TTC Silent Frozen (V2) vs. SP-Star Duck
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) and the SP-Star Duck switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the TTC Silent Frozen and the SP-Star Duck. The Silent Frozen is a linear switch that is best known for its extremely quiet sound profile. Not only does it operate silently, but it also boasts a super smooth typing experience with a pillowy feel. Categorized as "thocky," "low-pitched," "creamy," and more, the Silent Frozen switch offers a muted and feathery typing sensation. On the other hand, the Duck switch is a tactile option that provides a more subtle typing experience. With a clean and crispy sound profile, the Duck switch offers a gentle tactility when typing. Categorized as "neutral," "mild," "buttery," and "polished," it provides a different kind of smoothness. While these are some general pointers to consider, 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
39g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
58g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Silver white spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Silent Frozen and the SP-Star Duck, specifically the polycarbonate top and bottom housings, exhibit remarkable similarities. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top and bottom housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for a visually appealing experience, particularly when paired with RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect comparable results in terms of sound quality and aesthetics with these switches.
While the top and bottom housings share similarities in the use of polycarbonate, they also play distinct roles in the overall performance of the switch. The bottom housing is primarily responsible for the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed down. Its impact on the switch's sound profile ensures a satisfying tactile experience with each keystroke. On the other hand, the top housing influences the sound produced when a key is released. Its contribution to the switch's sound profile adds a distinct auditory dimension to typing or gaming sessions. By incorporating polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housings, both the TTC Silent Frozen and the SP-Star Duck ensure a balanced and immersive typing experience.
In summary, the TTC Silent Frozen and the SP-Star Duck share the use of polycarbonate in both their top and bottom housings, resulting in similar sound profiles. Polycarbonate's stiffness provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound quality, amplifying the overall typing or gaming experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enables the switches to integrate seamlessly with RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetics of any setup. While the top housing dictates the sound upon key release, the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel. Ultimately, both switches offer a harmonious balance between audio satisfaction and visual appeal.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, there are notable differences. The Silent Frozen has a light actuation force of 39 grams, meaning it requires a relatively gentle touch to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the Duck is unknown, but it is presumed to be heavier. This implies that the Duck switch may require a stronger push to initiate a keystroke.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Silent Frozen has a relatively light bottom out force of 43 grams. This means that when typing on this switch, users will not need to exert much force to press the keys all the way down. On the other hand, the Duck boasts a medium bottom out force of 58 grams, indicating that a bit more pressure is needed to fully depress the keys.
Considering weight as a factor can also influence one's decision. For those seeking a lighter typing experience to promote longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions, the Silent Frozen switch is a suitable choice. Its light actuation and bottom out forces align with the preferences of individuals desiring a smooth and effortless typing experience. In contrast, the Duck switch is likely to provide a more substantial typing feel due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. This can be preferred by individuals who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback and a satisfying push when pressing the keys.
In summary, the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch offers a lighter actuation force and bottom out force, providing a smoother and easier typing experience. The SP-Star Duck tactile switch, on the other hand, provides a potentially heavier actuation force and bottom out force, catering to those who seek a more substantial and tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Silent Frozen linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch have different travel distances. The Silent Frozen has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Duck has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Duck has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Silent Frozen. 4.0mm is the most traditional travel distance, while 3.0mm is the most shallow. The preference for travel distance may vary depending on individual preferences. Gamers, for example, tend to prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times. In this case, the Silent Frozen with its 3.5 mm travel distance would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be abrupt and prefer a deeper feel. For those who prefer a more hearty depth, the Duck with its 4 mm travel distance would be a better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on whether one values a faster response or a deeper feel while typing.
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 SP-Star Duck has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Duck for $5.40.
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 TTC Silent Frozen linear switch is best known for its extremely quiet sound profile, characterized by a deep and rich "thocky" sound when pressed or released. The sound is low-pitched, making it more bass-heavy and mellow compared to higher-pitched switches. Overall, the Silent Frozen switch produces a muted sound, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch offers a more subtle tactile typing experience. The sound profile of the Duck switch is clean and crispy, with a neutral sound that is suitable for most intents and purposes.
In terms of feel, the Silent Frozen switch is described as creamy, buttery, feathery, subtle, and polished. These characteristics offer a smooth and buttery typing experience, where keystrokes effortlessly melt into each other. The switch requires little exertion, reducing finger fatigue and making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. The feel is gentle and light, with a gentle resistance that maintains a light typing feel. The polished finish of the switch ensures smooth key travel and reduced friction. Similarly, the Duck switch is also described as buttery and polished, providing a seamless and uniform typing sensation. The switch offers a mild typing experience, being approachable to most users due to its gentle characteristics.
Based on the available information, the Silent Frozen switch has a distinct advantage in terms of producing an extremely quiet sound profile, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. Additionally, its smooth and pillowy feel enhances the overall typing comfort. On the other hand, the Duck switch offers a subtle tactile typing experience, with a clean and crispy sound profile. It provides a moderate and approachable typing feel that suits most users. Both switches have a buttery and polished feel, ensuring smooth key travel and reduced friction.
It is important to note that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps. Therefore, it is recommended to consider these factors when selecting a switch to achieve the desired sound and feel. Overall, the Silent Frozen and SP-Star Duck switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for newcomers.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a quiet typing experience, smooth keystrokes, and a pillowy feel, the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch is the ideal choice for you. With a light bottom out force of 43 grams, these switches provide a thocky, low-pitched, and muted sound profile. Additionally, they offer a creamy, buttery, feathery, subtle, and polished typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle tactile feel while typing, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch is the better option for you. With a slightly higher bottom out force of 58 grams, these switches offer a clean, crispy sound profile and a mild, buttery, and polished typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing needs.
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