TTC Silent Frozen (V2) vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) and the HMX Swift mechanical keyboard switches, you are looking at two excellent linear options with unique characteristics. The Silent Frozen (V2) is renowned for its extremely quiet sound profile, smoothness, and pillowy feel, offering a thocky, low-pitched, and buttery typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Swift stands out with its deeper sound profile and silky smoothness, thanks to its full nylon housings and delicate 42g actuation force. While the Swift may offer a brighter sound signature typical of HMX switches, its unique features make it an appealing choice. 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
39g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Silver white spring
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
Overall, the Silent Frozen (V2) utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This stiffer plastic material is known for its clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for users looking for a more distinct typing experience. In comparison, the HMX Swift uses nylon for both its top and bottom housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that may be preferred by those seeking a more muted typing experience.
One key difference between the two switches lies in the material used for their top and bottom housing. While the Silent Frozen (V2) maintains consistency with polycarbonate for both, the HMX Swift uses nylon for both components. This contrast in housing materials leads to varying sound profiles, with the polycarbonate in the Silent Frozen (V2) producing a crisper and more resonant sound compared to the fuller and deeper sound of the nylon in the HMX Swift. However, despite these differences, both switches are designed to offer a quality typing experience with distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
In terms of aesthetics, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Silent Frozen (V2) allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switch. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the HMX Swift may not offer the same level of translucency for RGB lighting effects. While both switches offer unique sound profiles and typing experiences based on their housing materials, the choice between the Silent Frozen (V2) and the HMX Swift ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and visual appeal.
Weight
The TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch both have relatively light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience. The Silent Frozen (V2) has an actuation force of 39 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, while the Swift has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. Both switches offer a comfortable typing feel with minimal resistance, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. However, the Silent Frozen (V2) is slightly lighter in terms of both actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Swift. This difference may be noticeable to users who prefer an even lighter touch when typing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference and typing style, with lighter switches being better suited for those who prefer a gentler typing experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the HMX Swift linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm. In this case, the Silent Frozen (V2) has the shorter travel distance compared to the Swift. The 0.4 mm difference may not seem significant, but it can make a difference in the typing experience. For those looking for a quicker response time and a more gaming-friendly option, the Silent Frozen (V2) may be the better choice with its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, the HMX Swift may be preferred by those who like a more significant keypress depth with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of typing feel and responsiveness.
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 $5.55.
The HMX Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift for $2.99.
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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch is best characterized as thocky, low-pitched, and muted, providing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound with a bass-heavy and mellow tone, all while minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the HMX Swift linear switch has a clacky sound profile, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, giving off a crisp, bright, and percussive tone. Depending on your choice of board and keycaps, the sound of each switch can be further influenced.
In terms of feel, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch offers a creamy, buttery, feathery, subtle, and polished typing experience, providing a smooth and buttery typing sensation with minimal finger fatigue. These switches are light to press and have a gentle resistance, offering a seamless and comfortable typing experience suitable for extended use. On the other hand, the HMX Swift linear switch is described as easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, and creamy, requiring minimal force to activate and offering a spring-like feedback sensation. Both switches aim to provide a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, with slight variations in the typing sensation they offer.
In conclusion, while the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) and HMX Swift linear switches have their unique sound and feel characteristics, they both aim to provide a satisfying and comfortable typing experience. The Silent Frozen switch is known for its extremely quiet sound profile and pillow-like feel, while the Swift stands out with its deeper sound profile and silky smoothness. Depending on your personal preferences and typing style, both switches offer a pleasant typing experience with a focus on smooth key travel and reduced finger fatigue. Ultimately, whether you choose the Silent Frozen or Swift switch, you can expect a similar level of smoothness and comfort during your typing sessions.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, you should consider your preferences for typing experience and sound profile. If you prioritize a silent and smooth typing experience with a light bottom out force, the Silent Frozen (V2) switch is a solid choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper sound profile with a light actuation force and easy-to-press feel, the HMX Swift switch may be more appealing to you. Each switch offers its unique characteristics, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you desire. Choose wisely based on your individual preferences and needs.
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