TTC Silent Frozen (V2) vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options on the market are the TTC Silent Frozen and the Jwick Taro. While both switches offer a unique typing experience, they differ in several key ways. The Silent Frozen is a linear switch, characterized by its extremely quiet sound profile and super smooth feel. Its thocky, low-pitched, and creamy sensation creates a pillowy typing experience that is both muted and feathery. On the other hand, the Taro is a tactile switch, known for its cozy and subdued color scheme. Typing with the Taro switches provides a snappy, medium-level tactility and generates acute and crisp clacks. With its neutral, buttery, and stepped sensation, the Taro offers a distinct typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
39g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Silver white spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Silent Frozen and Jwick Taro switches share many similarities. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiff plastic that creates a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects. Therefore, users can expect similar sound and lighting experiences when using either switch.
However, where the Silent Frozen and Taro switches differ is in their bottom housing materials. The Silent Frozen uses polycarbonate for the bottom housing as well, reinforcing the qualities of clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the Taro switch employs a nylon bottom housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This gives the Taro switch a duller and rounder sound compared to the Silent Frozen.
When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing material come into play. The bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Therefore, the Silent Frozen's polycarbonate bottom housing will contribute to a clear and resonant bottom-out sound, while the Taro's nylon bottom housing will result in a deeper and fuller bottom-out sound.
On the contrary, the top housing material influences the sound when letting go of a key. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, suggesting that the sound when releasing a key will be similar between the Silent Frozen and Taro. The polycarbonate material in the top housing allows for a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, regardless of the bottom housing material.
In summary, the TTC Silent Frozen and Jwick Taro switches share similarities in their polycarbonate top housing, providing a sharper and crisper sound profile. However, they differ in their bottom housing materials, with the Silent Frozen featuring a polycarbonate bottom housing and the Taro utilizing a nylon bottom housing. This results in the Silent Frozen having a clearer bottom-out sound, while the Taro produces a deeper and fuller bottom-out sound. Nonetheless, the top housing material has a consistent impact on the sound when releasing a key, as both switches use polycarbonate, creating a similar sound profile when letting go of a key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The Silent Frozen has an actuation force of only 39 grams, which means it requires a relatively light touch to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the Taro switch is unavailable, suggesting that it might be higher than 39 grams. It is worth noting that both switches have a bottom out force, which measures how much force is required to press the switch all the way down. The Silent Frozen has a bottom out force of 43 grams, which is slightly higher than its actuation force. On the other hand, the Taro switch has a bottom out force of 67 grams, indicating a medium-heavy force required for complete pressing.
Considering the weight of the switches, the Silent Frozen is lighter in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, making it a preferable choice for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. The lighter weight allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue, making it suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. On the contrary, the Taro switch offers a heavier push feel, providing a more substantial typing experience. This is ideal for individuals who prefer a stronger resistance and tactile feedback while typing. Therefore, selecting the appropriate switch depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Silent Frozen linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch have different travel distances. The Silent Frozen has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Taro has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have become popular recently. Gamers, in particular, prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, the Silent Frozen with its 3.5 mm travel distance would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial depth to the key press, the Taro with its slightly longer 3.7 mm travel distance may be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and whether you value a quicker response or a more tactile feel.
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 Jwick Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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 thocky sound that produces a deep, rich, and satisfying tone. The sound is low-pitched, offering a bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. It falls under the category of muted switches, which produce a softer and quieter sound, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. In terms of feel, the Silent Frozen switch provides a creamy and buttery typing experience. With lubricant applied in the switch at the factory, it offers a smooth and effortless keystroke sensation, gliding fingers across the keys with ease. Additionally, the switch has a feathery and subtle resistance, providing a light and comfortable typing feel. Its polished finish reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Jwick Taro tactile switch offers a comfortable typing experience with a snappy, medium-level of tactility. While the sound of this switch is described as neutral, with a moderate sound profile and actuation force requirement suitable for most purposes, there are no specific details about its sound characteristics. In terms of feel, the Taro switch is described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. It offers a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Additionally, the switch falls under the category of stepped switches. This means that it offers a more mild tactile feel compared to hypertactile switches, with the ability to feel some pre-travel or post-travel during the keystroke.
Based on the available information, the TTC Silent Frozen and Jwick Taro switches have different sound profiles and tactile characteristics. The Silent Frozen offers a thocky, low-pitched, and muted sound, while providing a creamy, feathery, and polished feel. On the other hand, the Taro switch has a neutral sound profile with a buttery feel and some mild tactile sensations due to its stepped design. While both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, they differ in terms of sound and feel. However, if you are looking for a quiet and smooth typing experience, both switches will provide similar results.
Conclusion
To sum up, when it comes to choosing between the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, there are a few key factors to consider.
First, in terms of bottom out force, the Silent Frozen is lighter at 43 grams, while the Taro is medium-heavy at 67 grams. If you prefer a lighter typing experience that requires less force, the Silent Frozen may be the better choice for you.
In terms of sound, the Silent Frozen is known for its extremely quiet and muted profile, producing a deep, rich "thocky" sound. On the other hand, the Taro has a more neutral sound profile, suitable for most purposes. If you prioritize a quieter typing experience, the Silent Frozen is the way to go.
In terms of feel, the Silent Frozen offers a creamy, buttery, and feathery typing experience, with a smooth and refined finish. This is achieved through factory lubrication and specific materials used in the switch. The Taro also provides a buttery typing sensation, but it is described as having a stepped tactile feel, with a mild bump during the keystroke.
Ultimately, if you prefer a lighter typing experience with a quiet and muted sound profile, the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more neutral sound with a tactile feel that has a mild bump, the Jwick Taro tactile switch would be a better fit. Consider your preferences and needs to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard.
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