TTC Brother vs. Keygeek Keygeek Raw
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch offer unique experiences for users. The TTC Brother is a favorite among clicky switch enthusiasts, thanks to its lightweight nature with an actuation force of just 37g, providing a tactile experience that is both satisfying and effortless. On the other hand, the Keygeek Raw stands out for its unique material blend, combining Nylon, UMPE, and Silicon to create a creamy and lightweight switch that is perfect for enthusiasts looking to customize their typing experience. While the Brother is known for its crunchy sound and easy-to-press keys, the Keygeek Raw offers a slightly textured feel and a more subdued keystroke experience. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
57.5g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon & UPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UMPE & Si blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
17.5mm spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Brother and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw, one notable difference is in the top housing material. The Brother utilizes polycarbonate, known for creating a sharp, high-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. This material is especially ideal for switches with RGB lighting, thanks to its translucency. On the other hand, the Keygeek Raw features a Nylon & UPE blend top housing exclusive to its switches, offering a different sound experience. While polycarbonate tends to produce a clear and resonant sound, the Nylon and UPE blend may provide a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is softer and absorbs more sound.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the differences between the TTC Brother and Keygeek Raw become more apparent. The Brother's nylon bottom housing is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, contrasting with the UMPE & Si blend bottom housing exclusive to the Keygeek Raw switches. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, contributing to a duller and rounder sound, while the UMPE & Si blend may offer a unique sound experience specific to Keygeek Raw switches. These differences in bottom housing materials can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of the switch when pressed.
While there are distinct differences between the housing materials of the TTC Brother and Keygeek Keygeek Raw switches, both options offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The polycarbonate top housing of the Brother creates a sharp and crisp sound, while the Nylon & UPE blend top housing of the Keygeek Raw may provide a deeper and fuller sound experience. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Brother produces a different sound compared to the UMPE & Si blend bottom housing of the Keygeek Raw. Regardless of these variations, both switches allow for a customizable typing experience based on individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch, there are noticeable differences between the two. The Brother switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, while the Keygeek Raw has an unknown actuation force. The Brother switch does not have a specified bottom out force, while the Keygeek Raw has a bottom out force of 57.5 grams. This means that the Keygeek Raw requires a heavier force to bottom out compared to the Brother switch. This results in a lighter typing experience for the Brother switch, which may be preferred for longer typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Keygeek Raw provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirement.
Travel distance
The TTC Brother clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to the traditional 4.0 mm. Gamers may appreciate the shorter travel distance of the Keygeek Raw for faster response times, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the slighter longer travel distance of the TTC Brother. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key press depth and responsiveness.
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 Keygeek Keygeek Raw has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keygeek Raw for $3.51.
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 stands out for its crunchy sound signature, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves, which is a classic feature loved by clicky switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Keygeek Raw linear switch offers a more neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wider range of users and environments. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Brother clicky switch excels in delivering an easy-to-press experience with its light actuation force, making typing effortless and comfortable for extended periods. Additionally, its stepped tactile bump provides a unique typing sensation. In contrast, the Keygeek Raw linear switch offers a textured feel out of the box, providing a slightly more frictional typing experience. The mild and subtle characteristics of the Keygeek Raw switch cater to users who prefer a gentler typing feel without sacrificing performance.
Overall, while the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities, they both excel in providing a satisfying and high-quality typing experience. Whether you prefer the classic crunchiness of a clicky switch or the smoother, more neutral feel of a linear switch, both options cater to different preferences and typing styles. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize sound, feel, or a balance of both in your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the TTC Brother clicky switch or the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch, keep in mind the characteristics that suit your preferences and typing style. If you value a lightweight, tactile experience with a satisfyingly crunchy sound, the TTC Brother clicky switch is the way to go. Its easy-to-press nature and stepped tactile bump make typing effortless and enjoyable. On the other hand, if you prefer a creamy and slightly textured feel with a moderate sound profile, the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch could be the perfect fit. Its unique material blend and mild, subtle characteristics provide a typing experience that is approachable and suitable for various settings. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what features are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.