TTC Silent Frozen (V2) vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the TTC Silent Frozen and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue. The Silent Frozen is renowned for its incredibly quiet sound profile, offering a typing experience that won't disturb those around you. Furthermore, it boasts a smooth and pillowy feel, making every keystroke a delight. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switches excel in providing a deep and satisfying "thocky" sound, immersing you in a truly immersive typing experience. With a lengthened single-stage spring, these switches offer a bouncy feel with each press. Additionally, their standard spring weight strikes a balance, ensuring they are enjoyable and accessible to a wide range of users. Both switches have their unique qualities that make them appealing, which we will explore in more detail. So, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
39g
Actuation force
59g
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
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 TTC Silent Frozen and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue both utilize polycarbonate material for their top and bottom housings. This material choice creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Due to polycarbonate's stiffness, it enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced by the switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is particularly useful for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, as it allows for the passage of light, resulting in visually appealing effects.
Where the Silent Frozen and the Tourmaline Blue differ is in their aesthetic appearance. While both switches feature polycarbonate top and bottom housings, the Silent Frozen is specifically described as having a clear housing. This indicates that the polycarbonate used in the Silent Frozen provides a transparent or translucent finish, which showcases the RGB lighting in a more pronounced manner. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate housing does not specify its transparency, suggesting a potentially solid or opaque appearance.
In terms of functionality, the top and bottom housings play distinct roles in the overall experience of these switches. The qualities of the bottom housing, dictated by the chosen material, have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down. Conversely, the top housing's material affects the sound produced when a key is released. Therefore, while the Silent Frozen and the Tourmaline Blue may have different aesthetic appearances, the functional aspects of the polycarbonate housings will generate similar results in terms of sound profile and response.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, it is evident that there are significant differences between the two. The Silent Frozen switch requires a relatively light actuation force of 39 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue switch demands a considerably heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the TTC Silent Frozen switch would be the more suitable option. With its lower actuation and bottom out forces, it allows for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. This makes it an ideal choice for individuals using their keyboards for extended periods, such as office workers or avid gamers.
On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch caters to those who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience. With its higher actuation and bottom out forces, it provides a satisfying amount of resistance that can enhance the tactile feedback during typing.
It is worth noting that although the actuation and bottom out forces differ between the two switches, individuals seeking similar results to the Silent Frozen switch can opt for the Tourmaline Blue switch but adjust their typing technique. By typing more lightly and not fully bottoming out the key, users can achieve a similar feel to the lighter TTC Silent Frozen switch.
Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal typing preferences. Those who prioritize a lighter switch for prolonged usage may lean towards the Silent Frozen, while individuals seeking a stronger push feel may prefer the heavier Tourmaline Blue switch.
Travel distance
The TTC Silent Frozen linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch have different travel distances. The Silent Frozen has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Tourmaline Blue has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of traditional travel distances, the Tourmaline Blue falls within the more common range at 4 mm, while the Silent Frozen offers a slightly shorter distance. Gamers, who value faster response times, may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Silent Frozen. This shorter distance allows for quicker key presses, enhancing overall responsiveness. On the other hand, those who enjoy a deeper key press or find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt may prefer the Everglide Tourmaline Blue with a longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on individual preferences for key depth 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 $5.33.
The Everglide Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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 and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches offer different experiences. The Silent Frozen switches are known for their extremely quiet sound profile, producing a muted and low-pitched sound. They have a thocky sound, which is a deep, rich, and satisfying tone when pressed and released. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switches have a thocky sound as well, but it is described as deep and immersive, offering a satisfying typing experience. The sound of these switches will also depend on other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, if you prefer a quieter and more low-pitched sound, the Silent Frozen switches would be a good choice. If you prefer a deeper and more immersive sound, the Tourmaline Blue switches would be more suitable.
In terms of feel, both switches provide smooth and buttery typing experiences. The Silent Frozen switches are characterized as creamy, buttery, and feathery, offering a silky and effortless typing sensation. They have a gentle resistance, reducing finger fatigue and making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. They are also described as subtle and polished, indicating a refined and sleek typing experience with reduced friction. Similarly, the Tourmaline Blue switches are also described as buttery and easy-to-press. They provide a seamless and uniform typing sensation, with an easy actuation force that enhances the typing experience and reduces finger fatigue. They are considered mild, offering a gentle typing experience. Overall, both switches offer a smooth and comfortable typing feel, with the Silent Frozen switches providing a slightly lighter and more silky sensation compared to the Tourmaline Blue switches.
Taking all the available information into account, the TTC Silent Frozen and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Silent Frozen switches are characterized by their extremely quiet and low-pitched sound profile, while the Tourmaline Blue switches offer a deep and immersive thocky sound. Both switches provide a smooth and buttery typing experience, with the Silent Frozen switches feeling creamier and feathery, and the Tourmaline Blue switches being easy-to-press and mild. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences, with the Silent Frozen switches providing a quieter and lighter feel, and the Tourmaline Blue switches offering a deeper and more immersive typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a light bottom out force and an extremely quiet sound profile, the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch would be a great choice for you. With its pillowy feel and muted sound, it offers a smooth and quiet typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a thocky sound profile, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch would be more suitable. Its lengthened single-stage spring provides a bouncy feel with each keystroke, immersing you in a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, the Tourmaline Blue strikes a balance with its standard spring weight, making it enjoyable and accessible to a wide range of users. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your preference for sound, feel, and bottom out force.
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