TTC Bluish White vs. TTC Brother
An in-depth look at the TTC Bluish White and the TTC Brother switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
In the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can make a significant impact on your typing experience. Two popular options to consider are the TTC Bluish White, a tactile switch, and the TTC Brother, a clicky switch. The Bluish White is praised for its satisfyingly poppy typing experience, with a snappy sound profile and characteristics such as being 'Buttery', 'Mild', and 'Subtle'. On the other hand, the Brother stands out for its lightweight nature and satisfyingly crunchy sound signature, with an actuation force of just 37g and characteristics like being 'Crunchy' and 'Easy-to-press'. Each switch offers unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
42g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
17.5mm spring
Housing materials
The main difference between the housing materials of the TTC Bluish White and the TTC Brother lies in their bottom housings. While both switches boast a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharp, high-pitched sound profile, the Bluish White features a nylon bottom housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound. This contrast in sound profiles can be attributed to the different properties of the materials used - nylon being softer and more sound-absorbent compared to polycarbonate. As a result, typing on the Bluish White may offer a more rounded and muted sound compared to the Brother's crisper and resonant sound.
However, both switches share the benefit of having polycarbonate top housings, which is ideal for those looking to incorporate RGB lighting into their setup. The translucency of polycarbonate allows for vibrant and customizable lighting effects, making both the TTC Bluish White and the TTC Brother visually appealing choices for gamers and enthusiasts. In terms of typing experience, the differences in sound profiles between the two switches can cater to different preferences - those who prefer a sharper sound may lean towards the Brother, while those who enjoy a deeper sound may opt for the Bluish White.
In summary, while the TTC Bluish White and the TTC Brother both feature polycarbonate top housings, their contrasting bottom housing materials result in unique sound profiles. The use of nylon in the Bluish White creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the Brother's polycarbonate bottom housing adds to its sharp and crisp sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, as well as the desired aesthetic appeal that comes with the use of polycarbonate for RGB lighting effects.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the TTC Brother clicky switch, it is clear that the Bluish White has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Brother's 37 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Bluish White is slightly heavier at 50 grams, while the Brother's bottom out force is unknown. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Brother clicky switch may be the better option, as it requires less force to actuate. On the other hand, those who enjoy a slightly heavier typing experience may prefer the Bluish White switch. Despite the slight difference in actuation force, both switches offer a comparable typing experience for users who enjoy a tactile response. Additionally, weight is an important factor to consider when choosing a switch, as it can impact typing comfort during long periods of use.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the TTC Brother clicky switch have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When pressing down on either key, you will feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This means that both switches will provide a similar tactile feedback and actuation point, resulting in a consistent typing experience regardless of which switch is used. Having the same travel distance ensures that users will get reliable and comfortable feedback from either switch, making them both suitable options for different preferences and typing styles.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Bluish White has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bluish White for $4.63.
The TTC Brother has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Brother for $3.30.
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 Bluish White switch features a low-pitched profile, which typically offers a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the TTC Brother clicky switch boasts a satisfyingly crunchy sound signature, akin to stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. Both switches provide distinct auditory experiences that cater to different preferences, with the Bluish White offering a more subdued sound and the Brother delivering a clear, crisp click with each keystroke.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Bluish White switch is described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is seamless and effortless. The switch also falls under the categories of mild, subtle, stepped, and polished, offering a safe middle-ground typing sensation that is approachable to most users. On the other hand, the TTC Brother clicky switch is known for being easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the Brother switch shares the stepped characteristic with the Bluish White, providing a mild tactile experience with distinct pre-travel and post-travel stages.
Overall, both the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the TTC Brother clicky switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Bluish White provides a low-pitched and buttery typing experience with subtle feedback, the Brother delivers a crunchy click with an easy-to-press actuation. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing feel, users can choose between the two switches to enhance their typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer quality craftsmanship and satisfying performance, ensuring a delightful typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the TTC Brother clicky switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you enjoy a light and satisfyingly poppy typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, the Bluish White switch may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky switch with a crunchy sound signature, easy-to-press actuation, and a tactile bump that strikes the perfect balance, then the Brother switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing styles and preferences, so choose based on what aligns best with your personal preferences and needs.
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