TTC Brother vs. HMX Cheese
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the HMX Cheese switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the HMX Cheese linear switch offer unique experiences for users. The Brother is renowned for its lightweight nature and satisfyingly crunchy sound, making it a top favorite among clicky switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Cheese stands out for its unparalleled smoothness and ultra-light feel, providing a pristine typing experience with a satisfying clacky sound. While the Brother offers a tactile experience with a distinct tactile bump, the Cheese focuses on a light and smooth keystroke. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
46g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
17.5mm spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Brother and the HMX Cheese, one key difference lies in the material used for the top housing. The Brother features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiff nature that produces a sharper and crisper sound profile. On the other hand, the Cheese utilizes a nylon top housing, which absorbs more sound and creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. This contrast in sound profiles showcases how the choice of housing material can greatly impact the overall typing experience for users of these switches.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Brother and the Cheese share a nylon bottom housing. This material is known for its ability to elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. While both switches may have similar sound profiles when it comes to the bottom housing, the nuances in the overall typing experience may still vary based on other factors such as keycap material and switch design. Despite this similarity in bottom housing material, each switch may still offer a unique typing experience based on their individual design elements.
It is important to note that the housing materials of a switch play a significant role in determining the overall sound and feel of typing on that switch. While the Brother and the Cheese both utilize nylon for their bottom housing, the difference in their top housing materials - polycarbonate for the Brother and nylon for the Cheese - results in distinct sound profiles for each switch. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate in the Brother creates a clear and resonant sound, whereas the softer nature of nylon in the Cheese absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials contribute to the unique typing experience offered by each switch, showcasing how material choice can impact the overall feel and sound of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
The TTC Brother clicky switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the HMX Cheese linear switch with a heavier actuation force of 43 grams. However, it is worth noting that the bottom out force of the Brother switch is unknown, while the Cheese switch has a bottom out force of 46 grams, making it lighter in that aspect. This means that the Brother switch may feel lighter to type on initially, but the Cheese switch will provide a more substantial typing experience when fully pressed down. So, if you prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Brother switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a bit more resistance for a more tactile typing experience, the Cheese switch would be the way to go.
Travel distance
The TTC Brother clicky switch and the HMX Cheese linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the two switches, it's clear that they provide a consistent typing experience in terms of travel distance. With both switches offering the same distance for keypresses, users can expect similar results in terms of feel and feedback while typing. This means that whether you choose the TTC Brother clicky switch or the HMX Cheese linear switch, you can expect a consistent and familiar travel distance while typing.
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 HMX Cheese has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cheese for $2.99.
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 offers a uniquely crunchy sound signature that is highly appealing to enthusiasts of clicky switches. Each key press delivers a clear and precise click that is sure to satisfy users looking for an auditory delight. On the other hand, the HMX Cheese linear switch is known for its satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound profile, setting it apart as a top choice for those seeking a distinctive typing experience. Both switches offer a pleasant sound profile, albeit with their own unique characteristics, so users can expect similar auditory results.
Moving on to feel, the Brother switch is lauded for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force to activate and providing a gentle resistance during key presses. This lightweight switch offers a tactile bump that strikes a perfect balance between being distinctly felt and not overpowering the overall typing experience. Meanwhile, the HMX Cheese linear switch is praised for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing feel, offering an ultra-light keystroke experience that is sure to appeal to users seeking a unique typing sensation. While the specific tactile feel of the Cheese switch is not detailed, users can anticipate a smooth and effortless typing experience.
In conclusion, both the TTC Brother clicky switch and the HMX Cheese linear switch offer unique qualities that make them stand out in the realm of mechanical keyboard switches. The Brother switch excels in delivering a crunchy sound profile and an easy-to-press tactile experience, while the Cheese switch boasts a satisfyingly clacky sound signature and unparalleled smoothness in typing. Whether you prefer the distinctive sound of the Brother switch or the ultra-light keystrokes of the Cheese switch, both options provide a rewarding typing experience that is sure to please newcomers to the world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the TTC Brother clicky switch or the HMX Cheese linear switch, your decision should be based on your preference for typing experience and sound. If you enjoy a lightweight, tactile typing experience with a satisfyingly crunchy sound, then the TTC Brother clicky switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer an ultra-light switch with a smooth and crisp typing sound, then the HMX Cheese linear switch is the better option for you. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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