TTC Silent Frozen (V2) vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, both the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) and the HMX Vintage Citrus offer unique benefits tailored to different preferences and use cases. The Silent Frozen (V2) stands out with its ultra-quiet sound profile, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a serene typing experience, whether in an office environment or during late-night sessions. With its smooth, pillowy feel and muted characteristics, this switch effectively balances tactile satisfaction with noise reduction, providing a refined typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus is engineered for speed and responsiveness, featuring an impressively low actuation force of just 1mm, which caters specifically to gamers looking for rapid-fire input without compromise. This switch delivers a vibrant, clacky sound that can enhance the gaming atmosphere while ensuring a smooth push feel for quick actions. Both switches excel in their intended contexts, yet they cater to vastly different priorities in typing and gaming experiences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
39g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Silver white spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The TTC Silent Frozen (V2) and HMX Vintage Citrus switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, which significantly impacts their sound profiles and tactile feedback. The Silent Frozen (V2) features polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings, a material known for its stiffness and clarity. Polycarbonate's rigidity contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, making it particularly effective for users who enjoy a resonant auditory experience. Additionally, its translucency enhances aesthetic choices, especially if RGB lighting is utilized, ensuring that the light shines through effectively and elevates the overall visual appeal of the keyboard setup.
In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switches incorporate nylon as their housing material, which creates a distinctly different sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound more effectively than polycarbonate. This results in a deeper, fuller sound that is rounder and less piercing. The sound produced by switches with nylon housings provides a more muted auditory experience when compared to the sharper notes of the Silent Frozen (V2). Thus, the choice of nylon in both the top and bottom housings of the Vintage Citrus leans toward producing a typing experience that feels softer and more cushioned.
When comparing the two switch types, it is essential to consider how the distinct characteristics of their materials influence user experience. The Silent Frozen (V2), with polycarbonate housing, emphasizes sound clarity and resonance, appealing to users seeking a more pronounced auditory feedback. Meanwhile, the HMX Vintage Citrus offers a mellower and fuller sound experience through its nylon components. Ultimately, while both switches provide unique acoustic signatures, for users who prefer the brighter tones of the Silent Frozen (V2), similar results in terms of sound can be cultivated by adjusting keycap materials or even customizing certain aspects, thus allowing for a personalized approach to achieving the desired typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, notable differences emerge that cater to different typing preferences. The Silent Frozen (V2) features a lighter actuation force of 39 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it ideal for users who favor a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus has a heavier actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, providing a more substantial feel for those who prefer a stronger push while typing. Thus, the Silent Frozen (V2) is the lighter of the two, while the Vintage Citrus leans towards the heavier side. The difference in force characteristics means that users seeking a more tactile experience should gravitate towards the Vintage Citrus, whereas those looking for ease and comfort in typing will find the Silent Frozen (V2) more appealing.
Travel distance
When comparing the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, we see a distinction in their travel distances; the Silent Frozen (V2) has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Vintage Citrus offers a shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This places the Vintage Citrus in the realm of shallower switches, which is often favored by gamers seeking quicker response times. In contrast, the Silent Frozen (V2) allows for a slightly more substantial feel when pressing down, catering to those who prefer a more robust typing experience. Therefore, while both switches aim to provide smooth travel, the Silent Frozen (V2) is more conducive to users who appreciate depth, whereas the Vintage Citrus targets those who prioritize a snappier reaction. Ultimately, your choice might reflect your typing preferences—whether you favor the responsive edge of shorter travel or the satisfying feedback of a longer one.
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 HMX Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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 (V2) linear switch stands out with its extremely quiet sound profile, characterized by a thocky, low-pitched, and muted tone. This makes it an excellent choice for environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum, as it produces a deep, rich sound reminiscent of a soft thud when pressed. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch is designed for gamers and features a bright, clacky sound profile, which is ideal for those who enjoy auditory feedback during fast-paced typing or gaming sessions. This difference in sound delivery highlights the intended use of each switch, with the Silent Frozen suited for quiet settings and the Vintage Citrus favoring an engaging auditory experience.
Regarding feel, the Silent Frozen (V2) excels with its creamy, buttery, and feathery characteristics, providing a very smooth and luxurious typing experience. The switch’s light actuation and subtle resistance minimize finger fatigue and ensure effortless key presses, making it comfortable for extended usage. Conversely, the Vintage Citrus is touted for its exceptionally low actuation force, making rapid key presses easy and quick. However, specific descriptors of the Vintage Citrus’s feel were not provided, leaving an unknown aspect in terms of its tactile feedback compared to the smoothness of the Silent Frozen.
In conclusion, while the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) offers a super quiet and smooth experience, perfect for a variety of settings, the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch appeals more to gamers who prefer a lively, clacky sound and rapid actuation. Each switch caters to different preferences, ensuring that users can select one based on their specific needs, whether it be tranquility or responsiveness. If you are looking for a calm typing experience, the Silent Frozen will deliver, whereas for fast-paced action, the Vintage Citrus will keep up with your demands.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, consider your specific needs and environment. If you prioritize a quiet typing experience that minimizes noise and allows for prolonged use without finger fatigue, the Silent Frozen (V2) is an excellent choice. Its lighter 43-gram bottom-out force and smooth, pillowy feel make it ideal for both typing and extended gaming sessions, particularly in shared spaces where noise might be an issue. On the other hand, if you are a gamer seeking quick responsiveness and a touch of excitement, the Vintage Citrus switch, with its higher 53-gram bottom-out force and exceptionally low actuation force, could be the better fit. This switch is designed for rapid-fire inputs and offers a bright, clacky sound profile that enhances the gaming experience. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you value a serene typing environment or rapid response in gaming scenarios.
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