TTC Silent Frozen (V2) vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options stand out: the TTC Silent Frozen and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear. Each switch offers a unique set of features and qualities that cater to different preferences. The Silent Frozen switch is renowned for its incredibly quiet sound profile and smooth, pillowy feel. With descriptors like "thocky," "muted," and "subtle," this switch promises a typing experience that won't disturb those around you. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear switch boasts a smooth and high-pitched typing experience, perfect for those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke. Its transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing maximize RGB lighting customization, giving your keyboard a mesmerizing visual display. Additionally, the lightly lubed POM stem ensures minimal friction and a satisfyingly smooth keystroke. Both switches offer qualities like buttery smoothness and a polished feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
39g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Silver white spring
Spring
Double-staged stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Silent Frozen and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches have some similarities, as they both utilize polycarbonate in their top housings. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile due to its relatively stiffer plastic property. This results in a clear and resonant sound when typing on switches with polycarbonate top housings. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially beneficial for those planning to use RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switch.
However, the Silent Frozen switch differentiates itself with its polycarbonate bottom housing, while the WS Aurora Clear features a UHWMPE bottom housing, a newer material for switch housings. The UHWMPE bottom housing of the WS Aurora Clear is known for producing a very bright sound signature, offering resonant clacks when typing. This brings a unique auditory experience to the typing process on switches equipped with UHWMPE bottom housings.
When it comes to the impact on sound and feel, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing affects the sound upon key release. As such, with both switches having different materials for their top and bottom housings, the qualities brought by each housing material are split between the top and the bottom of the switch, resulting in a varied typing experience.
In summary, the TTC Silent Frozen and Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches share the use of polycarbonate in their top housings, offering a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound. However, the Silent Frozen stands out with its polycarbonate bottom housing, while the WS Aurora Clear utilizes UHWMPE, a newer material that provides a bright sound signature. The split between top and bottom housing materials affects the typing experience, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing influencing the sound upon key release. Overall, these switches provide distinct auditory experiences and add aesthetic appeal, particularly with the use of RGB lighting.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Silent Frozen requires a lighter actuation force of 39 grams, while the WS Aurora Clear demands a heavier actuation force of 53 grams. This means that the Silent Frozen will register keystrokes with a gentler touch, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. Conversely, the WS Aurora Clear provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation force.
Similarly, when considering the bottom out force, the Silent Frozen has a relatively light bottom out force of 43 grams, while the WS Aurora Clear is heavier with a bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This indicates that the Silent Frozen switch will feel less resistant when pressing the keys all the way down, allowing for a smoother typing or gaming experience. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear switch will require more force to fully depress the keys, offering a more pronounced and tactile typing sensation.
For those who prefer a lightweight keyboard that enables longer typing periods, the Silent Frozen switch would be a suitable choice due to its lower actuation and bottom out forces. Conversely, individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience would find the WS Aurora Clear switch more appealing with its higher actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch differ slightly. The Silent Frozen has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the WS Aurora Clear has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In terms of traditional standards, the Silent Frozen falls on the shorter side with its 3.5 mm travel distance, while the WS Aurora Clear offers a slightly longer 3.8 mm travel distance. Gamers, who prioritize faster response times, may find the shorter travel distance of the Silent Frozen more appealing. This shorter travel distance allows for quicker key presses, enhancing gaming performance. On the other hand, some people may prefer a switch with a longer travel distance, as it provides a deeper and more satisfying keystroke. These individuals may find the 3.8 mm travel distance of the WS Aurora Clear to be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired feel when typing or gaming.
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 Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear comes in at $8.00 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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Silent Frozen switch is best described as thocky, low-pitched, and muted. This means that when the keys are pressed and released, they produce a deep, rich, and satisfying sound similar to a soft knock or thud. The low-pitched nature of these switches gives them a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, while the muted characteristic helps minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear switch is known for its high-pitched sound profile, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. This is ideal for those who prefer a more rich and bassy sound-free typing experience. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the TTC Silent Frozen switch offers a creamy, buttery, feathery, subtle, and polished typing experience. These switches are smooth, offering a buttery and silky sensation when typing. They also have a feathery lightness that requires minimal exertion, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The subtle resistance and lack of resonance in the typing feel make them suitable for shared spaces. Additionally, the polished finish and factory lubing ensure reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear switch provides a buttery and mild typing experience. Similar to the Silent Frozen switch, this means a smooth and fluid keystroke with a seamless and effortless sensation. These switches also have a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel. Their mild characteristics make them approachable to most users, standing in a safe middle-ground zone.
In summary, the TTC Silent Frozen and WS Aurora Clear switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Silent Frozen switch provides a thocky, low-pitched, and muted sound profile, while offering a creamy, buttery, feathery, subtle, and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear switch offers a high-pitched sound and a buttery, mild, and polished typing experience. Despite the differences, both switches prioritize smoothness and fluidity in their keystrokes. Therefore, if you are looking for a quiet and smooth typing experience, the Silent Frozen switch would be a suitable choice. However, if you prefer a more sharp and crisp typing sound, while still enjoying a smooth keystroke, the WS Aurora Clear switch would be a great option.
Conclusion
In closing, if you prioritize a quiet and smooth typing experience, the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. With its light bottom out force of 43 grams, it offers a pillowy and thocky sound profile that minimizes noise and produces a muted, low-pitched sound. The Silent Frozen switch also provides a creamy, buttery, and feathery feel, allowing for effortless and comfortable typing sessions.
On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and high-pitched sound along with maximum RGB lighting customization, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch would be more suitable. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams, it offers a buttery and polished keystroke experience. The WS Aurora Clear switch also has a transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing, allowing for vibrant and customizable RGB lighting effects.
Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Silent Frozen and Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches depends on your personal preferences for sound and feel.
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