TTC Silent Frozen (V2) vs. SP-Star Yanyu
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) and the SP-Star Yanyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the TTC Silent Frozen and the SP-Star Yanyu. The Silent Frozen is best known for its extremely quiet sound profile, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a silent typing experience. Additionally, these switches are known for their smoothness and pillowy feel when pressed, providing a comfortable and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Yanyu switches are preferred by individuals who value a delicate typing experience or need to type for extended periods. These switches have a crisp sound profile, thanks to their unique material blend. Both switches offer their own distinct advantages and characteristics. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
43g
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
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Silver white spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The TTC Silent Frozen and the SP-Star Yanyu utilize different housing materials for both their top and bottom housings. The Silent Frozen features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, while the Yanyu incorporates a unique blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE for both its top and bottom housing.
In terms of sound profile, the Silent Frozen's polycarbonate housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is attributed to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which enhances clarity and resonance. On the other hand, the Yanyu's polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend housing offers a different sound profile that is pleasant, not particularly sharp, but slightly brighter. This blend results in a different auditory experience compared to the Silent Frozen.
In terms of aesthetics, both switches have translucency in their top housings, making them suitable for use with RGB lighting. However, the Silent Frozen's polycarbonate top housing is described as being more likely for switch models with clear housings, suggesting a more visually appealing option for those interested in RGB lighting effects. The Yanyu, on the other hand, does not have a specific mention of any aesthetic qualities associated with its blend housing.
While both switches have differences in their housing materials, they also share similarities. Both the Silent Frozen's polycarbonate top housing and the Yanyu's blend top housing contribute to the sound produced when releasing a key. Additionally, the impact and sound experienced when pressing down on a key are influenced by the materials used in the bottom housings of both switches. Therefore, despite the variation in housing materials, these switches still provide comparable results in terms of key release sound and keypress experience, albeit with their distinctive sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, one noticeable difference is in their actuation forces. The TTC Silent Frozen has an actuation force of 39 grams, while the actuation force of the SP-Star Yanyu is unknown. However, both switches share a bottom out force of 43 grams, which means that the user will experience a similar resistance when fully pressing the keys on either switch.
The weight of the switches also plays a role in the typing experience. The TTC Silent Frozen is known for its light actuation force, making it ideal for individuals who prefer a lighter feel when typing for extended periods of time. This can be beneficial for those who use their keyboard at work or engage in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, some users may prefer a more substantial typing experience and opt for switches with heavier forces. Unfortunately, the specific actuation force of the SP-Star Yanyu is not provided, so it is difficult to draw a direct comparison in terms of weight.
In conclusion, while the TTC Silent Frozen is lighter in terms of actuation force, both the Silent Frozen and Yanyu switches have the same bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on an individual's preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Silent Frozen linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch have different travel distances. The Silent Frozen has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Yanyu has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Silent Frozen falls into the category of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular, especially among gamers who value fast response times. On the other hand, the Yanyu offers a bit more depth with its longer travel distance. Some individuals may find the shorter travel distance of the Silent Frozen to be too abrupt, while others may appreciate its responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired experience while 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 SP-Star Yanyu has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yanyu for $5.40.
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 as thocky, low-pitched, and muted. When pressed and released, these switches produce a deep "thud" or a soft "knock" sound, creating a satisfying and bass-heavy tone. The Yanyu linear switch, on the other hand, is described as having a more delicate typing experience, perfect for prolonged typing sessions. Its sound profile is neutral and thocky, providing a moderate sound with a satisfying deep "thud" or soft "knock" when pressed and released.
In terms of feel, the Silent Frozen switch offers a creamy and buttery typing experience. The smooth and buttery sensation is achieved through factory lubrication and specific materials used in the switch. It provides a seamless and effortless keystroke experience, allowing your fingers to glide across the keys with ease. Additionally, it has a feathery and subtle feel, reducing finger fatigue and strain during long typing sessions. The Yanyu switch shares similar characteristics, offering a mild and feathery typing experience. The switch's qualities stand in a safe middle-ground zone, making it approachable to most users. It also provides a smooth and refined typing experience due to its polished finish and reduced friction.
Taking all available information into account, the TTC Silent Frozen and SP-Star Yanyu switches have different sound profiles but share similar qualities in terms of feel. The Silent Frozen switch is extremely quiet, with a deep and satisfying sound, while the Yanyu switch offers a more delicate typing experience. Both switches have a thocky sound profile. In terms of feel, they both provide a creamy, buttery, and polished typing experience, resulting in smooth and effortless key travel. The Silent Frozen switch is known for its pillowy feel, while the Yanyu switch offers a mild and feathery typing sensation. Overall, depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches can provide satisfying and comfortable typing experiences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a keyboard switch with a light bottom out force of 43 grams and a quiet sound profile, the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch is the ideal choice. It is characterized by its extremely quiet sound profile, super smooth feel, and pillowy typing experience. The Silent Frozen switch offers a thocky, low-pitched, and muted sound, making it perfect for those who prefer a deep, rich, and satisfying sound while minimizing noise. Additionally, it provides a creamy, buttery, feathery, subtle, and polished typing experience, ensuring a smooth and effortless keystroke sensation.
On the other hand, if you prioritize a delicate typing experience and plan to type for long periods of time, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch is the better option. With the same light bottom out force of 43 grams, this switch is known for its crisp sound profile and is perfect for those seeking a more gentle and approachable typing experience. The Yanyu switch offers a neutral and thocky sound, providing a moderate actuation force and a pleasant deep "thud" or soft "knock" when keys are pressed and released. Similar to the Silent Frozen, it also offers a feathery, subtle, and polished feel, ensuring reduced finger strain and a smooth typing experience.
Ultimately, both switches have their unique qualities and cater to different preferences. It's important to consider factors such as sound profile and typing feel when choosing between the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch.
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