TTC Brother vs. Gateron Ink Yellow
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Gateron Ink Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Brother clicky switch to the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, some distinct differences emerge. The Brother is celebrated for its light and easy actuation at 37g, providing a tactile experience without being cumbersome. Its crunchy sound is a joy for clicky switch enthusiasts, with a well-balanced tactile bump that enhances typing feedback. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow offers a smoother and quieter typing experience with a shorter travel, appealing to those seeking a middle ground between laptop and standard mechanical keyboards. While the Brother is crunchy and easy-to-press, the Ink Yellow is clacky and polished. Both switches have their unique strengths and appeal to different preferences. 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
67g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Brother and the Gateron Ink Yellow switches, there are some significant differences to note. The Brother utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which gives it a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is especially beneficial for RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow features a proprietary INK blend top housing that offers a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile that is described as clacky. While both materials provide a unique sound profile, the Brother's polycarbonate top housing tends to be crisper and clearer, while the Ink Yellow's proprietary blend leads to a more satisfying, clacky sound.
When it comes to the bottom housing materials, the Brother uses a nylon bottom housing known for its deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the contrary, the Ink Yellow employs its proprietary INK blend bottom housing, offering a pointed and high-pitched sound profile akin to its top housing. Both materials offer distinct sound characteristics, with the nylon bottom housing of the Brother creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the Ink Yellow's more clacky profile. Despite these differences, both bottom housing materials contribute significantly to the overall sound and feel of the switch.
While the top and bottom housings of the Brother and the Ink Yellow switches differ in material composition, they both play a crucial role in shaping the switch's sound and feel. The bottom housing material has a more noticeable impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed, while the top housing material influences the sound when the key is released. Whether it's the sharper, clearer sound of the Brother's polycarbonate top housing or the satisfying clacky sound of the Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, it is clear that the Brother is the lighter option of the two. The Brother has a lower actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Ink Yellow's 60 grams. Additionally, the Brother's bottom out force is unknown, while the Ink Yellow has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Brother clicky switch would be the better choice due to its lower actuation force. However, for users who prefer a more substantial typing feel and don't mind the heavier force, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch would be the more suitable option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The TTC Brother clicky switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.5mm. This means that both switches will provide a similar feeling when pressed, with the same amount of travel required for actuation. Users can expect consistent results in terms of keypress feel and travel distance when using either of these switches. Overall, the travel distance of both switches is equal, making them ideal choices for those who prefer a standard amount of key travel in their mechanical keyboards.
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 Yellow has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Yellow for $7.35.
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 distinctively crunchy and precise typing experience, perfect for those who enjoy the satisfying click of each keypress. In comparison, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch presents a more neutral sound profile with a clacky and sharp tone, providing a different auditory sensation during typing. Depending on personal preference, users may gravitate towards the robust crunch of the Brother switch or the smoother clackiness of the Ink Yellow switch.
In terms of feel, the TTC Brother clicky switch is praised for its easy-to-press nature, making typing effortless and comfortable with minimal force required for activation. This switch also offers a stepped feel, providing a two-stage tactile experience that enhances typing feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch offers a mild typing experience with a polished finish, ensuring smooth key travel and reduced friction for a refined feel. Users seeking a gentle and polished typing sensation may find the Ink Yellow switch to be more to their liking.
Overall, both the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Brother switch caters to those who prefer a crunchy and tactile typing experience, while the Ink Yellow switch appeals to those seeking a smoother and more polished feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to individual preference and the specific typing experience that each user desires. However, it's important to note that regardless of the choice made, both switches prioritize quality and performance, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for newcomers and experienced mechanical keyboard enthusiasts alike.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the TTC Brother clicky switch or the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you are someone who enjoys a light actuation force, a satisfyingly crunchy sound signature, and a tactile bump that strikes the perfect balance, the TTC Brother clicky switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, a smoother typing experience, and a switch that falls between a laptop and standard mechanical keyboard in terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch could be more suited to your liking. Overall, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what aspects are most important to you in a keyboard switch before making your decision.
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