TTC Brother vs. SP-Star Meteor White
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the SP-Star Meteor White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch offer vastly different experiences for users to choose from. The TTC Brother is known for its satisfyingly crunchy sound signature and lightweight nature, making each keystroke a breeze at just 37g. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White is characterized by its gentle linear feel, with a soft and pitter-patter sound that is easy on the ears. While the Brother is 'Crunchy', 'Easy-to-press', and 'Stepped', the Meteor White falls into the categories of 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', and 'Polished'. Choosing between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style; 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
Gold plated
Housing materials
The TTC Brother and the SP-Star Meteor White both offer unique characteristics in their housing materials. The Brother features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. In contrast, the Meteor White utilizes a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile because of its softer nature that absorbs more sound. While the Brother's top housing promotes clarity and resonance, the Meteor White's top housing delivers a rounder and duller sound.
On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of both the TTC Brother and the SP-Star Meteor White offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The similarities between the bottom housing materials of these switches suggest that users can expect consistent sound quality in terms of depth and fullness regardless of which switch they choose. The impact of the bottom housing material is more prominent during the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch.
Overall, the choice between the TTC Brother and the SP-Star Meteor White ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. The polycarbonate top housing of the Brother provides a clear and resonant sound, while the nylon top housing of the Meteor White offers a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches share the benefits of a nylon bottom housing, ensuring a consistent and satisfying sound experience for users. Whether you prefer a sharper and crisper sound or a deeper and fuller sound, each switch's housing materials contribute to a unique typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Brother clicky switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, it is evident that the Brother has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Meteor White, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Brother lacks information on the bottom out force, while the Meteor White has a bottom out force of 57 grams, which is considered medium-light. Those who prefer a light typing experience may lean towards the TTC Brother switch, as the actuation force is lower. In contrast, individuals looking for a more substantial typing feel may prefer the SP-Star Meteor White switch with its higher bottom out force. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the TTC Brother clicky switch is 3.5 mm, while the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Meteor White linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Brother clicky switch. The difference may not be significant, but it could impact the overall feel and responsiveness of the keyboard. Shorter travel distances are often preferred by gamers for faster response times, while longer travel distances may provide a more satisfying typing experience for some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific needs of the user.
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 White has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor White 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
In terms of sound, the TTC Brother clicky switch offers a delightful and satisfyingly crunchy sound signature, making each click precise and crisp. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch provides a more subdued and gentle pitter-patter sound profile, creating a softer typing experience. While the Brother switch is characterized by its distinct clicky sound reminiscent of crisp autumn leaves, the Meteor White switch has a more neutral sound profile that falls into the thocky category, producing a deep and satisfying thud when pressed and released.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Brother clicky switch stands out with its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force for activation, making typing effortless and comfortable. Its tactile bump is well-balanced, providing a responsive typing experience without being overwhelming. Conversely, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch offers a mild typing experience, with a polished finish that ensures smooth key travel and reduced friction. This switch falls into a safe middle-ground zone, making it approachable for most users.
Overall, while the TTC Brother clicky switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch offer different sound profiles and typing experiences, both provide quality performance in their respective categories. Whether you prefer the satisfying crunch of a clicky switch like the Brother or the softer sound and feel of a linear switch like the Meteor White, both switches cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a delightful clicky switch experience that offers a light actuation force and a satisfyingly crunchy sound, the TTC Brother clicky switch is the way to go. It provides a tactile bump that strikes the perfect balance, making each keystroke a joy. On the other hand, if you prefer a gentle and easy-to-push linear switch with a soft sound profile, the SP-Star Meteor White switch is a great option. Its smooth and polished finish ensures a comfortable typing experience without any distractions. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your preference for either a clicky or linear switch, as well as your desired typing feel and sound profile.
Mentioned in this article
