TTC Silent Frozen (V2) vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the TTC Silent Frozen and the Gateron Silent Ink Black. Both switches offer a silent typing experience, making them ideal for those who prefer a quieter working or gaming environment. The TTC Silent Frozen is characterized by its extremely quiet sound profile and pillowy feel, offering a thocky and low-pitched typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black provides a cushion-like bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback, creating a silky and muted typing sensation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision and choose the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
39g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Silver white spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The TTC Silent Frozen and the Gateron Silent Ink Black differ in terms of the materials used for their top and bottom housings. The Silent Frozen features a polycarbonate top housing, while the Silent Ink Black utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing. Both materials contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, although the Silent Frozen's polycarbonate is described as creating a crisper sound compared to the Silent Ink Black's INK blend. Additionally, the polycarbonate housing of the Silent Frozen is translucent, making it ideal for use with RGB lighting. Conversely, the INK blend top housing of the Silent Ink Black is characterized as producing a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound, often described as clacky.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Silent Frozen and the Silent Ink Black incorporate polycarbonate. This material imparts similar qualities to the sound profile, including a sharper and higher-pitched tone. The clarity and resonance of the sound are also enhanced due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate. The translucent nature of the polycarbonate bottom housing also aligns with its aesthetic advantage for use with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black features Gateron's proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing. This blend contributes to a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, similar to the top housing, resulting in a cohesive and consistent auditory experience throughout each keystroke.
When considering the impact of the top and bottom housings, the Silent Frozen and Silent Ink Black reflect a division of qualities between the two. The bottom housing plays a significant role in determining the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. As both switches utilize polycarbonate for their bottom housing, users can expect a similar tactile experience with a sharper and higher-pitched sound response. On the other hand, the top housing primarily affects the sound when releasing a key. While the Silent Frozen's polycarbonate top housing contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, the Silent Ink Black's INK blend top housing offers a slightly different but still satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound, often described as clacky.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force between the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Silent Frozen has a lighter actuation force of 39 grams, while the Silent Ink Black requires a more substantial push with its actuation force of 60 grams. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Silent Frozen is lighter at 43 grams, while the Silent Ink Black requires a heavier force of 70 grams to fully press down.
These variances in force have significant implications for different users. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Silent Frozen switch, as its lighter actuation force allows for more effortless typing and extended usage periods. This is particularly advantageous for individuals who use their keyboards for work or engage in lengthy gaming sessions.
On the contrary, individuals who appreciate a more substantial typing feel may find the Silent Ink Black switch more appealing. With its medium-heavy actuation force, this switch provides a satisfying push and a more substantial typing experience. This can be beneficial for users who prefer a tactile response or require a stronger force to prevent accidental keystrokes.
Regardless of the differences in force, it is important to note that both switches offer silent operation, making them suitable for environments where noise may be a concern. Additionally, both switches allow for efficient keystroke registration with their linear design, ensuring a smooth and consistent typing experience.
In conclusion, the TTC Silent Frozen and Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switches offer distinct force profiles. The Silent Frozen is lighter in both actuation and bottom out force, providing a lighter and more effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black requires a heavier force, making it suitable for those who prefer a more substantial push while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, it is clear that the Silent Frozen has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Silent Ink Black has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. 4.0 mm is the more traditional travel distance, offering a slightly deeper feel when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm found in the Silent Frozen is favored by gamers who value faster response times. Choosing between the two ultimately depends on personal preference - if you prefer a more responsive feel, the shorter travel distance of the Silent Frozen would be the better option. However, if you prefer a deeper and more substantial keystroke, the longer travel distance of the Silent Ink Black may be more suitable.
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 Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 TTC Silent Frozen switch is best described as thocky, low-pitched, and muted. This means that when pressed, it produces a deep and satisfying sound similar to a "thud" or a soft "knock". The low-pitched nature of the switch provides a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, which contributes to its overall quietness. The switch is specifically designed to be muted, producing softer and quieter sounds compared to regular or clacky switches. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch also falls under the muted category when it comes to sound. It is designed to produce a softer and quieter sound, minimizing the noise commonly associated with mechanical keyboards. While the specific descriptors of the sound profile are not mentioned, it can be inferred that the switch is intended to provide a quiet typing experience in quieter environments.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the TTC Silent Frozen switch is described as creamy, buttery, feathery, subtle, and polished. These descriptors indicate that the switch offers a smooth and buttery typing experience, with effortless and uniform keystrokes. It's exceptionally light to press, requiring little exertion from your fingers and reducing finger fatigue. The subtle resistance of the switch adds to its comfortable typing feel, making it suitable for shared spaces. Additionally, the polished finish of the switch ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Similarly, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch is described as silky and polished in terms of feel. These descriptors suggest that the switch delivers an exceptionally smooth typing experience by minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The polished finish of the switch further enhances its smoothness and ensures reduced friction during keystrokes.
Considering all the available information, both the TTC Silent Frozen and Gateron Silent Ink Black switches are designed to provide a quiet typing experience with a smooth feel. They share similarities in the muted sound profile, indicating that they offer similar results in terms of noise reduction. In terms of feel, both switches are characterized by their smoothness, with the Silent Frozen switch offering creamier and feathery characteristics, while the Silent Ink Black switch provides a silky typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific requirements of the user.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a light and quiet typing experience, the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch would be your best choice. With a bottom out force of 43 grams, these switches are light to press, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The Silent Frozen switches are renowned for being extremely quiet, with a thocky and low-pitched sound profile that minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. In terms of feel, these switches offer a creamy and buttery typing experience, with smooth and uniform keystrokes that effortlessly melt into each key press.
On the other hand, if you value a slightly heavier switch with a cushioned bottom-out feel, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 70 grams, these switches provide a medium-heavy typing experience. They are also designed to be quieter than regular switches, with a muted sound profile that minimizes audio feedback. In terms of feel, the Silent Ink Black switches offer a silky typing experience, enhancing the smoothness of your keystrokes and reducing resistance.
Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Silent Frozen and Gateron Silent Ink Black switches depends on your preferences for typing force, noise level, and typing feel. Consider the bottom out force, sound profile, and descriptors that align with your desired typing experience to make an informed decision.
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