TTC Brother vs. KTT Cream Yellow

Overview

When navigating the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly influence your typing experience, and two popular contenders are the TTC Brother and the KTT Cream Yellow. The TTC Brother, a clicky switch, is celebrated for its lightweight actuation at just 37g, creating a smooth and enjoyable typing experience that embodies the classic clicky feel. Its satisfying crunchy sound signature and articulate tactile bump provide both auditory and haptic feedback that many enthusiasts cherish. In contrast, the KTT Cream Yellow is a linear switch that offers a distinctively clacky sound, characterized by its unique design—shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem—which results in a bouncy feel that enhances the typing experience. While the Brother switch excels in delivering pronounced tactile and auditory feedback, the Cream Yellow focuses on smoothness and resonance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

TTC Brother Clicky

KTT Cream Yellow Linear

$5.50

$3.30 per 10

$2.75

$2.55 per 10

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Housing materials

Both the TTC Brother and the KTT Cream Yellow switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which ensures that a similar acoustic profile is achieved in terms of sound quality. This shared material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is both crisp and resonant. As polycarbonate is recognized for its rigidity, it allows for better sound clarity, making it an excellent choice for keyboard enthusiasts who seek enhanced auditory feedback. The translucency of polycarbonate also offers aesthetic advantages, particularly for users who want to showcase RGB lighting through their keyboards. Therefore, both switches will deliver a similar visual appeal along with an impressive auditory experience.

On the other hand, both switches also employ nylon for their bottom housing, which complements the polycarbonate top in terms of sound quality but achieves a different auditory outcome. Nylon’s softer properties absorb more sound waves, giving the switches a deeper and fuller sound profile that contrasts with the sharper notes produced by the polycarbonate top. This blend of materials results in a unique dynamic where the bottom housing material influences the feel and bottom-out sound when pressing the key, while the top housing governs the auditory response upon releasing it. Thus, users can experience a rich and rounded typing sound that integrates both materials harmoniously.

While the TTC Brother and KTT Cream Yellow switches differ in branding, their shared use of polycarbonate and nylon for the top and bottom housings respectively allows them to resonate similarly in sound profile characteristics. The deeper, fuller sound from the nylon base works beautifully alongside the crisp sound produced by the polycarbonate top, resulting in a well-rounded auditory experience whether typing or gaming. Users seeking these particular qualities in a switch will find both models equally satisfying, as their material choices yield compelling and similar results in performance and aesthetics.

Weight

When comparing the TTC Brother clicky switch and the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch, we see a distinct difference in their actuation forces. The Brother switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a softer touch for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons. In contrast, the KTT Cream Yellow switch requires a heavier actuation force of 50 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial feel under their fingers while typing. When it comes to bottom out forces, the KTT Cream Yellow features a measurable bottom out force of 58 grams, which gives a clear indication of the resistance felt when the switch is fully pressed. Conversely, the bottom out force for the TTC Brother switch is listed as unavailable. Overall, the Cream Yellow switch delivers a heavier typing experience compared to the lighter and more forgiving feel of the Brother switch, making the choice largely dependent on individual preferences for typing feedback.

Travel distance

The TTC Brother clicky switch and the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch both have an identical travel distance of 3.5 mm. This similarity means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, users will experience the same amount of travel, leading to comparable tactile and responsive feedback. Consequently, the feel and performance of both switches in terms of key travel will be quite similar, providing a consistent experience for typists and gamers alike.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the TTC Brother clicky switch delivers a distinctly crunchy auditory experience that is signature to clicky switches, reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves. This sound enhances the typing experience by providing a clear, crisp feedback with each keystroke, ensuring that every click resonates with satisfying precision. In contrast, the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch offers a clacky sound, characterized by a sharp, bright, and percussive audio feedback that stems from its shortened bottom-out distance. The sound produced by the Cream Yellow tends to be more resonant and lively, reflecting its design intent for a sharp auditory experience. Both switches present unique sound profiles, with the Brother focused on a crunchy clarity and the Cream Yellow on clackiness.

In terms of feel, the TTC Brother switch shines with its lightweight actuation force of 37g, fostering an easy-to-press sensation that minimizes the effort required for each keystroke. This gentle resistance and thoughtful tactile bump create a typing experience that's comfortable and reduces finger fatigue, especially during prolonged use. The tactile feedback is well-balanced, allowing users to feel the keystroke without it being overwhelming. In contrast, the KTT Cream Yellow switch is described as bouncy, providing a lively sensation with elastic feedback that gives a springy feel when pressed. This dynamic elasticity can lead to a more energetic typing experience. While the Brother switch features a stepped tactile feel—allowing for a defined experience during the keystroke—the Cream Yellow's sensation lies more in its lively bounce.

In conclusion, both the TTC Brother clicky switch and KTT Cream Yellow linear switch offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences catered to different preferences. The Brother's crunchy, precise sound combined with its lightweight and tactile nature presents a classic clicky switch experience, ideal for those who appreciate audible feedback and a tactile bump. Conversely, the Cream Yellow, with its clacky sound and bouncy feel, appeals to those who favor a lively and responsive typist experience. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches comes down to personal preference regarding sound and feel, as each switch brings its unique set of attributes to the table.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch, consider the typing experience and application that best suits your needs. If you appreciate a responsive, lightweight switch with an audible and satisfying click, the TTC Brother is an excellent choice—especially if you enjoy typing for extended periods without fatigue. Its crunchy sound and tactile feedback make it perfect for those who thrive on tactile sensations while typing or gaming, turning every keystroke into a delightful experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth, bouncy feel coupled with a sharp sound, the KTT Cream Yellow will serve you well, especially in environments where audio feedback enhances your typing enjoyment. The Cream Yellow's 58 grams of bottom-out force provides a medium resistance, making it suitable for users who favor a bit more weight behind their key presses, ideal for fast-paced gaming and typing scenarios that demand quick response times. Ultimately, your choice depends on whether you lean toward the clicky, tactile delight of the Brother or the smooth, resonant feedback of the Cream Yellow.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Brother Clicky

$5.50

$3.30 per 10

Learn more

KTT Cream Yellow Linear

$2.75

$2.55 per 10

Learn more