TTC Brother vs. Outemu Crystal
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Outemu Crystal switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Outemu Crystal linear switch offer distinct typing experiences. The TTC Brother is a favorite among clicky switch enthusiasts, thanks to its lightweight actuation of just 37g, crunchy sound signature, and balanced tactile bump. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal provides a unique linear typing experience with its elastic feel and medium-light weight, along with a neutral sound profile. Deciding between these switches may come down to personal preference and typing style – do you prefer the satisfying click of the Brother or the smooth keystrokes of the Crystal? 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
17.5mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Brother and the Outemu Crystal, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the Brother's nylon bottom housing differs from the Crystal's polycarbonate bottom housing. The nylon bottom housing of the Brother offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and creating a rounder sound compared to the Crystal.
Despite the differences in bottom housing materials, the impact of each housing material on the overall sound and feel of the switches is evident. The Brother's nylon bottom housing provides a unique typing experience with a deeper sound profile, while the polycarbonate top housing of both switches contributes to a sharper and crisper sound. When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will be felt, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing material will have more of an impact on the sound when releasing a key, showcasing the importance of both housing materials in determining the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, while both the TTC Brother and the Outemu Crystal utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, the difference in bottom housing materials results in distinct sound profiles and typing experiences. The Brother's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the Crystal's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a sharper and crisper sound. Each housing material plays a vital role in shaping the overall typing experience, highlighting the importance of material selection in switch design. Ultimately, whether using polycarbonate or nylon, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
In comparing the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Outemu Crystal linear switch, it is clear that the Brother switch is lighter in terms of actuation force at 37 grams, while the Crystal switch is heavier at 45 grams. This means that the Brother switch will require less force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Crystal switch. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Crystal switch has a heavier force at 55 grams, while the Brother switch does not have a specified bottom out force. This means that the Crystal switch will require more force to press the key all the way down compared to the Brother switch. Overall, if you prefer a lighter actuation force for longer typing or gaming sessions, the Brother switch would be a better choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel, the Crystal switch would be more suitable. Both switches provide different typing experiences, but with the right choice based on your preference, you will achieve similar results in terms of keyboard performance.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the TTC Brother clicky switch is 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Crystal linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Brother switch is the shorter option, providing a quicker keypress response compared to the Crystal switch. Gamers may prefer the Brother switch for its faster response times, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress depth may opt for the Crystal switch due to its longer travel distance. Both switches offer different advantages based on individual preferences, with the Brother providing a shorter travel distance for speed and the Crystal offering a longer travel distance for a more substantial keypress feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for keypress responsiveness and feel.
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 Outemu Crystal comes in at $3.40 per 10 switches.
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 is characterized by a crunchy sound signature that is synonymous with clicky switches, offering a satisfying and precise auditory experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal linear switch presents a unique chirpy and high-pitched sound profile, adding a distinct flair to the typing experience. Both switches provide a diverse range of sound options for users based on their preferences, with the Brother delivering a classic clicky sound and the Crystal offering a more modern and distinctive tone.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Brother clicky switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, providing a light actuation force that enhances typing comfort and reduces finger fatigue. Additionally, the articulate tactile bump of the Brother switch offers a balanced typing experience that is both responsive and enjoyable. In contrast, the Outemu Crystal linear switch offers a polished feel, characterized by smooth key travel and reduced friction, resulting in a sleek typing experience. While the Brother switch focuses on effortless key presses and tactile feedback, the Crystal switch prioritizes smoothness and refinement in its typing feel.
In conclusion, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Outemu Crystal linear switch offer distinct qualities in both sound and feel, catering to different preferences and typing styles. While the Brother switch excels in providing a crunchy and tactile typing experience with easy-to-press qualities, the Crystal switch stands out with its chirpy sound profile and polished feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can expect to enjoy a satisfying and unique typing experience with either of these switches. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality performance and a diverse range of options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Outemu Crystal linear switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you enjoy a crunchy and tactile typing experience with a lightweight actuation force, the Brother switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more elastic and smooth typing feel with a medium-light weight, the Crystal switch may be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you are looking for. We hope this comparison has helped you in making an informed decision on which switch to choose for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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