Kailh Sage vs. TTC Silent Frozen (V2)

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Sage and TTC Silent Frozen are two popular options with distinct qualities. The Sage switches are best known for their invigorating and sharp clicky typing experience. They offer a refreshingly weighty feel and a satisfyingly crisp click. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen switches excel in providing an extremely quiet sound profile. They have a smooth and pillowy feel, offering a thocky and low-pitched typing experience. With their creamy, buttery, and muted qualities, they are often characterized as feathery and subtle. While these general descriptions give a glimpse into each switch's characteristics, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Kailh Sage Clicky

TTC Silent Frozen (V2) Linear

$6.25 per 10

$8.61

$5.33 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Kailh Sage and the TTC Silent Frozen both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a similar sound profile. The use of polycarbonate creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, allowing for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, both switches feature a clear housing, providing the benefit of translucency for those who plan to use RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect comparable results in terms of sound and aesthetics when using either switch.

However, the bottom housing materials differ between the two switches. The Sage incorporates a nylon bottom housing, while the Silent Frozen utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing. Typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Silent Frozen contributes to a sharper and clearer sound profile, thanks to its stiffer nature. When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of their respective bottom housing materials will be felt, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel.

In terms of the impact on sound when releasing a key, the top housing of the switches plays a significant role. As both the Sage and the Silent Frozen feature polycarbonate top housing, users can expect a comparable effect. When letting go of a key, the top housing material influences the sound produced, creating a sharp and resonant tone. Therefore, regardless of the differences in the bottom housing materials, users can expect a similar result when it comes to the sound during key release.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The actuation force of the Sage switch is currently unavailable, while the Silent Frozen switch has a lighter actuation force of 39 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Sage switch requires a heavier force of 70 grams, which falls into the medium-heavy range. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen switch has a lighter bottom out force of 43 grams, which is considered light.

Considering weight is important as it affects the typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter switch may opt for the Silent Frozen, as its lower actuation force allows for smoother and quicker keystrokes. This can be beneficial for prolonged typing or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial and tactile typing experience may lean towards the heavier actuation and bottom out force of the Sage switch. The increased force required for keystrokes can provide a satisfying push feel, allowing for better accuracy and precision.

In conclusion, the actuation and bottom out forces of the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch differ. The Sage switch requires a heavier force for both actuation and bottoming out, while the Silent Frozen switch has lighter forces. It ultimately comes down to personal preference, with lighter switches enabling longer periods of comfortable typing and heavier switches providing a more substantial and tactile typing experience.

Travel distance

The Kailh Sage clicky switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch each have their own unique travel distances. The Sage has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Frozen has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both of these distances fall within the range of what is considered ideal for a switch's travel distance. The traditional travel distance is typically around 4.0 mm, while a more shallow distance would typically be around 3.0 mm. However, in recent times, shorter travel distances have become more popular, especially among gamers who prefer faster response times. If you prioritize quick responsiveness, the shorter travel distance of the Silent Frozen switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, some individuals find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt, and may prefer the slightly longer travel distance of the Kailh Sage switch for a more satisfying depth when pressing down on a key. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Kailh Sage clicky switch is best known for its distinct clicky typing experience. It has a heavy weight and a refreshingly sharp clickiness. When it comes to sound, the Sage switch is described as crunchy, which means it produces a sound similar to stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch is characterized by its extremely quiet sound profile. It is described as thocky, which means it produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. Additionally, the Silent Frozen switch is low-pitched and muted, resulting in a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches, while minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards.

In terms of feel, the Kailh Sage switch is described as invigorating and sharp. It offers pronounced feedback, a moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel, creating an immersive typing sensation. The Silent Frozen switch, on the other hand, is described as creamy, buttery, feathery, subtle, and polished. It offers a smooth and buttery typing experience with a silky sensation. Typing on these switches feels like gliding your fingers across the keys effortlessly, resulting in a seamless and uniform typing sensation. The feathery nature of the switch makes it exceptionally light to press, reducing finger fatigue and making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. The subtle switch provides gentle resistance and a light typing feel, making it suitable for shared spaces. The polished switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Overall, the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch offer distinct experiences in terms of sound and feel. The Sage switch provides a crisp and crunchy sound with an invigorating and sharp feel, while the Silent Frozen switch offers a quiet and thocky sound profile with a creamy, buttery, feathery, subtle, or polished feel. Depending on personal preferences, one can choose the switch that aligns with their desired typing experience. However, it is important to note that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. By considering all the available information and selecting the appropriate combination of switch, board, and keycaps, one can achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a distinct and clicky typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Kailh Sage switch would be a great choice. It offers a refreshingly sharp clickiness and an invigorating and sharp tactile feel. The sound profile of the Sage can be described as crunchy, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves.

On the other hand, if you prefer an extremely quiet sound profile with a light bottom out force, the TTC Silent Frozen switch would be a more suitable option. These switches are characterized by their super smooth and pillowy feel, providing a creamy and buttery typing experience. The sound produced by the Silent Frozen switch can be described as thocky, low-pitched, and muted, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards.

Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Sage and TTC Silent Frozen switches depends on your preferred typing experience. If you enjoy a heavier and sharper tactile feel with a distinct clicky sound, go for the Sage. But if you prioritize a quieter and smoother typing experience with a light actuation force, the Silent Frozen would be a better fit. Consider your preferences in sound, feel, and typing force to make the best decision for yourself.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Sage Clicky

$6.25 per 10

Learn more

TTC Silent Frozen (V2) Linear

$8.61

$5.33 per 10

Learn more