TTC Brother vs. TTC Flaming Pink
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the TTC Flaming Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can greatly impact your typing experience, and two popular options to consider are the TTC Brother and the TTC Flaming Pink. The TTC Brother switch is a standout among clicky switches, known for its lightweight actuation of just 37g, which provides an effortless typing experience. Its satisfying crunch and articulate tactile bump make it a favorite for those who appreciate auditory feedback during their keystrokes. On the other hand, the TTC Flaming Pink switch caters to those who prefer a smoother feel with its linear design, delivering a responsive typing experience suitable for both gaming and daily tasks. With its premium bottom-out sound and subtle audio profile, the Flaming Pink offers a less intrusive alternative for users who favor quiet efficiency. While the Brother excels in tactile feedback and sound, the Flaming Pink shines in smoothness and versatility. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
17.5mm spring
Spring
24mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The TTC Brother and TTC Flaming Pink switches both feature a top housing made from polycarbonate, meaning they share several sonic characteristics that contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness and translucency, allowing for enhanced sound resonance and making it an ideal choice for applications utilizing RGB lighting. Both switches will thus deliver a bright and vibrant auditory experience when activated, making them particularly appealing for users who prioritize sound clarity and visual aesthetics in their mechanical keyboards. The similarity in top housing material ensures that users can expect consistent results in terms of sound profile and light diffusion.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of the two switches differ significantly, with both utilizing nylon as their material of choice. Nylon is recognized for its softer properties, which lead to a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to its stiffer counterparts. This material helps in absorbing sound better, resulting in a more rounded auditory feel when typing. While the Brother and Flaming Pink switches share the same nylon bottom housing, the effects of this material will be particularly noticeable in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing the keys. This difference in housing materials allows for a richer and more complete typing experience, merging the crispness of polycarbonate with the depth of nylon.
Despite their differences in bottom housing, the TTC Brother and TTC Flaming Pink switches effectively demonstrate how distinct materials can complement each other in mechanical switches. The combination of a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing results in a dynamic interplay of sound profiles, balancing high clarity and deep resonance. Users can expect to experience a unique typing feel while benefiting from the desired aesthetics of RGB lighting, underscoring that the dual-material design is essential in crafting a well-rounded switch. Overall, while both switches retain similar top housing characteristics, their individual bottom housing choices contribute uniquely to the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Brother clicky switch and the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Brother switch has an actuation force of 37 grams, making it lighter and ideal for extended typing sessions, especially for users who prefer a softer keystroke. In contrast, the Flaming Pink switch requires a heavier actuation force of 43 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial feel as they type. Additionally, while the Flaming Pink has a defined bottom out force of 50 grams, the bottom out force for the Brother switch is unavailable, which leaves a gap in direct comparison on that front. Overall, if you're looking for a lighter feeling switch, the TTC Brother clicky switch is the clear choice; however, for those who appreciate a sturdier typing experience, the Flaming Pink linear switch would be more suitable.
Travel distance
The TTC Brother clicky switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Brother switch the shorter option, which may appeal to users seeking quicker response times, such as gamers who prefer a snappier feel. On the other hand, the Flaming Pink’s longer travel distance of 3.6 mm could offer a more satisfying press for those who enjoy a cushioned, deeper key experience. While both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, the slight difference means the Flaming Pink switch will inevitably provide a touch more depth, making it a better choice for those who favor a less abrupt keystroke 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 TTC Flaming Pink has an MSRP of $4.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Pink for $4.00.
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 clicky switch is renowned for its satisfying, crunchy acoustics. Each press emits a distinct sound reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves, providing an auditory experience that is both engaging and fulfilling for enthusiasts of clicky switches. In contrast, the TTC Flaming Pink switch is characterized by a bright sound profile that is smooth and not overly loud. While it lacks the prominent click of the Brother, its bottom-out sound contributes to a pleasant typing experience that doesn't distract or overwhelm, appealing to users who prefer quieter operation.
As for feel, the Brother switch excels with its lightweight design, requiring only 37g of actuation force, which makes it easy to press. This light touch combined with the distinct tactile bump creates a responsive typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue during prolonged use. The Brother's stepped tactile feedback allows for subtle yet noticeable engagement, making it ideal for those who appreciate a clear indication of actuation without excess force. The Flaming Pink switch, while offering a smooth and responsive feel, provides an entirely different typing experience; however, details on its tactile characteristics are less defined, making it challenging to compare precisely.
In conclusion, while the TTC Brother clicky switch offers a robust auditory feedback with its crunchy sounds and a tactile feel that is easy and mild yet distinctly marked, the TTC Flaming Pink switch leans towards a smoother, quieter experience without extensive detail on its tactile feedback. Each switch caters to different preferences—boisterous engagement versus subdued response—allowing users to select based on their personal typing style and sound tolerance, ensuring that both options can provide satisfying results in their respective realms.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you enjoy the nostalgic feel of clicky switches and appreciate an audible feedback that brings character to your typing with its satisfying crunch, the Brother is undoubtedly the way to go. Its lightweight actuation and gentle resistance make it ideal for extended typing sessions without the burden of fatigue, allowing you to enjoy that delightful tactile bump during use. This switch is particularly well-suited for typists who crave a lively, engaging experience, whether for coding, writing, or general use. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, quieter experience that excels in responsiveness—perfect for rapid key presses during gaming sessions or for those seeking a more subdued typing experience—the Flaming Pink linear switch is likely a better match. With its comfortable 50g bottom-out force, you will find it suitable for both gaming and everyday tasks, providing an effortless glide without the distraction of a loud click. Ultimately, consider how you plan to use your keyboard and what sensations you enjoy the most, as both switches offer unique attributes that cater to different types of users.
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