TTC Brother vs. HMX Gravel
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the HMX Gravel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular contenders are the TTC Brother, a clicky switch, and the HMX Gravel, a linear switch, each catering to different user preferences and typing experiences. The TTC Brother is celebrated for its lightweight actuation force of just 37g, making it an accessible choice for those who enjoy a tactile and audible feedback with each keystroke. Its satisfying crunchy sound signature and articulate tactile bump create a delightful typing experience, perfect for enthusiasts who crave the nostalgic feel of a classic typewriter. In contrast, the HMX Gravel switch emphasizes smoothness and responsiveness, offering a more subdued typing experience without the characteristic click. Its medium-light actuation force provides an effortless feel, appealing to users who prioritize a quieter, yet still rewarding, typing experience. Both switches have their respective strengths—whether you're drawn to the gratifying clicks of the Brother or the streamlined performance of the Gravel, one is likely to suit your needs. 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
50g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
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
The TTC Brother and HMX Gravel switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, a choice that brings several benefits. Polycarbonate is known for its rigidity, which contributes to the production of a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate also enhances its usability for RGB lighting, making these switches visually appealing in setups where illumination plays a critical role. As a result, both switches are expected to deliver a clear and resonant sound, demonstrating the effectiveness of polycarbonate in producing a desirable auditory experience.
In contrast, the bottom housings of both the TTC Brother and the HMX Gravel switches are made from nylon, which brings a fundamentally different character to the overall sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder materials, creating a deeper and fuller acoustic quality when typing. The implications of this choice become apparent during use; while the top polycarbonate housing influences the sound upon releasing a key, the nylon bottom housing significantly impacts the bottom-out sound and feel, leading to a more rounded and subdued auditory response during key presses. This combination of materials allows for a diverse range of sound characteristics depending on the action of the keys.
Ultimately, while the TTC Brother and HMX Gravel switches share important similarities in their top and bottom housing materials, their combination yields distinct sound profiles. The polycarbonate top ensures a crisp sound during key release, while the nylon bottom dampens the sound during key presses, creating a unique typing experience that features elements of both high-pitch clarity and deeper acoustics. These complementary materials allow both switches to achieve a balanced auditory profile, proving that similar materials can indeed lead to comparable results across different switch models.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Brother clicky switch and the HMX Gravel linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces and bottom out forces. The TTC Brother has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, which would make it more suitable for those who prefer prolonged typing sessions due to less fatigue. In contrast, the HMX Gravel requires a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. The bottom out force for the Brother switch is unknown, while the Gravel switch has a bottom out force of 50 grams, which is lightweight. Consequently, those looking for a lighter touch should consider the TTC Brother, while the HMX Gravel may be favored by users who appreciate a firmer feel when pressing down on the keys. Overall, the differences in force characteristics suggest that the Brother switch is better suited for extended use, while the Gravel offers a more robust tactile feedback for concentrated typing or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Brother clicky switch and the HMX Gravel linear switch feature an identical travel distance of 3.5 mm, meaning that the distance you experience when you press down on a key is the same for both switches. This equal travel distance suggests that users will encounter similar tactile feedback and actuation experiences with either switch. Consequently, those looking for a consistent key feel will find that both the Brother and Gravel switches provide equivalent results in terms of travel distance.
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 HMX Gravel has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gravel for $2.99.
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 is notable for its crunchy audio profile, reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves, which appeals to enthusiasts who cherish the audible feedback of their keystrokes. This clear and crisp sound makes each click feel pronounced and satisfying, enhancing the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Gravel linear switch does not have a specified sound profile, but generally, linear switches tend to prioritize a quieter typing experience than their clicky counterparts. Therefore, while the Brother offers a distinctly engaging auditory experience, the Gravel likely maintains a more subdued sound, allowing for a quieter workspace devoid of the pronounced clicks.
When considering feel, the TTC Brother switch is characterized by its lightweight nature and tactile feedback. It offers an actuation force of only 37g, making it easy to press and reducing finger fatigue during prolonged use. The tactile bump of the Brother is nuanced, providing a subtle yet distinct feedback without being overwhelming. This design promotes a comfortable typing experience with just the right amount of resistance. In contrast, the HMX Gravel linear switch is recognized for its smooth and refined typing feel, which typically means there are no tactile bumps to disrupt the flow, allowing for a consistent and fluid keystroke. While the Gravel also leans towards a medium-light actuation force, it lacks the tactile feedback characteristic of the Brother, creating a different typing sensation.
In conclusion, the TTC Brother clicky switch and HMX Gravel linear switch cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The Brother is perfect for those who enjoy the tactile and auditory feedback of clicky switches, while the Gravel appeals to users who favor smoothness and a quieter typing experience. Despite their differences, both options provide comfortable typing experiences, with the Brother offering easy actuation and tactile feedback, whereas the Gravel emphasizes effortless smoothness. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you prioritize sound and tactile feedback or prefer a quieter, smoother typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, your choice between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the HMX Gravel linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and the usage scenarios you envision. If you find joy in the nostalgic sound and tactile feedback of clicky switches and require a lightweight actuation for effortless typing, then the Brother switch is your ideal match. Its crisp, crunchy sound and easy-to-press design make it perfect for both long writing sessions and satisfying gaming moments, especially for those who appreciate the auditory satisfaction of each keystroke. On the other hand, if you're looking for a smooth, uninterrupted typing experience where focus and speed are paramount, consider the HMX Gravel linear switch. With its lighter bottom-out force and refined feel, the Gravel offers a seamless typing experience, ideal for those who prioritize quick, responsive keystrokes without the distraction of noise. Ultimately, your needs as a typist—whether you value sound and tactile feedback or smoothness and quiet operation—will guide you toward the right choice between these two exceptional switches.
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