TTC Brother vs. TTC Light Cloud V2
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the TTC Light Cloud V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two options that stand out are the TTC Brother clicky switch and the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch. The Brother is praised for its lightweight design with a breezy actuation of just 37g, providing a tactile experience that is both precise and satisfyingly crunchy for clicky switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Light Cloud V2 is favored for its refined and silent typing feel, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a delicate and nuanced experience. The Brother is known for being crunchy, easy-to-press, and stepped, while the Light Cloud V2 is characterized as mild, muted, neutral, easy-to-press, and feathery. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
17.5mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated double-staged spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Brother and the TTC Light Cloud V2, it is clear that they both offer unique sound profiles based on their respective materials. The Brother's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its relatively stiffer nature. On the other hand, the Light Cloud V2's nylon top housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer and more sound-absorbent qualities. While both materials serve their purpose in enhancing the overall typing experience, the choice between them ultimately depends on the desired sound profile and feel.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Brother and Light Cloud V2 utilize nylon, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to stiffer plastics. The nylon bottom housing is responsible for impacting the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, further enhancing the overall typing experience. While the differences between the two switches lie in their top housing materials, the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures a consistent sound quality and typing experience that users can appreciate.
Overall, the housing materials of the TTC Brother and Light Cloud V2 play a significant role in shaping the sound profile and typing feel of each switch. The polycarbonate top housing of the Brother offers a sharper and crisper sound, while the nylon top housing of the Light Cloud V2 provides a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches utilize nylon in the bottom housing, resulting in a consistent feel and sound profile when typing. Whether one prefers a sharper, higher-pitched sound or a deeper, fuller sound, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Brother clicky switch and the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch, it is clear that the Brother is lighter in terms of actuation force at 37 grams compared to the Light Cloud V2 at 45 grams. However, the Brother has an unknown bottom out force, while the Light Cloud V2 has a bottom out force of 58 grams. This makes the Light Cloud V2 heavier overall. The actuation force is crucial for determining how easily a keystroke is triggered, while the bottom out force measures the resistance when pressing the key all the way down. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Brother for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may opt for the heavier feel of the Light Cloud V2 for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Brother clicky switch and the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will get a similar feeling as the distance traveled by the switch from the top to the bottom is the same for both. This makes them equally suitable for typing or gaming purposes as they offer a consistent tactile experience. Whether you prefer the clicky feedback of the Brother switch or the smooth linear feel of the Light Cloud V2, you can expect the travel distance to be the same, providing a familiar sensation regardless of your choice.
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 TTC Light Cloud V2 has an MSRP of $6.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Cloud V2 for $5.49.
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 crunchy sound signature, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves, which is sure to delight fans of clicky switches. On the other hand, the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch offers a more muted and subdued sound profile, making it a great choice for those seeking a quieter typing experience. While the Brother provides a more pronounced and satisfying click, the Light Cloud V2 offers a more neutral sound that minimizes noise associated with mechanical keyboards.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Brother clicky switch is heralded for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force for activation, thus reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, it offers a stepped feel, providing a distinct tactile bump without being overwhelming. Conversely, the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch is described as mild and easy-to-press, offering a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe middle ground. Its feathery feel ensures that users can enjoy prolonged typing sessions without discomfort.
In conclusion, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Brother provides a satisfyingly crunchy sound and easy-to-press feel with a pronounced tactile feedback, the Light Cloud V2 offers a quieter, more subdued sound and a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Whether you prefer the audible feedback and tactile bump of the Brother or the quiet and smooth typing experience of the Light Cloud V2, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preference and the specific typing experience one is looking to achieve.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch, consider the Brother if you enjoy a light and tactile typing experience with a satisfyingly crunchy sound. The Brother switch is best suited for those who appreciate a distinct tactile bump without excessive force required during key presses. On the other hand, opt for the Light Cloud V2 if you prefer a silent and gentle typing feel with a muted sound profile. The Light Cloud V2 switch is ideal for those seeking a low-impact typing experience that minimizes noise while still offering a responsive feel. Ultimately, choose the Brother for a clicky and tactile typing experience, and the Light Cloud V2 for a quiet and smooth typing experience.
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