TTC Brother vs. TTC Flame Red
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the TTC Flame Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for a mechanical keyboard switch that suits your needs, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the TTC Flame Red linear switch stand out as excellent options to consider. The Brother is praised for its lightweight feel, comfortable actuation force of just 37g, and a satisfyingly crunchy sound signature that appeals to clicky switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Flame Red offers a visual appeal with its dazzling light diffuser, making it ideal for backlit, RGB keyboards. Typing on the Flame Red switch provides a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile. 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
54g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
17.5mm spring
Spring
24.5mm long spring
Housing materials
The TTC Brother and TTC Flame Red switches both have unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Brother features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound due to its stiffer nature. In contrast, the Flame Red utilizes a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. While the Brother's polycarbonate housing is better suited for RGB lighting due to its translucency, the Flame Red's nylon housing offers a classic typing experience with a rounder sound.
Both switches also share a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics. This similarity in bottom housing material ensures that both the Brother and Flame Red switches produce a similar typing experience in terms of sound when it comes to bottoming out a key. However, the top housing materials of polycarbonate and nylon provide distinct differences in sound profiles, with the Brother offering a sharper and high-pitched sound compared to the Flame Red's deeper and fuller sound. It is important to consider the overall typing experience and sound preferences when choosing between these switches.
In summary, the housing materials of the TTC Brother and TTC Flame Red switches play a crucial role in shaping their respective sound profiles. While both switches share a nylon bottom housing for a similar typing experience in bottoming out keys, the differences in their top housings lead to distinct sound characteristics. The polycarbonate top housing of the Brother creates a sharper sound ideal for RGB lighting, while the nylon top housing of the Flame Red offers a deeper and fuller sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal sound preferences and the desired typing experience.
Weight
The TTC Brother clicky switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the TTC Flame Red linear switch which has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams. However, the bottom out force for the Brother switch is unknown, while the Flame Red has a bottom out force of 54 grams, which is medium-light. This means that the Brother switch may provide a lighter typing experience overall, while the Flame Red switch offers a more substantial push feeling. Both switches cater to different preferences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, with the Brother switch being lighter and the Flame Red switch being heavier. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual typing preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Brother clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the TTC Flame Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Flame Red switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Brother switch. The 4.0mm travel distance of the Flame Red is more traditional, providing a deeper feel when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the 3.5mm travel distance of the Brother switch may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference - whether you prioritize a shorter, more responsive feel or a longer, more substantial depth when typing or gaming.
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 TTC Flame Red has an MSRP of $7.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flame Red for $4.38.
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 satisfyingly crunchy sound signature, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. This auditory experience is sure to please fans of clicky switches looking for clear, crisp precision in each keystroke. On the other hand, the TTC Flame Red linear switch provides a more neutral sound profile, with a moderate actuation force requirement that caters to a wide range of users, from beginners to advanced typists in various settings. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Brother clicky switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force for activation and offering a gentle typing experience that reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Additionally, the tactile bump in these switches strikes a balance between being present enough to provide distinct feedback without being overwhelming. In contrast, the TTC Flame Red linear switch provides a mild typing experience with a polished finish, offering smooth key travel and reduced friction for a sleek and refined typing feel. These qualities make the Flame Red switches approachable and comfortable for a majority of users.
In conclusion, while the TTC Brother clicky switch excels in providing a crunchy sound signature and an easy-to-press typing experience with a subtle tactile bump, the TTC Flame Red linear switch stands out for its neutral sound profile and mild, polished feel. Depending on your preferences, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing styles and preferences. Whether you prefer the audible feedback of clicky switches or the smoothness of linear switches, both the Brother and Flame Red switches can provide a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will come down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you seek.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the TTC Brother clicky switch or the TTC Flame Red linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences and needs. If you value a lightweight, tactile typing experience with a satisfyingly crunchy sound profile, then the Brother clicky switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a visually stunning switch with a weighty smoothness and clacky sound profile, especially for use in a backlit, RGB keyboard, then the Flame Red linear switch is the better choice. Both switches offer their unique advantages, so it's important to consider what aspects are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on what features you prioritize in your typing experience.
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