TTC Silent Frozen (V2) vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Silent Frozen (V2) is praised for its incredibly quiet operation and smooth, pillowy feel, making it a great choice for those who value a low-pitched and muted typing experience. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream stands out for its smooth and creamy feel, thanks to the ingenious use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing. Additionally, the high-pitched and clacky sound signature of the Vanilla Ice Cream adds an extra touch of character. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Silver white spring
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
In terms of housing materials, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) stands out with its polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is favored for its stiffness, which contributes to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream features a proprietary blend of materials in its top housing, resulting in a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. While both materials aim to create distinct sound profiles, the use of polycarbonate in the Silent Frozen (V2) may give it an advantage for those seeking a sharper sound.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) also utilizes polycarbonate, mirroring the qualities found in its top housing. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile, making it a popular choice for switch housings. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream features a POK bottom housing, known for its smoothness, durability, and shock resistance. With a coefficient of friction higher than LY, the POK material offers a smooth and clacky typing experience, along with exceptional durability. This difference in bottom housing material can result in a noticeable variation in sound and feel when using these switches.
While the housing materials of the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream differ in their top and bottom components, both aim to enhance the overall typing experience in unique ways. The split between the qualities of the top and bottom housing materials impacts the sound and feel of the switches differently. Pressing down on the switches will highlight the qualities of the bottom housing, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will have a more significant impact on the sound when releasing a key, potentially altering the overall typing experience for users. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for sound profile, feel, and durability.
Weight
The TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch both offer relatively light actuation and bottom out forces compared to other switches on the market. The Silent Frozen (V2) has a slightly lighter actuation force of 39 grams compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream's 43 grams, while the bottom out force is also slightly lighter at 43 grams compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream's 48 grams. Both switches provide a smooth typing experience with minimal resistance, making them ideal for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference regarding the slight differences in actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance in terms of key travel. Therefore, the travel distance of both switches is equal, resulting in similar typing experiences for users of either switch.
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 KTT Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.
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
In terms of sound, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch offers a unique combination of a thocky, low-pitched, and muted sound profile. This means that when typing on these switches, you can expect a deep, rich, and satisfying sound with minimal noise. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch provides a high-pitched, marbly, and resonant sound signature. This results in a sharp and clean auditory experience that stands out from other switches in terms of acoustics. Depending on your preference for sound, the Silent Frozen switches offer a quieter and more mellow typing experience compared to the more distinct and resonant sound of the Vanilla Ice Cream switches.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, both the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches are known for their buttery and creamy typing sensations. This means that typing on either switch will provide a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, allowing your fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys with ease. The use of materials and lubricants in the switches contributes to this polished and silky typing sensation, reducing friction and providing a comfortable typing experience. Additionally, the feathery and subtle qualities of the Silent Frozen switches suggest a light actuation force and gentle resistance, suitable for extended typing sessions without causing finger fatigue. Overall, both switches offer a pleasant and refined feel that enhances the typing experience.
In conclusion, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Silent Frozen switches provide a quieter and smoother typing experience with a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, the Vanilla Ice Cream switches deliver a more resonant and high-pitched sound with a creamy and marbly typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, as both options offer a high-quality and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize a silent and muted typing experience with a low-pitched and thocky sound profile, along with a creamy, buttery, feathery, subtle, and polished feel, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a high-pitched and resonant sound signature that is marbly in nature, paired with a buttery and creamy typing sensation, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch would suit your preferences better. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the sound and feel characteristics that align with your personal typing preferences and environment.
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