TTC Brother vs. TTC Gold Brown Pro
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the TTC Gold Brown Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the TTC Brother clicky switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch. The Brother stands out for its lightweight actuation and satisfyingly crunchy sound, making it a favorite among clicky switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Gold Brown Pro offers a subtle tactile bump and subdued sound profile for a more understated typing experience. While the Brother is ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile and auditory feedback, the Gold Brown Pro caters to typists who prefer a quieter and gentler typing experience. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
NPI
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
17.5mm spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Brother and the TTC Gold Brown Pro are quite similar in terms of their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiff plastic that leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it particularly useful for switches that feature RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect a consistent sound profile and aesthetic appearance from both the TTC Brother and the TTC Gold Brown Pro due to their shared polycarbonate top housing.
While the top housings of the TTC Brother and the TTC Gold Brown Pro are the same, their nylon bottom housings provide a point of differentiation. The Brother's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Gold Brown Pro's nylon bottom housing offers the same qualities, allowing users to experience a similar typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile. Despite this slight difference in bottom housing material, users can expect comparable typing experiences with both switches due to their shared nylon bottom housing qualities.
Overall, the housing materials of the TTC Brother and the TTC Gold Brown Pro contribute to their unique sound profiles and typing experiences. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches ensures a sharp, high-pitched, and clear sound when typing or letting go of a key. Additionally, the nylon bottom housing of both switches adds depth and fullness to the sound profile, making typing on these switches a satisfying experience. Whether one prefers a sharper sound profile with the Brother or a slightly rounder sound with the Gold Brown Pro, both switches offer reliable performance and aesthetics due to their carefully selected housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Brother clicky switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch, it is clear that there are differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Brother clicky switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Gold Brown Pro tactile switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams. Both switches have an unknown bottom out force, making it difficult to determine which has a heavier bottom out force. In terms of weight, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may gravitate towards the Brother clicky switch, as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Gold Brown Pro tactile switch with its heavier actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the typing experience desired.
Travel distance
The TTC Brother clicky switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch have different travel distances, with the Brother having a travel distance of 3.5 mm and the Gold Brown Pro having a travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Brother clicky switch has the shorter travel distance of the two, making it a preferred choice for those who prioritize faster response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Gold Brown Pro tactile switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to individuals who prefer a more substantial key press feel. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular in the market. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for responsiveness and key press depth.
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 Gold Brown Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown Pro for $2.90.
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 offers a crunchy and satisfying auditory experience, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. Each key press delivers a clear and crisp click that is sure to please enthusiasts of clicky switches. In contrast, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch provides a thocky, low-pitched sound profile that is characterized by a deep and satisfying tone, perfect for those who prefer a more subdued auditory feedback. The Brother switch is more on the louder side with distinct clicky sounds, while the Gold Brown Pro switch delivers a quieter and understated typing experience.
In terms of feel, the TTC Brother clicky switch offers an easy-to-press typing experience with a light actuation force of just 37g, making key presses effortless and comfortable. Additionally, it features a stepped feel, providing a tactile bump that is distinct yet not overpowering. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch offers a polished and silky typing feel, ensuring smooth key travel and reduced friction. With a mild and subtle tactile bump, this switch provides a gentle resistance that is suitable for extended typing sessions without causing finger fatigue. Both switches have a stepped feel, offering a more nuanced typing experience compared to switches with a more intense tactile feedback.
Overall, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch offer distinct sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Brother switch is ideal for those who enjoy a louder and more pronounced clicky sound with a breezy actuation force, while the Gold Brown Pro switch is perfect for individuals seeking a quieter and smoother typing experience with a subtle tactile feedback. Whether you opt for the Brother clicky switch or the Gold Brown Pro tactile switch, you can expect a high-quality typing experience tailored to your specific sound and feel preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when making the decision between TTC Brother clicky switch and TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch, you should consider your preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a crunchy sound signature and a distinct tactile bump that strikes the perfect balance between being felt and subdued, the Brother clicky switch might be the one for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle and nuanced tactile feedback with a subdued sound profile that allows for minimal distraction, the Gold Brown Pro tactile switch could be the ideal choice. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you value most.
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