TTC Silent Frozen (V2) vs. Gazzew U4
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) and the Gazzew U4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The TTC Silent Frozen and Gazzew U4 are two popular mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique features for users seeking a specific typing experience. The Silent Frozen is a linear switch known for its extremely quiet sound profile and smooth keystrokes that feel like pillows. This switch is categorized as thocky, creamy, and buttery, providing a muted and feathery typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 is a tactile switch that offers a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump, giving typists a satisfying feedback while typing. Additionally, the U4 provides a plush and felt-like bottom-out sensation, creating a unique typing experience. Its sound profile is whisper quiet, making it ideal for those who prefer a muted and low-pitched typing sound. However, let's delve deeper into the specifics of each switch to determine the best option for your individual preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
39g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 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 Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Silver white spring
Spring
Stainless steel 14mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Silent Frozen and the Gazzew U4 differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Silent Frozen utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and translucency, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This makes it ideal for those who prioritize a clear and resonant sound profile, particularly when using RGB lighting. In contrast, the Gazzew U4 employs a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, often referred to as "boba plastic," which delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. This softer material lends itself to a more mellow and immersive auditory experience.
Similarly, the bottom housings of these switches also differ in material composition and resulting sound profiles. The polycarbonate used in the Silent Frozen's bottom housing provides a stiffer plastic feel and contributes to a clear and resonant sound when bottoming out. When it comes to the U4, its proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, which shares similarities with "boba plastic," offers a softer and more cushioned bottom-out experience. This softness enhances the sound produced when the key is pressed down, making it feel more gentle and less pronounced compared to the Silent Frozen.
Despite their differences, it is important to note that both switches share similarities in terms of the impact the top housing has on the sound when releasing a key. The polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Frozen and the Gazzew blend top housing of the U4 are both designed to enhance the sound profile when a key is released. Therefore, users can expect a satisfying and resonant sound when letting go of a key, regardless of whether they opt for the Silent Frozen or the Gazzew U4.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, there are notable differences. The TTC Silent Frozen linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 39 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, providing a relatively light typing experience. In contrast, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch entails a heavier actuation force of 43 grams and a more substantial bottom out force of 62 grams, offering a medium typing feel. While the actuation forces are similar, the bottom out force of the Gazzew U4 tactile switch is significantly heavier.
The weight of a switch is an important consideration for individuals seeking an optimal typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter switch may appreciate the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch, as it allows for extended typing sessions without fatigue. This lightweight characteristic is perfect for individuals using their keyboards extensively at work or during long gaming sessions.
On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more pronounced and substantial typing experience may lean towards the Gazzew U4 tactile switch. With its heavier bottom out force, this switch provides a stronger push feel when pressing the keys. This can be desirable for those looking for a typing experience that feels more solid and satisfying.
While the actuation forces of both switches are relatively close, resulting in a similar initial keystroke trigger, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch offers a significantly heavier bottom out force, providing a notably different typing experience compared to the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch. Therefore, individuals seeking a lighter feel for extended typing may find satisfaction with the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch, while those seeking a more substantial push might gravitate towards the Gazzew U4 tactile switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, there is a slight difference between the two. The Silent Frozen has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the U4 has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Although the difference may not seem significant, it can be noticeable to those who are sensitive to keypress depth. The Silent Frozen offers a slightly shorter travel distance, making it a favorable choice for gamers or individuals seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 provides a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feeling when pressing down on a key. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences and whether one values responsiveness or a deeper keypress experience. In either case, both switches offer similar results and are suitable for various typing or gaming needs.
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 Gazzew U4 comes in at $6.50 per 10 switches.
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 characterized by its extremely quiet sound profile, producing a deep and satisfying "thocky" sound when pressed. It has a low-pitched tone, resulting in a more bass-heavy and mellow sound compared to higher-pitched switches. The sound is muted, creating a softer and quieter experience, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch also offers a muted sound profile, producing a whisper-quiet typing experience. It has a low-pitched tone, similar to the Silent Frozen switch, resulting in a more bass-heavy and mellow sound. However, specific details about the sound of the U4, such as its deep "thocky" quality, are unknown.
In terms of feel, the Silent Frozen switch provides a smooth and buttery typing experience. It is described as creamy, buttery, and feathery, offering a silky sensation and effortless keystrokes. The switch has a subtle resistance, making it light to press and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. It also has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch is known for its sharp tactile bump, providing high feedback intensity. Although specific details about the overall feel and any additional characteristics of the U4 switch are unknown, it can be inferred that it offers a distinct and satisfying tactile feedback.
Based on the available information, both switches offer a muted sound profile with a low-pitched tone, resulting in quieter and mellow sound compared to regular switches. The Silent Frozen switch provides a creamy, buttery, and feathery feel, offering a smooth and effortless typing experience. It has a subtle resistance and polished finish, further enhancing the overall typing sensation. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 switch offers a sharp tactile bump, providing a high feedback intensity. While specific details about the U4 switch's sound and other feel characteristics are unknown, it can be assumed that it offers a distinct and satisfying tactile feedback. Overall, if you enjoy a quiet typing experience with a smooth and buttery feel, the Silent Frozen switch is a great choice. If you prefer a sharper and more intense tactile feedback, the Gazzew U4 switch would be a suitable option.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a keyboard switch with a light bottom out force and an extremely quiet sound profile, the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch is the way to go. These switches have a pillowy feel and produce a deep, rich, and satisfying thocky sound when pressed. They offer a creamy, buttery, and feathery typing experience, making them ideal for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and crave a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch is the perfect choice. These switches provide a plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation and have a sound profile that is whisper quiet. Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of your typing experience. Happy typing!
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