TTC Brother vs. Huano Grape Orange
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Huano Grape Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, users often prioritize their typing preferences, and two standout options are the TTC Brother and the Huano Grape Orange. The TTC Brother, a clicky switch, delights typists with its engaging auditory feedback, featuring a satisfying crunch on each keystroke, while its lightweight actuation force of just 37g ensures that every press feels effortless. This makes it a favorite for those who enjoy tactile sensations and an auditory confirmation of their inputs. In contrast, the Huano Grape Orange offers a smooth, linear experience with a slightly higher actuation force of 40g, perfect for long typing sessions where uninterrupted flow is paramount. Its design eliminates the tactile bump and click, making it ideal for users who prefer subtlety and silence while typing. While both switches cater to different preferences—one exuding a clicky charm and the other prioritizing a seamless, quiet experience—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
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
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
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the TTC Brother and the Huano Grape Orange utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a highly similar acoustic profile. The use of this stiffer plastic gives each switch a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This characteristic allows both switches to deliver a clear and resonant tone that can enhance the typing experience, particularly emphasized when RGB lighting is installed. The translucency of polycarbonate makes it particularly fitting for those who wish to showcase vibrant lighting effects, ensuring that the aesthetic appeal of the switches is maintained while achieving a desirable sound quality.
When it comes to the bottom housing materials, both switches employ nylon, which has become a classic choice in mechanical switch construction. The nylon used in the Brother and the Grape Orange contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition. This material absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder acoustic feedback when typing. This thoughtful pairing of nylon for the bottom housing pairs effectively with the polycarbonate top housing, creating a balanced audio signature that captivates typists seeking a blend of clarity and warmth in their key presses.
Ultimately, while the TTC Brother and Huano Grape Orange utilize the same materials for both their top and bottom housings, the way these materials interact delivers a unique tactile experience that is split between the two components. The polycarbonate top impacts the sound profile when a key is released, while the nylon bottom plays a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. This synergy between the materials allows typists to enjoy distinct sound dynamics that cater to differing preferences, creating a versatile user experience that can be appreciated by a range of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Brother switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, making it a more suitable option for those who prefer to type for extended periods without fatigue. In contrast, the Grape Orange requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 40 grams, which may appeal to users seeking a more substantial typing experience. Additionally, while the Grape Orange has a defined bottom out force of 50 grams, the bottom out force for the Brother switch is unavailable. This means the feel of bottoming out with the Brother switch is uncertain, making it difficult to ascertain how it compares in that respect. Overall, if you prefer a lighter touch, the TTC Brother is the better choice, whereas the Huano Grape Orange, with a heavier actuation force and defined bottom out measurement, suits those looking for a firmer feel in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch, the specifications reveal that the Brother has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Grape Orange measures slightly longer at 3.6 mm. This means that the Brother switch offers a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers who prefer quicker response times and a more immediate activation. Conversely, the Grape Orange, with its longer travel distance, could be favored by users who enjoy a more pronounced feedback and depth in their keystrokes. Overall, while both switches are relatively close in travel distance, the Brother's 3.5 mm design may suit those seeking expedience, while the Grape Orange’s 3.6 mm could be ideal for those who appreciate a bit more resistance and heft in their typing experience.
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 Grape Orange has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Grape Orange for $2.79.
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 distinctly satisfying audible experience characterized by its crunchy sound signature. This quality evokes the sensation of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves, providing a playful yet precise auditory feedback with every keypress. This makes it particularly enjoyable for those who appreciate the acoustic feedback that clicky switches are famous for. In contrast, the Huano Grape Orange linear switch does not produce a specific sound description, which may result in a more subdued or silent typing experience. As a linear switch, it’s typical for the Grape Orange not to provide the same sort of auditory excitement as the Brother, creating a quieter environment that some users might prefer for a more focused typing experience.
In terms of feel, the TTC Brother clicky switch excels with a combination of an easy-to-press mechanism and a stepped tactile feedback. The actuation requires a light touch at only 37g, making it effortless to type on without causing finger fatigue during extended use. The tactile bump is present but not overpowering, giving a clear indication of the switch engagement without overwhelming the user. Meanwhile, there is no specific description available for the feel of the Huano Grape Orange linear switch, but it is generally acknowledged that linear switches offer a smooth keystroke without tactile feedback. This means that while the Brother has a distinct tactile quality, the Grape Orange would provide a fluid and uninterrupted keypress experience.
In conclusion, while the TTC Brother clicky switch stands out with its crunchy sound and tactile feedback, the Huano Grape Orange linear switch leans towards a quieter, smoother typing feel. If you are looking for an engaging audio and tactile experience, the Brother is the ideal choice; however, if you prefer a simpler, more fluid typing action with minimal sound, the Grape Orange may cater to your needs well. Ultimately, both switches provide their own unique typing experiences, each appealing to different preferences within the realm of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you enjoy a tactile and auditory feedback, and appreciate the satisfying crunch of a clicky switch, the Brother would be your ideal pick. Its lightweight actuation allows for quick, effortless typing while providing a distinct tactile bump that enhances your overall experience without causing fatigue, making it great for both gaming and typing enthusiasts who want a lively sensation under their fingers. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, linear typing experience that prioritizes speed and comfort, the Grape Orange is an excellent option. With its low actuation force, it excels in delivering an ultra-light and effortless keystroke that is particularly advantageous for long typing sessions, reducing finger strain and making it suitable for those who favor a more minimalist switch without the added auditory feedback. Ultimately, your choice should reflect how you want your keyboard to feel and sound, tailoring it to fit your unique style of work or play.
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