TTC Brother vs. Bsun Pine
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Bsun Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the BSUN Pine tactile switch, both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Brother stands out with its lightweight actuation and satisfyingly crunchy sound, making it a beloved choice for clicky switch enthusiasts who enjoy a tactile experience without feeling burdened. On the other hand, the Pine distinguishes itself with its sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, appealing to users seeking direct and no-nonsense tactility during typing. 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
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
17.5mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the TTC Brother and the Bsun Pine utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, leading to a similar sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate creates a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. In terms of aesthetics, the translucency of polycarbonate adds a visually appealing element to both switches, indicating that the top housing is likely to be made of this material.
On the other hand, the Brother and Pine differ in their choice of bottom housing material, with the Brother featuring a nylon bottom housing and the Pine also utilizing nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches made with nylon bottom housings, impacting the overall typing experience for both switches.
While the top housing of a switch typically affects the sound when a key is released, and the bottom housing influences the sound when the key bottoms out, both the TTC Brother and the Bsun Pine showcase how the choice of housing materials can impact the overall typing experience. Despite the similarities in their polycarbonate top housings, the differences in their nylon bottom housings result in unique sound profiles for each switch. Both switches offer a blend of sharpness and depth in sound, providing enthusiasts with options to cater to their preferences in typing experience.
Weight
The TTC Brother clicky switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Bsun Pine tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. The Brother switch does not have a specified bottom out force, while the Pine switch has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it medium-heavy. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Brother switch may be the better choice. However, for individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Pine switch could be more suitable. Both switches have their own unique characteristics, and depending on personal preference, users will experience different typing sensations.
Travel distance
The Brother clicky switch and the Bsun Pine tactile switch have very similar travel distances, with the Brother at 3.5 mm and the Pine at 3.4 mm. Both fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular among gamers for their faster response times. Choosing between the two would likely come down to personal preference in terms of the slight difference in travel distance. Those who prefer a slightly shorter travel distance may lean towards the Pine switch, while those who appreciate a bit more depth when pressing down on a key may favor the Brother switch. Ultimately, both switches offer a comparable experience in terms of travel distance, so you can expect similar results from either option.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Bsun Pine has an MSRP of $4.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $3.70.
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 Brother clicky switch is known for its crunchy and satisfyingly crisp sound profile, reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Bsun Pine tactile switch is not explicitly described, making it a bit more unpredictable in terms of auditory feedback. However, both switches offer distinct sound characteristics that can be appreciated by enthusiasts, with the Brother leaning more towards a classic clicky sound and the Pine potentially offering a unique auditory experience depending on the setup.
In terms of feel, the TTC Brother clicky switch is praised for its easy-to-press nature, providing a gentle resistance that requires minimal force for actuation. This light actuation force enhances typing comfort and reduces finger fatigue during extended use. Additionally, the tactile bump in the Brother switch is described as stepped, offering a more nuanced feel compared to other switches. On the other hand, the Bsun Pine tactile switch is characterized by its accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy feel. These descriptors indicate a pronounced tactile feedback, firm actuation force, and responsive keystrokes, resulting in an immersive typing sensation. While both switches offer tactile feedback, the way it is delivered differs slightly, with the Brother providing a more gentle and stepped experience, while the Pine offers a sharper and more intense tactility.
Overall, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Bsun Pine tactile switch both have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboards. The Brother excels in providing a lightweight and breezy typing experience with a satisfyingly crunchy sound, appealing to those who enjoy classic clicky switches with a subtle tactile bump. On the other hand, the Pine stands out with its sharp and snappy tactile feedback, offering a distinct typing feel for users who prefer a more intense and direct keystroke sensation. Depending on personal preferences and typing style, both switches can provide a rewarding typing experience, albeit in slightly different ways.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a light actuation force and a satisfyingly crunchy sound, the TTC Brother clicky switch would be an excellent choice for you. It offers a delicate tactile bump and a breezy typing experience that is perfect for those who enjoy a responsive and clicky feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a sharper tactile bump and a medium-heavy bottom-out force, the Bsun Pine tactile switch would be more suitable for you. Its distinct feedback and quick bottom-out make it a favorite for those who appreciate a more pronounced and invigorating typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the Brother clicky switch and the Pine tactile switch will depend on your personal preferences for actuation force, sound, and feel.
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