TTC Silent Frozen (V2) vs. Gazzew U4Tx
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) and the Gazzew U4Tx switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch, two options that offer unique experiences are the TTC Silent Frozen and the Gazzew U4Tx. The Silent Frozen switch is known for its extremely quiet sound profile, providing a typing experience that is virtually silent. Additionally, these switches are incredibly smooth and offer a pillowy type feel, making typing a comfortable and enjoyable experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx switches are designed to combine the best of both worlds. They provide a cleaner and more refined sound profile, with a deep and resonant "thock" when bottoming out and a whisper-quiet topping out sound. These switches also offer a satisfying tactile bump with each press, ensuring a luxurious typing experience. While these generalities provide a good starting point for considering which switch may be right for you, let's delve deeper into their characteristics to help you make an informed decision.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
39g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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
Partial box
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 Korean spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Silent Frozen and the Gazzew U4Tx switches differ in terms of the materials used. The Silent Frozen features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, while the U4Tx utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend for both the top and bottom housing. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, which creates a clearer and resonant sound profile. In contrast, the Gazzew blend, often referred to as "boba plastic," offers a softer texture that delivers a rich and deep sound profile.
Aesthetically, the Silent Frozen's polycarbonate housing allows for a translucent design, making it ideal for those who plan to use RGB lighting. The light will shine through the housing, creating an illuminated effect. In comparison, the Gazzew blend of the U4Tx switch does not offer the same translucency, so it may not be as suitable for RGB lighting enthusiasts.
When it comes to the impact on the switch's sound and feel, the housing materials play a significant role. With the Silent Frozen, the stiffer polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to the bottom-out sound and feel, creating a sharper and higher-pitched experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew blend housing of the U4Tx switch provides a softer texture, resulting in a more cushioned bottom-out experience with a deeper sound profile.
Despite these differences, both switches aim to enhance the overall typing experience. Whether it's the sharp and clear sound of the polycarbonate housing in the Silent Frozen or the deep and soft sound of the Gazzew blend in the U4Tx, keyboard enthusiasts can expect an improved auditory feedback compared to standard switch housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, there are notable differences. The Silent Frozen has an actuation force of 39 grams, while the U4Tx's actuation force is not specified. However, considering the Silent Frozen's light actuation force, it is likely that the U4Tx would require a similar or slightly heavier force for actuation.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Silent Frozen requires 43 grams of force to fully press the key down, which is relatively light. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which is medium-heavy. This means that the U4Tx provides a more substantial typing experience, requiring a stronger push feel compared to the Silent Frozen.
Considering weight and preferences, individuals who prefer a lighter switch for longer typing sessions or gaming may find the TTC Silent Frozen more suitable. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces allow for smoother and quicker keystrokes. In contrast, those who seek a more tactile and substantial typing experience may opt for the Gazzew U4Tx. Its heavier bottom out force provides a more satisfying tactile feedback and a sense of resistance when pressing the keys.
In conclusion, the TTC Silent Frozen offers a lighter actuation and bottom out force, providing a smoother typing experience, while the Gazzew U4Tx provides a medium-heavy bottom out force, delivering a more tactile and substantial typing feel. Selecting either switch depends on individual preferences, with the Silent Frozen being lighter and the U4Tx offering a heavier and more tactile experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, it is evident that there is a minor difference between the two. The Silent Frozen has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the U4Tx has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Despite this small discrepancy, both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, particularly among gamers seeking faster response times. Those who prioritize quick and responsive keystrokes may prefer the Silent Frozen due to its slightly shorter travel distance. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more profound key press experience may lean towards the Gazzew U4Tx, as its longer travel distance provides a more satisfying depth. Overall, while there is a slight distinction in travel distance between the two switches, they both offer similar results in terms of shorter travel distances.
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 U4Tx 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 best known for its extremely quiet sound profile, characterized by a thocky, low-pitched, and muted sound. When pressed, these switches produce a deep, rich, and satisfying sound that minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch combines the best of both worlds, offering a cleaner and refined sound profile. Typing on the U4Tx switches provides a deep, resonant "thock" when bottoming out, coupled with the whisper-quiet stealth of the U4 when topping out. Each press delivers a sharp and satisfying tactile bump, ensuring a luxurious typing experience that's acoustically pleasing.
In terms of feel, the TTC Silent Frozen switch is known for its super smooth and pillowy sensation. It offers a creamy, buttery, feathery, subtle, and polished typing experience. These switches are designed to provide a silky sensation, with keys effortlessly melting into each keystroke. The U4Tx tactile switch, on the other hand, offers a sharp tactile experience. With each keypress, users will feel a strong and crisp tactile bump, providing high feedback intensity.
Overall, the Silent Frozen and U4Tx switches offer different subjective attributes. The Silent Frozen is focused on providing an extremely quiet sound profile, paired with a smooth and pillowy feel. On the other hand, the U4Tx aims to deliver a cleaner and refined sound while providing a sharp and satisfying tactile bump. If you prefer a quieter experience, the Silent Frozen is the ideal choice. If you value a more pronounced tactile feedback, the U4Tx is the way to go. It's important to consider personal preferences, as well as factors such as your choice of keyboard board and keycaps, when making a decision.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a quiet sound profile and a smooth, pillowy feel, the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. With a light bottom out force of 43 grams, you can expect a muted, low-pitched thocky sound when typing. The Silent Frozen switch offers a creamy, buttery, feathery, subtle, and polished typing experience, ensuring minimal finger fatigue and effortless keystrokes. On the other hand, if you seek a refined sound profile with a sharp and distinct tactile bump, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch is the one for you. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, the U4Tx switch provides a bassy and muted sound when pressed. Each keypress will deliver a satisfying and high-feedback intensity tactile bump. Ultimately, the choice between the Silent Frozen and U4Tx switches boils down to your preference for sound and feel. Consider your priorities, whether it's a quiet and smooth experience or a refined and tactile one, when deciding which switch to go for.
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