TTC Silent Frozen (V2) vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Silent Frozen and the Durock White Lotus are two popular options with distinct characteristics. The TTC Silent Frozen is well-regarded for its extremely quiet sound profile and smooth, pillowy feel. It offers a unique experience with its thocky, low-pitched, creamy, buttery, muted, feathery, subtle, and polished attributes. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus is designed with the discerning typist in mind, providing a delicate tactility that strikes the perfect balance. It is especially suitable for work and extended typing sessions, without overwhelming the user. The White Lotus switches also feature a removable light column, allowing for vibrant and luminous RGB lighting effects, adding a captivating glow to your keyboard setup. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities, so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
39g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
56g
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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Silver white spring
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Silent Frozen and the Durock White Lotus differ in terms of their composition. The Silent Frozen utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiff plastic that allows for a clear and resonant sound. In addition, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting. On the other hand, the White Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, which offers a unique and premium feel to the switch. While the exact properties of this blend are not specified, it is likely to provide a distinct tactile experience.
Similarly, the bottom housings of the Silent Frozen and the White Lotus differ in material composition. The Silent Frozen employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to the overall sound profile of the switch. The stiffness of polycarbonate leads to a clear and resonant sound when bottoming out the switch. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate complements the RGB lighting feature. In contrast, the White Lotus features a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing.
Despite their differences, both switches have similar aspects. They both prioritize sound quality, with their respective housing materials designed to enhance specific characteristics of the sound profile. The polycarbonate housing of the Silent Frozen and the modified PC and UPE Blend housing of the White Lotus both contribute to achieving an optimal sound experience. Moreover, both switches consider aesthetics, with the Silent Frozen utilizing the translucent nature of polycarbonate for RGB lighting, while the White Lotus offers a premium feel through its unique housing blend. Overall, although they use different housing materials, both switches aim to provide an enjoyable and customizable typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, a few key differences become apparent. The Silent Frozen switch has an actuation force of 39 grams, whereas the White Lotus requires a slightly higher force of 46 grams to trigger a keystroke. This means that the Silent Frozen switch is lighter in terms of actuation force. Similarly, when it comes to bottom out force, the Silent Frozen switch measures 43 grams, while the White Lotus switch requires a heavier force of 56 grams. Therefore, it can be concluded that the White Lotus switch is both heavier in terms of actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Silent Frozen switch.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Silent Frozen switch would be a suitable choice as it allows for comfortable and extended typing sessions. On the other hand, if a more substantial typing feel is desired, the heavier forces offered by the White Lotus switch would be more suitable. However, it is important to note that both switches fall within the range of light to medium-light forces, providing a relatively similar typing experience overall.
Travel distance
The TTC Silent Frozen linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch have different travel distances. The Silent Frozen has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the White Lotus has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of traditional travel distances, 4.0 mm is the standard, while 3.0 mm is considered shallow. However, shorter travel distances have gained popularity, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive switch, the Silent Frozen with its shorter travel distance would be a better choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial key press, the White Lotus with its longer travel distance would be more suitable. Overall, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and whether one values responsiveness or a deeper key press.
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 Durock White Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the White Lotus for $4.57.
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 and low-pitched sound. This switch produces a deep and satisfying sound that is muted and minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch offers a delicate tactility without overwhelming the user. It has a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, making it suitable for most intents and purposes. The sound of both switches is influenced by other factors such as the choice of board and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the TTC Silent Frozen switch provides a super smooth and pillowy type feel. It is described as creamy, buttery, feathery, subtle, and polished. Typing on this switch offers a silky sensation, with keys effortlessly melting into each keystroke. The Durock White Lotus switch, on the other hand, offers an easy-to-press and mild typing experience. It has a gentle resistance during key presses and requires minimal force to activate. This light actuation force enhances the typing experience, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The feel of both switches is smooth and refined, with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch have their own subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Silent Frozen switch excels in providing an extremely quiet sound profile with a thocky and low-pitched sound, while also offering a smooth and pillowy feel. On the other hand, the White Lotus switch offers a delicate tactility, a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, and an easy-to-press and mild typing experience. If you are looking for a quiet and smooth switch, the Silent Frozen will suit your preferences. If you prefer a light tactile switch with a softer sound, the White Lotus is a great option.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a lightweight and quiet switch, the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch is the ideal choice for you. With a bottom out force of 43 grams, it provides a light and effortless typing experience. Its extremely quiet sound profile, characterized by a thocky, low-pitched, and muted sound, ensures minimal noise disturbance. Additionally, the Silent Frozen switch offers a pillowy type feel, making it smooth and comfortable to use.
On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a delicate tactile feedback, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch is the perfect option. With a bottom out force of 56 grams, it offers a medium-light typing experience. The White Lotus switch strikes the perfect balance between tactility and user comfort, making it suitable for extended typing sessions. It features a removable light column, allowing for vibrant and luminous RGB lighting effects for an added visual appeal.
In terms of sound, the Silent Frozen switch produces a deep and satisfying thocky sound with a low-pitched and muted tone, minimizing noise. The White Lotus switch, on the other hand, offers a more bass-heavy and mellow tone with a neutral sound profile, suitable for various purposes.
When it comes to feel, the Silent Frozen switch provides a creamy, buttery, feathery, subtle, and polished typing experience, offering a smooth and refined finish. The White Lotus switch, on the other hand, offers an easy-to-press and mild typing experience, maintaining a light and gentle resistance.
Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. Both switches excel in different aspects, so consider factors such as sound, feel, and typing style to make an informed decision. Whether you prioritize silence and smoothness or tactile feedback and versatility, both switches offer impressive qualities that enhance your overall typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
