TTC Brother vs. Kailh BCP
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Kailh BCP switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Brother and Kailh BCP present two distinct yet appealing options tailored to different typing preferences. The TTC Brother excels as a clicky switch, known for its lightweight actuation at just 37g, which offers a tactile experience that keeps every keystroke engaging while providing a satisfyingly crunchy sound signature that resonates with clicky switch enthusiasts. Its well-defined tactile bump ensures that typists receive clear feedback without overwhelming their fingers during use. In contrast, the Kailh BCP delivers a smooth and linear typing experience, characterized by its creamy and bouncy sensation without the noise of conventional clicky switches. This makes it a perfect choice for users who prioritize fluidity and a quiet operation, but still seek an engaging auditory experience with its poppy and clacky sound profile. While both switches cater to unique typing experiences and preferences, selecting the right one involves a deeper understanding of their features and your personal typing habits. 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
52g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
17.5mm spring
Spring
20mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The TTC Brother and Kailh BCP switches exhibit distinct characteristics in their design, specifically in the choice of materials used for the top housing. The TTC Brother features a polycarbonate top housing which lends it a sharper and crisper sound profile. This is primarily due to polycarbonate’s rigidity, allowing for a more resonant acoustical response when keys are pressed or released. Moreover, the translucency of the polycarbonate makes it particularly advantageous for setups that utilize RGB lighting, as it allows light to diffuse effectively, enhancing the visual appeal. In contrast, the Kailh BCP utilizes a nylon top housing, known for its softer texture that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This material's absorptive qualities contribute to a duller, rounder sound, contrasting sharply with the brightness of polycarbonate.
Despite the differences in the top housing materials, both switches feature nylon for their bottom housings. Both the TTC Brother and Kailh BCP use nylon, which is celebrated for its ability to absorb sound waves, thereby producing a more muted auditory experience. This shared bottom housing material helps create a sense of uniformity, as both switches will yield a deeper sound profile when bottoming out. The contribution of the nylon in both switches emphasizes the similarity in feel during key presses, potentially reducing the contrast even when the top housings differ significantly.
When considering the performance and auditory outcomes of each switch, it becomes clear that the combination of materials results in distinct sound profiles shaped by their top housings, but similar bottom-out experiences because of the consistent use of nylon in the lower portion. The TTC Brother’s polycarbonate top enhances brightness during the key release, while the Kailh BCP's nylon top provides a rounded sound, leading to a combination of sharper highs and warmer lows respectively. Together, these differing materials make each switch unique while highlighting how housing compositions can manipulate sound characteristics and tactile feedback, ultimately influencing the typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Kailh BCP linear switch, there is a distinct difference in their actuation forces, with the Brother requiring only 37 grams to trigger a keystroke, while the BCP demands a heftier 52 grams. This makes the Brother switch lighter, potentially favoring users who prefer less resistance for prolonged typing sessions, such as office workers or gamers. In contrast, the BCP, with its medium-heavy feel, may appeal to those seeking a more substantial typing experience due to its higher actuation force. However, the bottom out force for the TTC Brother is unspecified, which makes it difficult to make a direct comparison on that metric, but the BCP’s bottom out force is known to be 63.5 grams, indicating a firmer resistance when fully depressed. Overall, users seeking a lighter touch may gravitate towards the TTC Brother switch, while those who appreciate a heftier feel might prefer the Kailh BCP.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Kailh BCP linear switch have identical travel distances of 3.5 mm, meaning that users pressing down on either switch will experience the same amount of movement from the top to the bottom of each key. This similarity in travel distance ensures that the tactile feedback and key press depth will feel comparable, allowing for similar typing experiences regardless of the switch chosen. As both switches share this characteristic, individuals can expect consistent performance in terms of travel distance, effectively making either option equally appealing based on other characteristics, such as actuation force or sound profile.
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 Kailh BCP has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the BCP for $4.75.
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 is characterized by its distinctly crunchy sound profile, evoking the sensation of stepping on crisp autumn leaves. This auditory feedback is a defining feature for enthusiasts who enjoy the pronounced sound that accompanies each keystroke. In contrast, the Kailh BCP linear switch lacks a detailed sound characterization in the given information. It’s important to note that a switch's sound can be influenced by additional factors such as the keyboard layout and choice of keycaps, meaning that even the same switch may sound different in varying environments.
On the tactile front, the Brother switch excels with its lightweight actuation force of only 37g, making it particularly easy to press. This gentle resistance enhances comfort during extended typing sessions while simultaneously delivering distinct tactile feedback, thanks to its stepped design. Users can expect a mild but noticeable bump that provides a pleasurable typing experience without overwhelming the keystroke. The Kailh BCP, however, does not have specific descriptors regarding its feel, leaving its ergonomic qualities unknown. This divergence makes the TTC Brother an appealing choice for those seeking a tactile sensation during typing.
Overall, the TTC Brother clicky switch shines through its combination of sound and feel, providing a satisfying auditory and tactile experience that can make typing more enjoyable. While the Kailh BCP linear switch lacks detailed descriptions of its sound and feel, it may still offer a unique experience for users favoring linear switches. In summary, for those who appreciate a light actuation force and a strong auditory response, the TTC Brother is an excellent option, while the Kailh BCP remains an intriguing, albeit undefined, choice for those inclined toward linear switches.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Kailh BCP linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and needs. If you thrive on the nostalgia and joy of classic clicky switches, the Brother's lightweight actuation and satisfying crunchy sound will make each keystroke a delight, perfect for touch typists who enjoy a tactile feedback without feeling overwhelmed. It's an excellent choice for prolonged typing sessions where finger fatigue could be a concern, thanks to its easy-to-press action. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, more linear experience with a bit of heft, the Kailh BCP switch offers a well-rounded typing experience that balances comfort with a medium-heavy bottom-out force. This switch is ideal for those who appreciate a bouncy feel and a quieter typing experience without sacrificing responsiveness. So, consider what aspects of typing bring you joy—be it the acoustics and tactile nuances of the Brother or the smooth, elastic feel of the BCP—and choose accordingly to elevate your mechanical keyboard experience.
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