TTC Brother vs. Gateron Ink Box Black
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Gateron Ink Box Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch stand out as distinctive choices for different preferences. The Brother clicky switch is favored for its lightweight and breezy actuation of just 37g, providing a tactile experience without feeling burdensome. The satisfyingly crunchy sound signature of the Brother switch appeals to clicky switch enthusiasts, offering clear and precise clicks with a balanced tactile bump. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch is praised for its smooth and creamy feel, reminiscent of shaking a spray paint can. Its clacky and high-pitched sound profile adds a unique touch to each keystroke. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
17.5mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Brother and the Gateron Ink Box Black switches offer different characteristics that result in unique sound profiles and typing experiences. The Brother's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, thanks to its relatively stiffer plastic composition. This makes it ideal for creating a clear and resonant sound profile, especially when paired with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Ink Box Black's proprietary INK blend top housing is known for its pointed and high-pitched sound that is described as clacky, providing a satisfying typing experience without being too sharp.
On the other hand, the Brother's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound that contributes to a unique typing experience. Similarly, the Ink Box Black's proprietary INK blend bottom housing complements the top housing's characteristics by adding to the overall sound profile with its own pointed and high-pitched sound. The combination of these materials in both switches results in a balanced and satisfying typing experience for users who value sound and feel.
Overall, while the top and bottom housings of the Brother and the Ink Box Black switches offer different qualities and characteristics, they ultimately work together to create a unique typing experience. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing impacts the sound when a key is released. Whether it's the stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the Brother or the proprietary INK blend of the Ink Box Black, users can expect a distinct sound profile and typing experience that caters to their preferences and needs.
Weight
The TTC Brother clicky switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Ink Box Black surpasses the Brother with a bottom out force of 70 grams, while the bottom out force for the Brother is unknown. The actuation force is crucial for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the bottom out force is important for those who desire a more significant push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer unique benefits, with the Brother being lighter in actuation force, and the Ink Box Black providing a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TTC Brother clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for their faster response times. The difference of 0.1 mm between the two may not be noticeable to the average user, but for those who are more particular about their keyboard switches, it could impact the overall feel of typing. Ultimately, if you prefer a slightly deeper key press, the Gateron Ink Box Black may be more suitable, while the TTC Brother clicky switch offers a slightly quicker response due to its shorter 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 Gateron Ink Box Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Box Black for $7.65.
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 known for its satisfyingly crunchy sound signature, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. This sound is sure to delight clicky switch enthusiasts with its clear, crisp precision. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch is described as clacky and high-pitched, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed akin to a spray paint can being shaken. Depending on your preference for sound, the Brother offers a crunchy and tactile experience while the Ink Box Black provides a sharp and percussive sound.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the TTC Brother clicky switch is lauded for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force for activation. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended use. Additionally, the articulated tactile bump strikes a perfect balance, providing distinct feedback without overpowering the overall keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch is described as silky and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. If you prefer a gentler and more refined typing feel, the Ink Box Black may be the better choice for you.
In conclusion, the TTC Brother clicky switch is favored for its crunchy sound and easy-to-press nature, providing a tactile experience that's never burdensome. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch offers a sharp and percussive sound with a silky and polished feel for a smoother typing experience. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing styles. Ultimately, whether you choose the Brother or the Ink Box Black, you can expect a high-quality typing experience with distinct characteristics tailored to your preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch, your choice should ultimately come down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a light, tactile typing experience with a satisfyingly crunchy sound, then the TTC Brother clicky switch would be the perfect fit for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy linear switch that offers a smooth and creamy keystroke with a clacky, high-pitched sound, then the Gateron Ink Box Black switch would be more suitable. Consider factors such as bottom out force, sound, and feel to determine which switch aligns best with your typing needs and preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that enhances your typing experience.
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