TTC Brother vs. Gateron Mars
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Gateron Mars switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a significant role, and two popular options that exemplify different typing experiences are the TTC Brother and the Gateron Mars switches. The TTC Brother, a clicky switch, is lauded for its lightweight actuation force of just 37g, offering a tactile and satisfying typing experience defined by its crunchy sound signature. This makes it an excellent choice for users who enjoy auditory feedback and a pronounced tactile bump, providing an engaging and delightful response to each keystroke. In contrast, the Gateron Mars is a linear switch, designed for smooth, uninterrupted keystrokes without the added noise or tactile feedback. Its unique POK stem and housing crafted from a blend of Nylon and POM result in a sleek typing experience, ideal for gamers and typists seeking speed and precision without distraction. While the Brother offers excitement with every click, the Mars appeals to those who prefer a more streamlined approach to their typing. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
17.5mm spring
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Brother and the Gateron Mars switches, we see distinct variations that play a significant role in the overall auditory and tactile experience. The TTC Brother features a polycarbonate top housing, celebrated for its stiffness and translucency, which contribute to a sharper and crisper sound profile. This results in a lively and resonant experience, especially when paired with RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of the switch. In contrast, the Gateron Mars utilizes a nylon top housing. Known for its softer texture, nylon contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing sound waves and creating a more muted auditory experience. Thus, while both switches refine the sound, the TTC Brother leans toward a brighter timbre, whereas the Gateron Mars provides a more rounded auditory sensation.
Examining the bottom housing of each switch reveals a similar divergence in material choice. The TTC Brother employs a nylon bottom housing, which continues to promote that deeper sound profile, facilitating a muted experience when typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Mars utilizes POM, known for its unique auditory qualities. POM bottom housings further enrich the sound experience, leaning toward a deeper yet relatively more muted profile. Although both switches incorporate softer materials in their bottom housings, the TTC Brother maintains auditory consistency through nylon, while the Gateron Mars introduces the distinct characteristics of POM. As such, the effect on sound and feel varies, with the TTC offering a more unified response and the Mars providing a unique tonal quality.
In summary, the combination of materials in the top and bottom housings of both switches illustrates a nuanced contrast in sound profiles. The TTC Brother’s polycarbonate top combines with a nylon bottom to create a crisp and rich auditory experience, while the Gateron Mars pairs its nylon top with a POM bottom for a uniquely deep and muted sound. For users seeking similar outcomes, utilizing a polycarbonate top housing and a softer bottom material—whether nylon or POM—can indeed yield comparable sound qualities. However, the distinct characteristics of each housing type will ultimately influence the tactile feedback and auditory output during usage, allowing users to choose the switch that best meets their personal preferences.
Weight
The TTC Brother clicky switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch present differing characteristics in terms of actuation force, which significantly influences their usability and typing experience. The Brother switch has an actuation force of 37 grams, making it the lighter option compared to the Gateron Mars switch, which requires a stronger actuation force of 45 grams. This difference means that users of the Brother switch may find typing for extended periods more comfortable, making it ideal for those who need a portable keyboard for work or long gaming sessions. Conversely, the Gateron Mars, with its heavier actuation force, may appeal to those who prefer a more robust tactile feedback and a substantial typing experience. Both switches have unknown bottom out forces, so we can't compare them in that regard. Overall, if you're looking for a lighter touch, the TTC Brother would be the better choice, while those who favor a firmer resistance should consider the Gateron Mars.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, the Brother measures 3.5 mm, while the Mars has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Although the difference is minimal, it presents a choice for users based on their preferences. The Brother, with its shorter travel distance, may provide a quicker response time, catering to gamers who value speed and efficiency in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Mars, with its longer 3.6 mm travel distance, offers a more pronounced actuation, which could be preferable for those who enjoy a more traditional typing experience with a sense of depth. Ultimately, your selection between these two switches will depend on your preferences for response time versus the tactile feeling of the keypress.
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 Gateron Mars has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mars for $5.50.
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
The TTC Brother clicky switch produces a uniquely satisfying sound profile that is characterized by its crunchy auditory feedback. This delightful sound is reminiscent of stepping on a pile of crisp autumn leaves, making it a true pleasure for enthusiasts of clicky switches. Each keystroke delivers a clear and precise click, enhancing the overall typing experience while maintaining a crisp clarity that draws in users who appreciate distinct acoustic sensations. On the other hand, the Gateron Mars switch does not have a documented sound signature available, making any direct comparisons difficult. However, it’s important to remember that the overall auditory experience of any switch can vary significantly depending on the keyboard's construction, including the choice of board and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the TTC Brother switch offers a lightweight and easy-to-press experience with an actuation force of just 37g. This feature significantly reduces finger fatigue, allowing for prolonged typing sessions without discomfort. Additionally, its tactile bump is stepped, providing a noticeable feedback that strikes a balance between being distinctly felt and not overwhelming during typing. The Mars switch, however, lacks a detailed description of its tactile properties, leaving that aspect of comparison ambiguous. Without specific information on the Mars switch's feel, it’s challenging to draw a direct comparison regarding the tactile experience.
In conclusion, while the TTC Brother clicky switch is celebrated for its unique sound and easy-to-press, stepped tactile feel, the Gateron Mars switch remains an enigma without specific qualities to detail. If sound and feel are paramount to your typing and gaming experiences, the Brother is a commendable choice. However, if you’re drawn to the Mars switch, you may find it beneficial to explore user experiences or reviews to better understand its characteristics, as both switches offer distinct advantages appealing to different preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, your choice between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and the kind of experience you seek. If you enjoy a tactile and engaging typing experience with an audible feedback that resonates, the Brother is an excellent option. Its lightweight actuation at just 37g allows for easy typing sessions, making it a perfect choice if you spend long hours at your keyboard and value a less strenuous interaction. The crunchy sound and tactile feedback will appeal greatly to those who appreciate the clicky feedback, reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke with minimal resistance, the Gateron Mars linear switch would likely be more suited to your tastes. Linear switches like the Mars facilitate fast keystrokes without the tactile bump or click, making them ideal for gamers or anyone who appreciates a quieter typing environment. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you favor the engaging interaction of clicky switches or the silent, fluid action of linear switches, ensuring your keyboard aligns with your personal typing style.
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