TTC Brother vs. Keygeek Keylin
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Keygeek Keylin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the diverse world of mechanical keyboard switches, two prominent options that stand out are the TTC Brother, a clicky switch, and the Keygeek Keylin, a linear switch. The TTC Brother is celebrated for its lightweight design, with an actuation force of just 37g, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy a tactile typing experience without exerting too much pressure. The satisfying crunchy sound and clear tactile feedback make it a favorite among clicky switch enthusiasts, providing a delightful auditory and tactile sensation with each keystroke. In contrast, the Keygeek Keylin prioritizes smoothness and a premium typing experience, crafted using innovative molds that enhance its performance. Linear switches like the Keylin are often preferred for their quiet operation and seamless key press, catering to users who favor a more subdued typing environment. Ultimately, your choice between the TTC Brother and the Keygeek Keylin will depend on whether you seek the lively auditory feedback of a clicky switch or the silky-smooth experience of a linear one. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
UPE
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
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Brother and the Keygeek Keylin, one can observe a distinct contrast in the top housing materials used in these switches. The Brother employs polycarbonate for its top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This is largely due to polycarbonate’s stiffness, which enhances sound clarity and resonance. In contrast, the Keylin utilizes nylon for its top housing, resulting in a deeper, fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb sound, creating a duller and rounder audio signature. Consequently, users can expect a significant difference in auditory experience based solely on the top housing material chosen.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the TTC Brother and the Keygeek Keylin utilize nylon. This shared choice presents a notable consistency between the two switches. Nylon’s properties lend themselves to a sound absorption benefit, producing a deeper bottom-out sound and a smoother typing experience in both cases. Since both switches have nylon bottom housings, the impact of this material will present similarly in terms of sound impact when the key is actuated. Therefore, while the switches diverge in their top housing materials, they align in audio characteristics when it comes to the bottom housing.
Given that the TTC Brother and the Keygeek Keylin differ in the top housing materials while sharing nylon for their bottoms, the overall sound profile experienced by users will be a blend of the defining characteristics of both materials. In the Brother's case, the crispness from the polycarbonate will produce a lively audio experience when releasing the key, while the Keylin's nylon will lend a deeper tone when the key is pressed down, producing a fuller sound due to its softness. Thus, despite their differences, similar results can still be achieved through the synergy of the nylon materials used in both switches' bottom housing, which is critical for the overall sound experience during typing.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, it's clear that the TTC Brother switch offers a lighter actuation force at 37 grams, compared to the Keylin's slightly heavier actuation force of 38 grams. However, the Keylin switch provides a measurable bottom out force of 48 grams, which indicates a more substantial push feel when the key is fully pressed down. In contrast, the TTC Brother's bottom out force is unspecified, leaving a gap in the comparison regarding the complete typing experience when fully bottomed out. For users who prefer a lighter touch for lengthy typing sessions, the TTC Brother may be more appealing, while those seeking a heavier, more tactile feedback might gravitate towards the Keylin switch due to its more substantial bottom out force. Overall, the choice between the two switches hinges on personal preference for either a lighter actuation or a more pronounced bottoming out experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch differs slightly, with the Brother measuring 3.5 mm and the Keylin at 3.6 mm. This means that the Keylin has a longer travel distance by 0.1 mm, which can contribute to a more pronounced keypress feel, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial depth when typing. On the other hand, the Brother's shorter travel distance can offer quicker responsiveness, which is often favored by gamers seeking faster reaction times. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on individual preferences for key feel; those who enjoy a deeper press may lean towards the Keylin, while those who prioritize rapid actuation might find the Brother more suitable.
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 Keylin has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keylin for $3.29.
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 excels with its distinctly crunchy sound profile, reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves. This delightful auditory feedback is a hallmark of clicky switches, providing a gratifying auditory cue with each keystroke. In contrast, the acoustic qualities of the Keygeek Keylin linear switch are noted to offer rich acoustics; however, specific details about its sound signature remain unknown. It’s important to remember that sound can vary greatly depending on the keyboard itself, including the choice of board and keycaps, so users could find similarities or stark differences in their overall experience.
In terms of feel, the Brother switch presents a lightweight and user-friendly typing experience, activating with just 37g of force. Its tactile feedback is characterized as stepped, providing a mild tactile bump that is perceptible but not overwhelming, which can help reduce finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The Keylin linear switch, while recognized for its exceptional smoothness, does not have a defined tactile response or pressure required to activate, leaving some aspects of its feel to the imagination. Users looking for a seamless keystroke may prefer the Keylin, while those who appreciate a tactile sensation will likely gravitate toward the Brother.
In conclusion, both the TTC Brother clicky and Keygeek Keylin linear switches offer unique typing experiences tailored to different preferences. The Brother’s crunchy sound and tactile feedback cater to those who enjoy a responsive and auditory typing experience, making it a superb choice for clicky switch enthusiasts. Meanwhile, the Keylin’s emphasis on smoothness and rich acoustics suggests a more muted experience, which could appeal to users seeking a quiet, linear feel. Ultimately, your choice of switch will come down to whether you prioritize sound and tactile feedback or prefer a smooth, unbroken keystroke.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a tactile feedback and sound that enhances your typing experience, the TTC Brother is a fantastic option. Its lightweight actuation and crunchy sound make it ideal for those who appreciate clicky switches and thrive on auditory feedback while typing. The Brother's easy-to-press nature reduces finger fatigue, making it perfect for extended sessions or for those who might be transitioning from traditional membrane keyboards. Conversely, if you prefer a smooth and quiet typing experience without the distinctive click, the Keylin linear switch would be better suited for you. With its rich acoustics and exceptional smoothness, it offers a premium typing feel that many find enjoyable, especially for fast-paced gaming or for tasks requiring rapid key presses. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing habits and the auditory sensations you wish to experience, ensuring that your keyboard experience is tailored to your needs.
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