TTC Brother vs. Gateron CM
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Gateron CM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Gateron CM linear switch offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Brother stands out with its lightweight 37g actuation force, providing a satisfyingly crunchy sound that appeals to clicky switch enthusiasts. Its tactile bump strikes a delicate balance between feedback and subtlety, making each keystroke a precise and enjoyable experience. On the other hand, the Gateron CM switches boast a full nylon housing and factory lube job, delivering a smoother and deeper sound signature. With a bouncy typing experience thanks to their dual-staged spring design, these switches offer a buttery and polished feel to 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
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
17.5mm spring
Spring
Dual-staged 20mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Brother and the Gateron CM switches, we can see some significant differences. The Brother features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature. On the other hand, the CM utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This contrast in material leads to different typing experiences for users, with the Brother providing a crisper sound and the CM offering a rounder sound.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Brother and the CM use nylon material. This means that typing on switches from either brand will elicit a similar deep and fuller sound profile due to the absorbing nature of nylon. However, because the nylon bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of a key press, users may notice a difference in typing experience between the two switches. Despite both switches using the same material for the bottom housing, the overall feel of typing may vary slightly based on the design and construction of each switch.
Overall, the choice of housing material in a switch plays a crucial role in shaping the typing experience for users. While the Brother's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, the CM's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound. The shared nylon bottom housing between the two switches ensures a consistent sound profile in terms of depth and fullness. Whether a user prefers a sharper or rounder sound profile, both the TTC Brother and the Gateron CM switches offer unique typing experiences based on their housing materials.
Weight
The TTC Brother clicky switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Gateron CM linear switch's heavier actuation force of 55 grams. However, the bottom out force for the Brother switch is unknown, while the Gateron CM linear switch has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy. The lighter actuation force of the Brother switch may appeal to those who prefer a more effortless typing experience for longer periods, such as for work or gaming. In contrast, the heavier actuation force of the CM switch may be favored by those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TTC Brother clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron CM linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for their faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance could be noticeable to some users. The Brother switch would be considered the shorter of the two, offering a slightly quicker keystroke, while the CM switch is slightly longer, providing a tad more depth to the key press. Overall, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of travel distance and would likely provide similar results in terms of typing or gaming performance.
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 Gateron CM has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CM for $4.25.
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 Brother clicky switch offers a crunchy sound signature, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves, making each key press an audible delight for enthusiasts of clicky switches. On the other hand, the Gateron CM linear switch provides a deeper, bassy sound profile due to its full nylon housing and factory lube job. This results in a richer and lower-pitched sound experience, giving a sense of depth and richness to each keystroke. Both switches offer distinct sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Brother emphasizing crisp precision while the CM focuses on a deeper, smoother sound.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Brother switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force to activate and providing a gentle resistance that enhances the typing experience, reducing fatigue during prolonged use. Additionally, it offers a stepped feel, characterized by two stages in the keystroke, adding to the tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron CM linear switch is described as buttery, polished, creamy, and frictionless, promising a smooth and fluid typing experience with reduced friction and effortless key travel. With its lengthened, dual-staged spring, the CM switch offers a bouncy typing sensation that adds to the overall comfort and ease of use.
Overall, the TTC Brother clicky switch stands out for its lightweight actuation, satisfyingly crunchy sound, and easy-to-press feel, making it a favorite among clicky switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Gateron CM linear switch impresses with its rich, bassy sound profile, smooth typing journey, and bouncy typing experience, offering a different yet equally impressive typing experience. While the two switches provide distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel, both ensure a high-quality typing experience that caters to different preferences, delivering reliable performance and satisfaction to users. Ultimately, choosing between the TTC Brother clicky switch and Gateron CM linear switch will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering the TTC Brother clicky switch, you should opt for this switch if you prefer a clicky experience with a lightweight actuation force and a satisfyingly crunchy sound signature. The tactile bump in these switches strikes a perfect balance, making each keystroke a delightful experience. On the other hand, if you're looking for a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Gateron CM switch would be the better choice. These switches offer a smoother typing journey with a deep and rich sound profile. The lengthened, dual-staged spring in CM switches provides a bouncy typing experience that is sure to enhance your typing sessions. Ultimately, your choice between the Brother clicky and CM linear switches will depend on whether you prioritize a light and tactile clicky experience or a smooth and rich linear typing feel.
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