TTC Brother vs. Outemu Lime
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Outemu Lime switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch for your mechanical keyboard, there are key differences to consider. The TTC Brother stands out with its lightweight actuation and satisfyingly crunchy sound, making it a top choice for clicky switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Outemu Lime offers a unique blend of lightness, tactile feedback, and silence, catering to those who prefer a subtle tactility. While the Brother is characterized as 'Crunchy' and 'Easy-to-press', the Lime is described as 'Muted' and 'Feathery'. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, but it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Brother and the Outemu Lime, there are some key differences to note. The Brother features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiff nature. This is in contrast to the Lime's nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound thanks to its softer composition that absorbs more sound. In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Brother is translucent and ideal for use with RGB lighting, while the nylon top housing of the Lime is a classic choice for a more traditional sound.
Moving on to the bottom housing of these switches, both the Brother and the Lime utilize nylon material. This means that they will share similar qualities in terms of sound profile, with a deeper and fuller sound being elicited when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. Despite this similarity, the split between the top and bottom housing materials means that the impact on the sound and feel of the switch will be different. The bottom housing of a switch has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, while the housing materials of the TTC Brother and the Outemu Lime differ in terms of their top housings, they share similarities in their use of nylon for the bottom housings. The polycarbonate top housing of the Brother provides a clear and resonant sound profile with a sharper tone, ideal for those looking for a more modern aesthetic with RGB lighting. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Lime offers a deeper, fuller sound that may appeal to those seeking a more traditional typing experience. Despite these differences, both switches ultimately provide a unique sound profile that is influenced by the combination of their top and bottom housing materials.
Weight
The TTC Brother clicky switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Outemu Lime tactile switch's 35 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Lime switch is 45 grams, making it heavier than the Brother switch for bottoming out. The Brother switch does not provide information on its bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Outemu Lime switch would be the better choice, as it requires less force to actuate. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the TTC Brother switch, as it has a slightly higher actuation force. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing experience and force required.
Travel distance
The TTC Brother clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Lime tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular among gamers for their faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance could be noticeable to some users, with the Brother offering a tad more depth compared to the Lime. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would come down to individual preferences in terms of key feel and responsiveness. Overall, both switches provide a relatively short travel distance, ensuring a quick and efficient typing or gaming experience.
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 Outemu Lime comes in at $3.40 per 10 switches.
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 that is synonymous with clicky switches, providing a satisfyingly crisp and precise auditory experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Lime tactile switch is described as having a more neutral and muted sound profile, making it a quieter option for those who prefer a less obtrusive typing sound. Both switches offer distinct auditory feedback, with the Brother delivering a more pronounced click while the Lime provides a softer and more subtle typing experience.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the TTC Brother clicky switch is characterized by its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force for activation and offering a low-impact typing feel that reduces finger fatigue during extended use. Additionally, the Brother features a stepped tactile bump that provides a more gradual tactile feedback compared to more pronounced tactile switches. In contrast, the Outemu Lime tactile switch offers a mild and feathery typing experience with gentle resistance, making it comfortable for longer typing sessions without causing strain on the fingers. The Lime switch is also described as subtle and polished, ensuring smooth key travel and reduced friction during use.
Overall, the TTC Brother clicky switch stands out for its crunchy sound and easy-to-press nature, making it a favorite among clicky switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Outemu Lime tactile switch offers a unique combination of a muted sound profile and a light, approachable tactility that caters to those who prefer a quieter typing experience with a touch of feedback. While both switches provide distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel, users can expect similar results in terms of overall typing experience from these top-notch switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch, consider the specific qualities that each brings to the table. If you prioritize a satisfyingly crunchy sound and a tactile bump that strikes the perfect balance between presence and subtlety, the Brother switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light typing experience with a touch of tactility, along with a switch that is silenced for a quieter environment, then the Lime switch would be the ideal option. Both switches have their unique features that cater to different preferences, so ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal typing needs and preferences.
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