Durock Sea Glass vs. TTC Silent Frozen (V2)
An in-depth look at the Durock Sea Glass 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 Durock Sea Glass and the TTC Silent Frozen, both of which belong to the linear switch category. The Sea Glass, presented by Durock, offers a visually captivating experience with its alluring pastel colors. Not only does it stand out aesthetically, but its unique material blend provides a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness during typing, without sacrificing smoothness. Surprisingly, despite a bottom-out force of 62g, these switches feel weightless and frictionless, defying expectations. Additionally, their hollow sound signature adds to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen switches are known for their exceptionally quiet sound profile, making them ideal for those who prioritize silence while typing. Alongside their quiet operation, these switches also provide a super smooth and pillowy feel, creating a satisfying sensation with every keystroke. Categorized as thocky, low-pitched, creamy, buttery, muted, feathery, subtle, and polished, the Silent Frozen switches offer a unique combination of qualities. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
39g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
P3+
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE 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 housing materials of the Durock Sea Glass and the TTC Silent Frozen switches have distinct differences in their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Sea Glass features a unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in both its top and bottom housing. This blend offers a pleasant sound profile that is bright without being sharp. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, due to its translucency, polycarbonate is particularly suitable for the top housing if RGB lighting is to be used. In this aspect, the two switches differ significantly, with the Sea Glass providing a softer and milder sound experience compared to the more pronounced and clear sound of the Silent Frozen.
Despite these differences, there are also similarities between the two housing materials. Both the Sea Glass's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend and the Silent Frozen's polycarbonate contribute to a pleasant sound profile, offering enjoyable typing experiences. Additionally, the use of clear housings in both switches indicates the employment of polycarbonate, emphasizing its aesthetic benefits and compatibility with RGB lighting. Therefore, while the specific sound profiles may differ between the Sea Glass and the Silent Frozen, both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housing, ensuring comparable results in terms of sound clarity and the potential for RGB lighting customization.
When examining the overall impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the switches, it becomes evident that the qualities and characteristics of each material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. In the case of the Sea Glass, its unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE contributes to a brighter and slightly sharp bottom-out sound. Conversely, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Silent Frozen results in a more pronounced and crisp bottom-out sound. On the other hand, the sound when releasing a key is influenced more by the top housing. Therefore, whether it is the Sea Glass or the Silent Frozen, the distinctive qualities of each housing material will have varying effects on the sound produced, depending on whether the key is being pressed down or released.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Durock Sea Glass linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Sea Glass switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Silent Frozen's 39 grams, making it require a bit more pressure to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Sea Glass switch is considerably heavier at 62 grams, while the Silent Frozen requires a lighter 43 grams.
Considering weight, some individuals may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Silent Frozen switch, as it allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. This makes it suitable for those who frequently use their keyboards for work or engage in extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switch caters to individuals who prefer a stronger push feel, providing a more substantial typing experience. This heavier bottom out force offers a satisfying sensation for those seeking a more pronounced tactile feedback.
In terms of similarities, both switches provide a medium actuation force range, where the Sea Glass sits closer to the heavier end of the spectrum and the Silent Frozen leans more towards the lighter side. This means that users who prefer a moderate actuation force would find success with either option. It's important to note, however, that the actuation and bottom out forces may ultimately contribute to the overall typing experience, so individuals with specific preferences should consider these factors when choosing between the two switches.
Travel distance
The Durock Sea Glass linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch have differing travel distances. The Sea Glass has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Silent Frozen has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In comparison to the traditional travel distance of 4.0 mm, both switches have shorter travel distances. The Sea Glass offers a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Silent Frozen.
For gamers and those seeking faster response times, the shorter travel distance of the Silent Frozen may be preferable. Its 3.5 mm travel distance allows for quicker key presses and responsiveness. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial feel and depth when typing or gaming may lean towards the Durock Sea Glass with its 3.8 mm travel distance. The slightly longer travel distance provides a more pronounced key press experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference. Those who prioritize speed and quick response times may opt for the TTC Silent Frozen, while individuals who prefer a more substantial feel and depth may choose the Durock Sea Glass. Regardless of the choice, both switches offer a departure from the traditional travel distance, providing unique typing experiences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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 Durock Sea Glass linear switch produces a uniquely hollow sound. This sound signature sets it apart from other switches, offering a distinct and airy typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch is known for its extremely quiet sound profile. It falls into the thocky category, producing a deep and satisfying sound when pressed and released. Additionally, the Silent Frozen switch is low-pitched and muted, resulting in a softer and quieter typing experience compared to regular switches. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen. While the sound profiles of these two switches differ, both offer pleasant and less intrusive typing experiences.
Moving on to feel, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch is described as frictionless, offering an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience. It minimizes any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys, providing a fluid travel. The Sea Glass switch also falls into the mild category, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. It strikes a balance in terms of sound and feel, providing a safe middle-ground zone for typing. Additionally, the Sea Glass switch is feathery, meaning it is exceptionally light to press and requires little exertion from your fingers, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions.
In contrast, the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch offers a creamy and buttery typing experience. It is incredibly smooth and buttery to type on, providing a seamless and effortless keystroke sensation. This smoothness is often attributed to lubrication applied in the switch at the factory or specific materials used. Additionally, the Silent Frozen switch falls into the feathery category, requiring minimal force to activate and reducing strain on the fingers. It is comfortable for extended typing sessions, catering to gaming, school, or work needs. This switch is also described as subtle, offering a gentle resistance that maintains a light typing feel. The sound signature of the Silent Frozen switch is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces. It is also polished, meaning it has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Overall, the Durock Sea Glass and TTC Silent Frozen linear switches provide different sound and feel experiences. The Sea Glass is characterized by its hollow sound signature, frictionless feel, and mild typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen offers a creamy sound profile, buttery feel, and light typing experience. Depending on personal preferences, one can choose between the unique and airy typing experience of the Sea Glass or the smooth and quiet typing experience of the Silent Frozen. It is worth noting that while these switches have their distinctive qualities, they both aim to provide a pleasant and comfortable typing experience.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when deciding between the Durock Sea Glass linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch, there are a few key factors to consider.
The Sea Glass switches are best known for their captivating pastel colors and unique typing experience. With a medium bottom-out force of 62 grams, these switches provide a weightless feel that defies expectations, thanks to their frictionless nature. Typing on the Sea Glass switches also results in a distinctly hollow sound signature.
On the other hand, the Silent Frozen switches are characterized by their extremely quiet sound profile and pillowy feel. With a light bottom-out force of 43 grams, these switches are smooth and offer a buttery typing experience. They produce a low-pitched and muted sound, minimizing noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards.
If you prioritize a smooth and effortless typing experience, without much resistance or friction, then the Sea Glass switches would be a great choice. Their weightlessness and mild feel make them approachable to most users. The hollow sound signature adds a unique touch to your typing experience.
Alternatively, if you value a silent keyboard with a creamy and buttery typing feel, then the Silent Frozen switches would be more suitable. Their low-pitched and muted sound, combined with a light bottom-out force, create a smooth and satisfying typing sensation.
Ultimately, choosing between the Durock Sea Glass linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch depends on your personal preferences. Consider factors such as sound profile, typing feel, and bottom-out force to make an informed decision that aligns with your typing needs.
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