Plum tactile switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch, we can see distinct differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The actuation force for the Plum switch is unfortunately unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare. However, the Silent Frozen switch has an actuation force of 39 grams, indicating a lighter touch is needed to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, the Plum switch has a bottom out force of 70 grams, which is considered medium-heavy and provides a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Frozen switch has a bottom out force of 43 grams, suggesting a lighter and potentially more comfortable typing experience overall.
Considering weight as a factor, those who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming might opt for the Silent Frozen switch due to its lower actuation and bottom out forces. This lighter touch can reduce finger fatigue and allow for longer usage without strain. Meanwhile, individuals who value a stronger push during typing might lean towards the Plum switch, as its heavier bottom out force provides a more substantial typing experience. Overall, both switches offer distinct advantages, and the choice between them ultimately depends on personal preference and usage requirements.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Plum tactile switch is 3.6 mm, while the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular, particularly among gamers who value faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive typing experience, the TTC Silent Frozen switch may be the better option due to its slightly shorter travel distance. However, for those who prefer a deeper key press, the Kailh Plum tactile switch with its slightly longer travel distance may offer a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the specific needs of the user.
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 Kailh Plum comes in at $6.25 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 Kailh Plum tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile. This means that the switch has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making it suitable for most purposes. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch is known for its extremely quiet sound profile. It produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed, similar to a "thock" or a soft "knock". Additionally, the Silent Frozen switch is low-pitched and muted, resulting in a more bass-heavy and mellow tone with minimized noise compared to a regular switch. However, it's important to note that the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Plum tactile switch offers a mild and stepped typing experience. It provides a gentle typing sensation with a safe, middle-ground feel. It has a tactile bump that is not as pronounced as other tactile switches, giving it a unique quality. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch is described as creamy, buttery, feathery, subtle, and polished. It provides a smooth and buttery typing experience, similar to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. The switch has a light actuation force, reducing finger fatigue and making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. Overall, both switches offer distinct tactile experiences, with the Plum being more mild and the Silent Frozen being smoother and lighter.
Taking all the available information into account, the Kailh Plum tactile switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch offer different qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Plum switch has a neutral sound profile and a mild, stepped feel, making it suitable for most intents and purposes. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen switch has a thocky, low-pitched, and muted sound profile, along with a creamy, buttery, feathery, subtle, and polished feel. While these switches may provide different experiences, they both offer unique characteristics that can enhance the typing or gaming experience. Depending on personal preference, one may prefer the weightiness and unique tactility of the Plum switch, while others may appreciate the extremely quiet and smooth feel of the Silent Frozen switch.
Conclusion
To conclude, if you're looking for a medium-heavy switch with a unique tactile experience and a neutral sound profile, the Kailh Plum tactile switch is a great choice. The Plum provides a hefty feel without an overwhelming tactile bump and produces a pleasant and balanced sound. On the other hand, if you prefer a light switch with an extremely quiet sound profile and a pillowy feel, the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch is the way to go. The Silent Frozen switches are known for their smoothness, quietness, and thocky sound, which adds a deep and satisfying element to your typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your preferences for weight and tactile sensation, as well as your desired sound profile.
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