TTC Brother vs. TTC Ice
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the TTC Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Brother and the TTC Ice offer distinct experiences tailored to the preferences of different users. The TTC Brother is a captivating clicky switch, celebrated for its lightweight actuation of just 37g and a satisfying crunchy sound that appeals to those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. Its tactile bump provides noticeable feedback without being overwhelming, making it an ideal choice for typists and gamers who thrive on the resonance of each keystroke. In contrast, the TTC Ice is a linear switch that excels with its smooth, uninterrupted keypresses, providing a premium typing experience without the audible clicks. Its crystal-clear transparent design not only looks impressive but also enhances its appeal for users seeking a subtle, responsive feel without the distraction of sound. Both switches cater to specific needs—whether you crave the nostalgic clickiness of the Brother or the refined smoothness of the Ice. 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
60g
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
Box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
17.5mm spring
Spring
24mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the TTC Brother and the TTC Ice switches share a commonality in their top housing, as both utilize polycarbonate. This similarity results in a sound profile that is characterized by sharpness and clarity, largely due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. The translucency of this material enhances its aesthetic appeal, particularly for users who appreciate RGB lighting integration. In both switches, this top housing contributes to a higher-pitched, crisper sound when keys are released, creating an engaging auditory experience that caters to users that prioritize sound quality in their typing.
However, the bottom housing of the TTC Brother and the TTC Ice switches is distinctly different, with the Brother featuring nylon and the Ice utilizing polycarbonate. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile that offers a warmer experience during typing. In contrast, the Ice's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the higher-pitched qualities seen in its top housing, leading to a crisper sound overall. This difference will be most noticeable during the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, as the nylon of the Brother will provide a softer impact compared to the more resonant response from the polycarbonate of the Ice.
Thus, while both the TTC Brother and the TTC Ice switches benefit from the superior auditory properties of polycarbonate in their top housings, their bottom housings create contrasting acoustic profiles. The Brother's nylon bottom housing provides a softer, fuller sound, while the Ice's polycarbonate bottom housing upholds the crisp, clear sound found in its top housing. This diversity in materials results in a unique typing experience for each switch, illustrating how the interaction between different housing materials can influence the final output and overall user experience.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Brother clicky switch and the TTC Ice linear switch, notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Brother switch features a relatively lighter actuation force of 37 grams, appealing to those who prefer a softer touch for longer typing sessions. In contrast, the Ice switch requires a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for users who enjoy a more tactile and substantial typing experience. While the bottom out force of the Brother switch is unavailable, the Ice switch has a defined bottom out force of 60 grams, indicating that it requires more force to fully depress the key. This means that for those seeking a lighter feel, the Brother switch is the preferable option, whereas the Ice switch offers a heavier and more grounded experience, particularly beneficial for those who appreciate a stronger tactile feedback when bottoming out. Ultimately, the choice between these switches hinges on preferred typing dynamics, with the Brother being lighter and the Ice ensuring a more substantial push.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Brother clicky switch and the TTC Ice linear switch, the Brother measures 3.5 mm while the Ice has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. The difference between the two is minimal, making the Brother the shorter switch and the Ice the longer. For those who favor responsive key presses, the Brother's 3.5 mm travel distance may be more appealing due to its quicker actuation. Conversely, players or typists who appreciate a more pronounced tactile feedback might prefer the Ice switch's 3.6 mm distance, as it allows for a deeper keystroke. Ultimately, while both switches offer shorter travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, the Ice provides a slightly deeper experience for those who enjoy it.
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 Ice has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice for $5.99.
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
The sound profile of the TTC Brother clicky switch is distinctly characterized by its crunchy auditory feedback, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. This engaging sound adds a layer of enjoyment for enthusiasts who savor the auditory aspect of their typing experience. Each click resonates with clarity and precision, further enhancing the tactile satisfaction it provides. In contrast, the TTC Ice linear switch's sound aspect remains unknown, suggesting that it may lack the distinctive signature that clicky switches offer. The performance of the Ice might focus more on the absence of sound disturbances typical of linear switches, leading to a quieter typing experience, but specific details on its sound haven’t been noted.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Brother clicky switch is renowned for its light actuation force of just 37g, allowing for effortless presses that minimize finger fatigue during prolonged use. This switch offers a stepped tactile experience, delivering a distinct feedback that can be felt without being overwhelming, making it suitable for users who prefer both comfort and an engaging typing feel. In contrast, the feel of the TTC Ice linear switch is not explicitly defined, but linear switches generally promise a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke without tactile bumps. As such, users seeking a fluid and consistent typing journey may find the Ice appealing, though it lacks the notable tactile feedback of the Brother.
In summary, both the TTC Brother clicky switch and the TTC Ice linear switch offer unique experiences tailored to different preferences. The Brother excels with its crunchy sound and comfortable, tactile feedback, making it a favorite among clicky switch enthusiasts. Meanwhile, while the Ice provides a smooth and presumably quiet typing experience, its specifics on sound and feel remain undefined. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal typing style and auditory preference; if you lean towards dynamic responses and engaging sound, the Brother is the clear choice, whereas if you desire a seamless and subdued typing experience, the Ice could be ideal.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the TTC Ice linear switch largely hinges on your personal preferences and the type of experience you seek. If you thrive on tactile feedback and a lively auditory experience, the Brother switch is an excellent fit for you. Its lightweight actuation and crunchy sound make typing feel engaging and enjoyable, perfect for those who appreciate the classic clicky sensation, whether for typing or gaming. Conversely, if you prefer a smoother and quieter experience with a more robust bottom-out force, the Ice linear switch is your go-to option. Its crystal-clear design and responsive nature offer versatility for both gaming and everyday tasks, making it a fantastic choice for those who prioritize fluidity over audible feedback. So, if you're looking for an immersive and tactile experience, lean towards the Brother, but if you value a refined, linear feel with less noise, the Ice would serve you well. Ultimately, your decision will revolve around the balance of feedback and sound you desire in your mechanical keyboard.
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