TTC Brother vs. Gateron Glory Yellow
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Gateron Glory Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the options can be overwhelming, especially when considering the TTC Brother and Gateron Glory Yellow switches, which cater to distinct typing preferences. The TTC Brother, a clicky switch, is celebrated for its lightweight actuation of just 37g, making it effortlessly easy to press while providing a satisfying tactile feedback and a uniquely crunchy sound profile that many enthusiasts find irresistible. This switch is ideal for those who enjoy the audible confirmation of each keystroke and crave a more engaging typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Yellow, as a linear switch, prioritizes smoothness and ease of use over audibility. Its heavier actuation offers a smooth keystroke with a pleasing travel distance, appealing to gamers and typists who prefer a quieter, uninterrupted flow while typing or gaming. Each switch presents compelling reasons to choose: the Brother is perfect for those who enjoy tactile feedback and sound, while the Glory Yellow shines for users who appreciate seamless, smooth keystrokes. 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
50g
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
4.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
17.5mm spring
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Brother and Gateron Glory Yellow switches present notable differences, particularly in their top housings. The TTC Brother features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and clarity. This leads to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is crisper compared to other materials. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it an ideal choice for setups that utilize RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal with vibrant illumination. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Yellow opts for a nylon top housing, which contributes a deeper and fuller sound profile to the switch. Nylon’s softer nature absorbs more sound, creating a rounder auditory experience. As a result, users can expect significantly different audible characteristics based on the switch, with the Brother emphasizing brightness and sharpness while the Glory Yellow leans towards warmth and depth.
Interestingly, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, offering a degree of commonality in sound profile and tactile feedback. In the case of both the TTC Brother and Gateron Glory Yellow, the use of nylon in the bottom housing fosters a deeper and rounder sound definition, since it absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. This shared characteristic means that regardless of the differing top housing materials, the bottom housing will predominantly affect the bottom-out sound and feel of both switches. Consequently, during use, a user’s experience will include the muffled, full auditory response from the nylon material when the key is fully pressed down. The overall typing experience will be significantly influenced by this shared bottom housing material.
In summary, while the TTC Brother and Gateron Glory Yellow switches employ different top housing materials leading to divergent sound profiles, their bottom housings provide a cohesiveness that unifies part of the auditory experience. Users seeking a crisp and resonant release might lean towards the TTC Brother for its polycarbonate top, while those who prefer a warmer, more muted feedback might favor the Glory Yellow due to its nylon composition. Ultimately, typing on both switches will yield distinct results based on the interplay between the stiffer polycarbonate and softer nylon, thus showcasing how material choice can influence both sound and tactile responses in keyboard switches.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch, we see a notable difference in actuation force. The Brother switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, which makes it more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons, as it reduces finger fatigue. In contrast, the Glory Yellow requires a heavier actuation force of 50 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial feedback while typing. Unfortunately, both switches have an unknown bottom out force, so we can't make a direct comparison in that regard. However, the difference in actuation force clearly indicates that the TTC Brother switch is better for users prioritizing a lighter touch, while the Gateron Glory Yellow caters to those who appreciate a firmer push feel in their typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch, it's clear that the Brother switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Glory Yellow offers a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This indicates that the Glory Yellow is designed for those who prefer a fuller key press, providing a more traditional feel that is appreciated by users who enjoy more tactile feedback. In contrast, the shorter 3.5 mm travel of the Brother switch may appeal to gamers and others seeking faster response times, as shorter distances typically allow for quicker actuation. Thus, if you prefer a more responsive experience with less key travel, the TTC Brother is the better choice, while those who appreciate a deeper and more substantial key press might lean toward the Gateron Glory Yellow.
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 Gateron Glory Yellow has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Yellow for $4.19.
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 delivers a delightful and distinctive auditory experience. Its crunchy sound profile resembles the pleasing noise of stepping on crisp autumn leaves, which adds a joyful ambiance to typing sessions. This clear and precise sound signature is a hallmark of clicky switches, making it particularly appealing to users who enjoy auditory feedback. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Yellow switch lacks a specified sound quality, which leaves uncertainty regarding its auditory characteristics. Sound is subjective and can vary based on keyboard construction and keycap choice, but the absence of a detailed description for the Glory Yellow makes it difficult to draw direct comparisons in this area.
In terms of feel, the Brother switch excels with its lightweight actuation force of just 37g, making it effortless to press. Ideal for long typing sessions, it provides gentle resistance that minimizes finger fatigue. The tactile bump is distinctly felt but not overpowering, thanks to its stepped design, which introduces a nuanced keystroke experience with defined pre-travel and post-travel stages. On the other hand, the tactile qualities of the Gateron Glory Yellow switch remain unspecified, making it difficult to ascertain how it competes in terms of feel. Without available information about its actuation force and tactile feedback, one cannot effectively compare the typing experience offered by the Glory Yellow.
In summary, the TTC Brother clicky switch stands out with its delightful crunchy sound and lightweight, comfortable feel, making it a favorite among clicky switch enthusiasts. The specific qualities of the Gateron Glory Yellow switch, particularly concerning sound and feel, remain unclear. Consequently, while the Brother switch provides a well-rounded experience, the lack of information about the Glory Yellow indicates that users may not have the same clarity in tactile and auditory feedback, resulting in an experience that could vary significantly depending on the individual switch characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch, it ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you relish the satisfying auditory feedback and tactile sensation that enhances your typing experience, the Brother clicky switch is undoubtedly the way to go. Its lightweight actuation and enjoyable crunchy sound make it perfect for those who enjoy a lively typing environment, while its subdued tactile bump ensures longer typing sessions remain effortless and enjoyable. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke and value a more straightforward typing experience—perhaps for gaming or rapid typing—the Gateron Glory Yellow switch excels in providing predictable and reliable performance without the distraction of clicks. The design caters to individuals who appreciate a heavier feel and a tactile response that can support fast-paced inputs. Ultimately, your decision should align with whether you seek the engagement of a clicky experience or the serenity of a linear touch; both switches serve their purpose well in distinct contexts.
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