Akko Rosewood vs. TTC Silent Frozen (V2)
An in-depth look at the Akko Rosewood and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Rosewood and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) present two distinct yet appealing options for enthusiasts seeking a satisfying typing experience. The Akko Rosewood switches are celebrated for their deep, thocky sound, enhanced by a factory-applied lubricant that adds a rich auditory element to every keystroke. This makes them a fantastic choice for users who enjoy tactile feedback and a pronounced acoustic profile. In contrast, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switches prioritize a silent operation without sacrificing smoothness, providing a pillowy feel that enhances comfort during extended typing sessions. They are perfect for users who need to maintain a quiet environment, such as in office settings or shared spaces. While both switches cater to linear switch enthusiasts, one leans towards an engaging auditory experience while the other emphasizes silence and comfort. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
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
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Silver white spring
Housing materials
The Akko Rosewood and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) employ different housing materials that significantly influence their acoustic profiles and tactile feedback. The Rosewood features nylon for both the top and bottom housings. This choice lends the switches a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon’s softer plastic qualities, which absorb sound more effectively than harder alternatives. Consequently, when typing on the Rosewood, users can expect a duller, rounder auditory experience that aligns with the classic characteristics of nylon switches. This cohesive use of nylon ensures that the engaged and released sounds are consistent, providing a harmonious typing experience.
Conversely, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) utilizes polycarbonate for its top and bottom housings, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances resonance, which leads to a high-pitched and clear auditory experience. This makes the Silent Frozen particularly appealing for users who favor a more vibrant sound when typing. Additionally, the clear nature of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through effectively, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switch. As a result, the sound and tactile feedback offered by the Silent Frozen diverges considerably from that of the Rosewood, aligning more with those seeking a lively and resonant typing experience.
Despite the differences in materials, both switches will yield distinct sound profiles that are complementary to their respective housing materials. The Rosewood's nylon housing ensures that both the bottom-out and release sounds are muted and well-rounded, while the Silent Frozen's polycarbonate construction emphasizes clarity and vibrancy in both actions. Notably, if the two switches were to incorporate similar design elements—such as a balanced combination of nylon and polycarbonate or shared shapes—users could achieve results that harmonize the qualities of both materials. In this way, while distinct in their construction and auditory outcomes, both switches can provide satisfying typing experiences tailored to different preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Rosewood linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch, both exhibit light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for users who prefer a gentler typing experience. The Rosewood switch has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Silent Frozen (V2) features a slightly lighter actuation force of 39 grams and a lower bottom out force of 43 grams. Consequently, the Silent Frozen (V2) can be considered the lighter option, whereas the Rosewood is heavier in terms of both actuation and bottom out forces. Despite their differences, users of either switch can expect a similarly light feel, which can facilitate extended typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice will depend on individual preferences for tactile feedback, with the Rosewood providing a slightly stronger push for those who appreciate a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Rosewood linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch, we find that the Rosewood features a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Silent Frozen (V2) has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference means that users who prefer a more pronounced and hearty depth when pressing down on keys might favor the Rosewood, as it provides a more traditional and deeper feel. On the other hand, gamers or those seeking quicker response times may prefer the Silent Frozen (V2) with its shorter travel distance, which can facilitate faster actuation and rapid key presses. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko Rosewood has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rosewood for $3.11.
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 Akko Rosewood linear switch produces a deep, satisfying thock that many enthusiasts find appealing. Its sound profile benefits from a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant, resulting in a rich audio experience that evokes a sense of tactile satisfaction with each keystroke. Conversely, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) is designed with an extremely quiet sound profile, featuring a muted, low-pitched thock that minimizes noise. While it still delivers a pleasant auditory feedback, it leans more towards a soft and almost inaudible thud, making it ideal for quieter environments or shared spaces where sound might be an issue.
When it comes to feel, the Rosewood offers a tactile experience that is smooth yet pronounced, allowing for satisfying keystrokes that many users enjoy when they type or play games. In contrast, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) is characterized by its creamy, buttery, and feathery sensation, ensuring a seamless and effortless typing experience. This switch feels remarkably smooth, almost gliding beneath your fingers, which can reduce finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Its subtle resistance makes it appealing for extended use in various applications, whether for work, gaming, or casual writing.
In conclusion, both the Akko Rosewood and TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switches provide unique auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. If you're seeking a deep, thocky sound with a satisfying feel, the Rosewood switch could be the right choice. However, if you prefer a quiet environment combined with a smooth, lightweight experience, the Silent Frozen (V2) would likely be more suitable. Depending on your specific needs and preferences, both switches can yield an enjoyable typing experience, albeit with distinct qualities that might appeal to different users.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Akko Rosewood linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal priorities and typing environment. If you value a deeper and more satisfying auditory feedback while typing, the Rosewood's thocky sound and polished feel, combined with a slightly heavier bottom-out force of 50 grams, make it an appealing choice for an immersive typing experience. This could be especially satisfying if you're in a private setting where you can fully appreciate the acoustics of the switch. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter operation along with a buttery smooth keypress, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) shines with its extremely muted sound profile and lighter bottom-out force of 43 grams. This makes it ideal for use in shared environments or during long gaming or work sessions, where you want to minimize distractions for yourself and those around you. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your individual typing style and the settings in which you’ll be using your keyboard.