TTC Brother vs. SP-Star Meteor Orange
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the SP-Star Meteor Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch stand out as unique options with their own distinct characteristics. The Brother is praised for its lightweight and effortless actuation at just 37g, providing a tactile experience that is both satisfying and comfortable. With a satisfyingly crunchy sound signature, this switch is a favorite among clicky switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Meteor Orange switches offer a gentle and soft tactility, ensuring a smooth typing experience with a neutral sound profile. While the Brother is known for its crunchy feedback and easy actuation, the Meteor Orange switch appeals to those looking for a more subdued and polished typing experience. 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
57g
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
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
The housing materials of the TTC Brother and the SP-Star Meteor Orange switches offer distinct characteristics that set them apart. The Brother features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature. In contrast, the Meteor Orange utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. While the polycarbonate top housing is ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency, the nylon top housing of the Meteor Orange provides a more subdued and rounded sound experience.
In terms of their bottom housings, both the Brother and the Meteor Orange switches use nylon, a classic switch housing material that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softness allows it to absorb more sound than harder plastics, leading to a duller and rounder sound. The use of nylon in both bottom housings ensures a consistent tactile typing experience across the two switches, emphasizing the importance of housing material in determining the overall sound profile of a mechanical keyboard.
While the Brother and the Meteor Orange switches differ in their top housing materials, their bottom housings share the same nylon construction. This means that the qualities associated with nylon, such as a deeper and fuller sound profile, are present in both switches when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel. However, the top housing material plays a significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key, with polycarbonate offering a crisper sound in the Brother switch compared to the softer and fuller sound of the nylon top housing in the Meteor Orange. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prefer a sharper, more resonant sound (Brother) or a deeper, fuller sound (Meteor Orange).
Weight
The TTC Brother clicky switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Meteor Orange switch is heavier at 57 grams compared to the Brother switch, for which the bottom out force is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Brother switch more appealing, as it requires less force to actuate a keystroke. In contrast, the Meteor Orange switch provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force. Both switches offer different levels of resistance, allowing users to choose based on their preference for a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Brother clicky switch and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch, it is clear that the Brother has a shorter travel distance at 3.5 mm, while the Meteor Orange has a longer travel distance at 4 mm. The Brother switch would be favored by those who prefer a quicker response time, such as gamers, due to its shorter distance. On the other hand, the Meteor Orange switch would be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences.
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 SP-Star Meteor Orange has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor Orange for $5.00.
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 offers a satisfyingly crunchy sound that is sure to please enthusiasts of clicky switches, while the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch provides a more neutral sound profile that is gentle and subtle. The Brother switch delivers a precise and crisp clicking sound, reminiscent of walking on crunchy autumn leaves, while the Meteor Orange switch produces a soft and seductive thocky sound that is deep and satisfying. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the TTC Brother clicky switch is easy-to-press and lightweight, making typing effortless and comfortable, with a tactile bump that strikes a perfect balance between being distinct and subtle. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, with a gentle tactility that is approachable to most users. The polished finish of the Meteor Orange switch ensures smooth key travel and reduced friction for a sleek typing experience. Overall, both switches provide a satisfying tactile feedback, with the Brother switch leaning towards a more easy-to-press and stepped feel, while the Meteor Orange switch offers a polished and mild typing experience.
In conclusion, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch offer different but equally impressive qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Brother switch excels in providing a crunchy and easy-to-press typing experience with a distinct tactile bump, the Meteor Orange switch stands out for its neutral and polished sound profile, along with a mild and gentle tactility. Both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles, ensuring that users will get satisfying results no matter their choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch, consider the specific qualities you prioritize in a keyboard switch. If you value a lightweight and crisp typing experience with a satisfyingly crunchy sound, the Brother clicky switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a gentle and polished typing feel with a neutral sound profile, the Meteor Orange tactile switch may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the type of typing experience you desire. Either way, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different keyboard users.
Mentioned in this article
