TTC Brother vs. Huano Elf
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Huano Elf switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves choosing between the tactile pleasure of a clicky switch like the TTC Brother and the smooth experience offered by linear switches such as the Huano Elf. The TTC Brother distinguishes itself with a lightweight actuation of just 37g and a satisfying crunchy sound that is music to the ears of clicky switch lovers. It offers an articulate tactile bump that provides clear feedback without overwhelming the keystroke, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate auditory and haptic cues while typing. On the other hand, the Huano Elf linear switch focuses on delivering a seamless and fluid typing experience, characterized by its medium-light feel and deep sound signature facilitated by its POK top housing, appealing to users who prefer a quieter and smoother operation without the distinct clicks. Both switches cater to different preferences; while the Brother amplifies typing with its audible feedback and tactile sensation, the Elf offers a more subdued yet equally satisfying experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
POK
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 spring
Housing materials
The TTC Brother and the Huano Elf showcase contrasting characteristics in their top housing materials, which significantly influence their sound profiles and overall performance. The Brother employs a polycarbonate top housing, celebrated for its rigidity and translucency. This stiffer plastic delivers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, enhancing the auditory feedback when typing, especially in setups featuring RGB lighting. In contrast, the Elf uses POK material, renowned for its smoothness and durability, which is slightly less rigid than polycarbonate but boasts exceptional resistance to wear and shock. While both materials aim to optimize performance and sound, the different properties of polycarbonate and POK lead to distinctive auditory experiences during use.
Regarding the bottom housings, both the TTC Brother and Huano Elf utilize nylon, a classic material well-regarded for its acoustic properties. Nylon's softer plastic composition results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, effectively absorbing sound and creating a more muted, rounded auditory experience. Both switches benefit from this shared nylon bottom housing, which contributes similarly to the tactile feedback and sound signature—emphasizing that regardless of the top housing material, the lower housing plays a crucial role in the overall acoustic impact during key presses. Therefore, while the top housing materials differ, the use of nylon at the bottom ensures a commonality in the sound output associated with the bottoming-out of the switches.
Ultimately, the combination of different top and bottom housing materials in the TTC Brother and Huano Elf will yield unique typing experiences, highlighting how material choices can influence sound and feel. The polycarbonate of the Brother's top housing lends a brightness to the key presses, while the POK material of the Elf enhances smoothness. However, both switches draw from the characteristics of nylon at the bottom, leading to a shared depth and fullness in sound. This integration of different materials illustrates that even within contrasting frameworks, switches can maintain a balance of auditory qualities, achieving distinct yet complementary sound profiles based on the interactions between top and bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Huano Elf linear switch, we find notable differences in their actuation forces, with the Brother requiring a lighter 37 grams to trigger a keystroke compared to the Elf's heavier 42 grams. This difference can significantly impact user experience; those who favor a lighter switch, like the Brother, may appreciate longer typing sessions without fatigue, making it a great choice for extensive work or gaming. Conversely, the Huano Elf, with its stronger push feel, appeals to users searching for a more substantial typing experience. Both switches, however, have unknown bottom out forces, which means we cannot draw any conclusions about their behaviors when the keys are fully pressed down. Despite this, the TTC Brother remains the lighter option, while the Huano Elf is the heavier switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Huano Elf linear switch, the TTC Brother measures 3.5 mm, while the Huano Elf has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference, though small, makes the Brother the shorter option and the Elf the longer option. If you're aiming for quicker response times, the TTC Brother might be more appealing due to its reduced travel distance; however, some users may find the Elf’s longer travel distance provides a more satisfying keypress feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to personal preference, as the difference in travel distance can influence the overall typing experience significantly.
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 Huano Elf has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Elf for $3.29.
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 switch delivers a uniquely satisfying auditory experience that is often described as crunchy, reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves. This sound quality is a signature feature of clicky switches, making each keystroke not only noticeable but also enjoyable, adding an engaging auditory layer to the typing experience. In contrast, the Huano Elf switch provides a deeper sound signature, likely contributing to a more muted yet rich typing experience. However, specific auditory characteristics of the Elf are not detailed, making it interesting to explore how it performs in various setups, as sound is highly influenced by the keyboard's build and materials.
In terms of feel, the TTC Brother switch is designed for effortless use, with a lightweight actuation force of just 37g. This low resistance paired with a distinct tactile bump makes it easy to type on for extended periods, enhancing comfort and reducing fatigue. The tactile feedback is described as stepped; it provides a mild but noticeable sensation during key presses, contributing to a pleasant typing experience without being overwhelming. Conversely, the feel of the Huano Elf switch remains unspecified, leaving aspects such as its resistance and tactile feedback open to interpretation and further discovery.
In summary, the TTC Brother clicky switch stands out for its delightful crunchy sound and a comfortable, easy-to-press tactile feel. While it excels in these areas, the Huano Elf linear switch's sound profile and tactile experience remain less defined, inviting further exploration. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Brother being ideal for those who crave an engaging auditory and tactile typing experience, while the Elf may suit users who prefer a deeper sound signature and the unknown qualities of linear switches. Ultimately, your choice may depend on the specific characteristics you're seeking in your typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Huano Elf linear switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and the experience you're seeking. If you are someone who enjoys auditory feedback and a tactile typing sensation, the Brother switch would be an excellent choice. Its lightweight actuation and crunchy sound make each keystroke feel engaging, ideal for those who appreciate a lively typing experience or who often communicate through typing, such as programming or writing. On the other hand, if you prefer a more streamlined, quieter operation without the distinct click, the Huano Elf switch offers a smooth linear feel that can enhance efficiency and comfort during long typing sessions. The Elf’s deep sound signature and medium-light feel provide a balanced typing experience, making it suitable for gamers or casual typists alike who value quick, uninterrupted strokes without the distraction of clicking sounds. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you favor tactile engagement and sound or a seamless, quiet operation.
Mentioned in this article
