Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie vs. TTC Silent Frozen (V2)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice can significantly impact typing experience, and two intriguing options are the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2), both linear switches. The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is celebrated for its medium-weight feel and exceptional smoothness, offering users a delightful thocky sound profile that makes each keystroke satisfying without being overly loud. This switch is ideal for those who appreciate a balanced experience, providing a lively yet controlled typing sensation. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) shines with its extremely quiet operation, perfect for those who prioritize discreetness in their typing or gaming sessions. With a unique pillowy feel, these switches deliver an incredibly smooth experience while minimizing sound, appealing to users seeking a tranquil environment. Both switches cater to different preferences—whether you desire a sound that adds character or a whisper-quiet experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
48g
Actuation force
39g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
Silver white spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) differ significantly in the materials used for their top housings, which greatly influences their respective sound profiles. The Sea Salt Smoothie features a POM top housing, which contributes to a deeper, more muted sound that is both pleasing and unique. POM (polyoxymethylene) is known for its acoustic dampening properties, making it ideal for those seeking a quieter typing experience. Contrastingly, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) employs a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to its more resonant quality, allowing for a more pronounced auditory feedback that some typists prefer, particularly in setups that utilize RGB lighting for visual effects.
When examining the bottom housings of these switches, it becomes apparent that they both leverage the same material—POM in the Sea Salt Smoothie and polycarbonate in the Silent Frozen (V2)—which leads to divergent sound characteristics. The POM bottom housing of the Sea Salt Smoothie encourages a deep and muted sound profile that enhances the overall subdued typing experience. In contrast, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Silent Frozen (V2) adds a higher-pitched and clearer sound during keystrokes, which can invigorate the typing dynamic. Thus, while both switches utilize POM for the Sea Salt Smoothie and polycarbonate for the Silent Frozen (V2), the combination of materials significantly impacts the feel and sound of each switch, especially upon bottoming out.
The interplay between the different housing materials in the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) profoundly affects the overall typing experience. A notable distinction lies in how the qualities imparted by the top and bottom housings influence the sound during use. The Sea Salt Smoothie's deeper, more muted sound is attributed to its POM materials working in tandem for both top and bottom housings. Conversely, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2)’s combination of polycarbonate in both housing sections results in a clearer and more resonant auditory experience. In scenarios where users desire similar performance results, having a mixture of materials may balance the unique qualities, effectively marrying the muted characteristics of POM with the sharpness of polycarbonate to create a customized sound profile that caters to individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch to the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch, we find notable differences in actuation force and bottom out force. The Sea Salt Smoothie has an actuation force of 48 grams, making it a heavier switch, while the Silent Frozen (V2) features a lighter actuation force of 39 grams. This difference means that users who prefer a lighter typing experience that allows for extended use may gravitate towards the Silent Frozen (V2), which can be beneficial for those engaged in long work sessions or gaming marathons. Additionally, the Silent Frozen (V2) has a bottom out force of 43 grams, indicating a distinct tactile feedback when the switch is fully pressed, whereas the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie is not specified. As a result, if you're looking for a switch with substantial feedback at the bottom of the keystroke, the Silent Frozen (V2) may provide that, whereas the Sea Salt Smoothie may not offer comparable resistance without its bottom out measurement. Overall, the Sea Salt Smoothie is the heavier option, while the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) is the lighter, potentially making it a better choice for those who prioritize ease of actuation.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch, it is evident that the Sea Salt Smoothie has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Silent Frozen (V2) measures at 3.5 mm. This means that if you opt for the Sea Salt Smoothie, you'll experience a deeper press, which might feel more substantial and satisfying for those who prefer a hearty depth in their keypresses. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) offers a shorter travel distance, appealing to gamers or those who favor quicker response times and a more abrupt actuation. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on personal preference for either a deeper or more responsive keypress experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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 Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switch delivers a thocky sound profile, characterized by a deep, rich auditory experience that can be satisfying when typing. This means it produces a notable 'thud' or soft 'knock' upon actuation, which typically appeals to users who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic feedback with each keystroke. In contrast, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switch is designed to minimize sound, featuring an extremely quiet sound profile. Its muted nature results in a softer and less intrusive noise compared to conventional switches, making it a suitable choice for those who require a quieter typing environment, such as in shared spaces. While both switches could offer enjoyable auditory experiences, the Sea Salt Smoothie is ideal for users who appreciate audible feedback, whereas the Silent Frozen (V2) caters to those who favor a more subdued and discreet sound.
When it comes to the feel, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is known for its exceptional smoothness, although specific descriptors for its tactile experience are not detailed. Users generally rave about the fluidity and ease of typing it provides. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) offers a buttery, creamy feel that enhances the typing experience. This means it likely has a smooth and polished key travel that makes keystrokes feel effortless, reducing finger fatigue – an excellent trait for extensive typing sessions. The feathery and subtle nature of the Silent Frozen (V2) also suggests it's comfortable for various tasks like gaming and work. Therefore, while the Sea Salt Smoothie is expected to feel good under the fingers, the Silent Frozen (V2) seems to excel in delivering a sublime, tactile experience, particularly for those who prioritize smoothness and quiet operation.
Overall, both switches cater to different preferences and needs in the realm of mechanical keyboards. The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie stands out with its thocky sound and smooth typing feel, making it perfect for those who want enhanced auditory feedback along with a pleasurable typing experience. Conversely, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) appeals to users who prefer a quiet and buttery typing experience, making it ideal for environments where noise reduction is crucial. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on whether you value sound dynamics or a quieter, smoother feel in your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switches largely depends on your personal preferences and the context in which you will be using your keyboard. If you appreciate a thocky sound profile that offers a satisfying auditory feedback along with a smooth typing experience, the Sea Salt Smoothie is an excellent choice. It's particularly fitting for those who enjoy a medium-weight switch that feels stable and sounds rich, making it ideal for a more immersive typing or gaming session in a personal space where noise isn't a major concern. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) is your go-to switch if you prioritize silence and subtlety in your keystrokes. With its quieter operation and creamy feel, it excels in shared environments or during late-night typing sessions, providing a buttery smooth experience while minimizing distractions. Ultimately, your choice should reflect not only how you want your keyboard to sound and feel but also be tailored to the setting in which you'll be using it.
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