TTC Brother vs. Durock Medium Tactile
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Durock Medium Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Brother clicky switch to the Durock Medium Tactile, the Brother stands out for its lightweight and breezy actuation of just 37g, offering a tactile experience that is both satisfying and effortless. Its crunchy sound signature will please clicky switch enthusiasts, while the tactile bump strikes a perfect balance between being distinctly felt and not overpowering. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile by Durock offers a pronounced yet balanced tactility, with a jelly-like sound that sets it apart. While both switches have unique qualities that make them appealing, 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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 spring
Housing materials
The TTC Brother and the Durock Medium Tactile both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing material, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiff plastic that allows for clear and resonant sound production. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. Despite these similarities, the Brother's polycarbonate top housing may have a slightly different feel and sound compared to the Durock Medium Tactile due to potential variations in manufacturing processes.
In contrast, both the Brother and the Medium Tactile switches feature a nylon bottom housing material, known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. This characteristic of the nylon bottom housing contributes to the overall typing experience and sound feedback of the switches. While both switches share this common material for their bottom housing, slight variations in design and construction may still lead to differences in sound and feel between the two.
Overall, the housing materials used in the TTC Brother and the Durock Medium Tactile switches play a crucial role in shaping the sound and feel of each switch. While they both use polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing, the specific design and manufacturing processes of each switch may lead to subtle differences in sound profiles and tactile feedback. However, users can expect similar traits in terms of a sharper sound with the polycarbonate top housing and a fuller sound with the nylon bottom housing in both switches. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches may come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience desired.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, we see that the TTC Brother has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, while the Medium Tactile's actuation force is unknown. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, whereas the bottom out force for the TTC Brother is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the TTC Brother switch for its lower actuation force, making it easier to type for extended periods. In contrast, individuals who prefer a more substantial keystroke may opt for the Durock Medium Tactile switch with its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for typing feel and force required.
Travel distance
The TTC Brother clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Durock Medium Tactile has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the TTC Brother. The 3.5 mm travel distance of the TTC Brother may provide a quicker response time, ideal for gamers looking for speedy key presses. On the other hand, the 4 mm travel distance of the Durock Medium Tactile may offer a more satisfying tactile feedback for those who prefer a deeper key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and the desired typing 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 Durock Medium Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Medium Tactile for $4.25.
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 praised for its satisfyingly crunchy sound signature, resembling the crisp precision of stepping on piles of autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch offers a jelly-like sound signature, providing a unique auditory experience. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Brother offering a more pronounced and clicky sound compared to the Medium Tactile's softer and smoother sound.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Brother clicky switch is lauded for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force for activation, making typing effortless and comfortable. Additionally, it features a stepped feel with a well-defined tactile bump that enhances the typing experience. Conversely, the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch is described as providing a prominent yet balanced tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. It also offers a stepped feel, providing a gentle typing experience with a polished finish for smooth key travel. Both switches offer unique tactile feedback, with the Brother leaning towards a lighter and easier-to-press feel compared to the Medium Tactile's more pronounced tactility.
In conclusion, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Brother excels in providing a crunchy and easy-to-press typing experience with a pronounced tactile bump, the Medium Tactile stands out for its jelly-like sound and accented tactile feedback. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the crisp and light actuation of the Brother or the balanced tactility and smoother sound of the Medium Tactile to achieve their desired typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique traits that cater to different typing styles, ensuring a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience for newcomers and enthusiasts alike.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, consider your preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a light and breezy actuation with a satisfyingly crunchy sound, the Brother may be the perfect fit for you. Its tactile bump strikes a perfect balance for a delightful typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force with a pronounced yet balanced tactility, the Durock Medium Tactile could be the ideal choice. Its jelly-like sound signature and polished finish offer a smooth and refined typing experience. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique qualities, so choose the one that best suits your typing preferences.
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