TTC Brother vs. Bsun Cliff
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Bsun Cliff switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Brother and Bsun Cliff offer distinct experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The TTC Brother, a beloved clicky switch, features a lightweight actuation force of just 37g, making it effortless to type on while delivering an exhilarating and crisp auditory feedback with every keystroke. Its standout 'crunchy' sound signature and articulate tactile bump create a satisfying typing sensation that is sure to please enthusiasts of clicky switches. In contrast, the Bsun Cliff delivers a medium tactile feedback that strikes a balance between comfort and responsiveness, appealing to users who prefer a more subdued sound and feel without sacrificing the tactile experience. While the Brother accents the joy of each keystroke with its pronounced clicks, the Cliff offers a more nuanced tactile engagement, ideal for those seeking a layered typing experience. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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
The TTC Brother and Bsun Cliff both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which has been acknowledged for its contribution to sound clarity in keyboard switches. This material imparts a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its rigidity and resonance capabilities. Both switches are designed to accommodate RGB lighting effectively, leveraging the translucency of polycarbonate, which enhances visual aesthetics in illuminated setups. Consequently, users can expect similar auditory and visual experiences from both the Brother and Cliff when observing the sound quality and the glow of RGB effects through their clear housings.
Despite the similarities in their top housings, the bottom housing of the TTC Brother and Bsun Cliff diverges in material usage, both made of nylon. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile; this is particularly important when considering how a switch feels and sounds during use. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory characteristic compared to the clearer notes produced by the polycarbonate top. As such, while both switches may share the same underlying sound principles dictated by their respective materials, the differing bottom housing will contribute to each switch's unique tactile experience and overall feel.
When taking into account the impact of top and bottom housing materials on the overall switch performance, it is essential to recognize that differing materials will influence specific sound profiles. The polycarbonate top housing enhances the higher frequencies while delivering a clearer sound during key release, whereas the nylon bottom housing contributes to deeper sounds on bottoming out due to its ability to absorb sound more effectively. Thus, while both the TTC Brother and Bsun Cliff may share similarities in their top housing, users will experience nuanced differences in feel and sound when engaging with each switch, leading to preference based on individual typing styles or desired acoustic outcomes.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Brother clicky switch to the Bsun Cliff tactile switch, both switches have an actuation force of 37 grams, meaning they require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. This similarity allows users to expect a similar typing feel in terms of actuation, which can be advantageous for those looking for a comfortable typing experience over extended periods. However, the key difference lies in their bottom out forces; the Cliff switch has a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the bottom out force for the Brother switch is unknown. The Cliff’s heavier bottom out force provides a more substantial feel when a key is fully pressed, which some users prefer for a tactile feedback experience. As a result, while both switches have the same actuation force, the Bsun Cliff switch is heavier overall due to its bottom out force, making it more suitable for users seeking a firmer typing experience, whereas the TTC Brother clicky switch is potentially more desirable for those favoring a lighter touch in their keyboard feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Bsun Cliff tactile switch, the Brother switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, whereas the Cliff switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that for individuals who favor a more responsive typing experience, the TTC Brother may be more appealing due to its shorter distance, which can facilitate quicker actuation. On the other hand, the Bsun Cliff switch, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more satisfying tactile feedback for those who appreciate a deeper key press. Consequently, the choice between these switches ultimately hinges on personal preference: those who enjoy the swift action of shorter travel will prefer the Brother, while users who lean towards a more substantial feel might opt for the Cliff.
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 Cliff has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cliff for $2.19.
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 renowned for its crunchy auditory profile, evoking the feeling of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. This distinctive sound signature, characterized by a clear and crisp click, caters especially to enthusiasts of clicky switches who appreciate an audible confirmation of their keystrokes. In comparison, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch is noted for its medium tactility, but detailed information regarding its sound quality is not provided. Therefore, while the Brother's clicky nature offers an enjoyable and engaging auditory experience, the Cliff's sound characteristics remain unspecified, leaving a gap in direct comparison.
In terms of feel, the TTC Brother switch shines with its easy-to-press mechanism, requiring just a gentle 37g of actuation force. This not only minimizes finger fatigue during long typing sessions but also creates a comfortable and responsive typing experience. The tactility of the Brother is further enhanced by its stepped feedback, providing a mild but noticeable resistance through the keystroke. On the other hand, the Bsun Cliff's tactile qualities remain less defined, as there is no specific description available. Therefore, while the Brother offers a nuanced tactile response, the Cliff's feel remains unknown, making it hard to compare their performance definitively.
In conclusion, the TTC Brother clicky switch presents a well-rounded combination of sound and tactile feedback, making it a top choice for those who favor clicky switches. Its crunchy sound and easy-to-press feel contribute to a delightful typing experience, while the Cliff's qualities remain partly uncharted. This distinction emphasizes the Brother's clear advantages in sound and tactile responsiveness, while the Cliff leaves some questions unanswered that prevent a direct comparison in feel and sound. Thus, those who prioritize an engaging auditory and tactile experience would likely find the Brother more appealing, whereas the Cliff may still hold potential yet to be explored.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Bsun Cliff tactile switch largely depends on your personal preferences and use case scenarios. If you favor a lightweight typing experience with a satisfying auditory element, the TTC Brother is the way to go—its 37g actuation force allows for effortless key presses, making it ideal for long typing sessions or gaming where quick interaction is key. You’ll appreciate the clear, crunchy sound that accompanies each click and the distinct tactile feedback that is engaging yet not overwhelming. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feel with moderate resistance, the Bsun Cliff switch offers a 45g bottom-out force combined with a defined tactile bump. This makes it suitable for those who enjoy a more deliberate typing experience without the noise of clicky switches. Its crisp sound and stepped tactility cater well to users who appreciate feedback that is noticeable but not excessively loud. Ultimately, consider what aspect of the typing experience you prioritize—whether it’s the lightness and clickiness of the Brother or the moderate tactility and subdued sound of the Cliff—and choose accordingly for an optimal experience.
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