TTC Brother vs. KTT Miaowu
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the KTT Miaowu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the TTC Brother clicky switch and the KTT Miaowu linear switch. The TTC Brother is renowned for its clicky nature, offering a delightful tactile experience with its lightweight actuation of just 37g. Known for its satisfyingly crunchy sound and well-balanced tactile bump, it is a favorite among clicky switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the KTT Miaowu stands out for its smooth keystroke action and enhanced stem stability, thanks to its innovative use of POK in its stem. While the Brother is categorized as 'Crunchy', 'Easy-to-press', 'Stepped', the Miaowu is described as 'Bouncy' and 'Clacky'. Each switch has its own unique advantages, making them suitable for different preferences and needs. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
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
Housing materials
Both the TTC Brother and the KTT Miaowu switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the material's stiffness. This makes them ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting, as the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for vibrant lighting effects. The nylon bottom housings of both switches contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
Despite both switches sharing the same housing materials, the Brother and Miaowu switches may still offer slightly different sound profiles and typing experiences due to the specific design and construction of each switch. While both switches will have similarities in terms of sound and feel, the placement of the different housing materials in either the top or bottom of the switch may influence the overall typing experience. The impact of the bottom housing will be more noticeable during a keypress, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, whereas the top housing will have a greater influence on the sound when a key is released.
Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Brother and the KTT Miaowu switches may come down to personal preference and intended use. Both switches offer the benefits of polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and clear sound profile, as well as nylon bottom housings for a deep and full sound. Whether you prioritize the tactile typing experience or the aesthetics of RGB lighting, understanding how each housing material contributes to the overall sound profile can help guide your decision between these two switches.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Brother clicky switch and the KTT Miaowu linear switch, it is evident that the Miaowu has a slightly heavier actuation force at 43 grams compared to the Brother's 37 grams. Additionally, the Miaowu requires a bottom out force of 50 grams, which is considered light. On the other hand, the bottom out force for the Brother switch is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Brother switch due to its lower actuation force, allowing for longer periods of typing or gaming without fatigue. In contrast, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Miaowu switch with its higher actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Brother clicky switch and the KTT Miaowu linear switch, it is evident that both switches have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that regardless of which switch is used, the user will experience a similar amount of key travel when pressing down on the keys. Despite this similarity, it is worth noting that the travel distance of both switches is on the shorter end compared to other switches on the market, which may appeal to individuals who prefer a shorter key travel for a more responsive typing experience. Overall, the travel distance of both the TTC Brother clicky switch and the KTT Miaowu linear switch is the same, allowing for consistent results in key press feel and performance.
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 KTT Miaowu has an MSRP of $4.32 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Miaowu for $3.71.
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 is praised for its crunchy and satisfyingly crisp sound signature, reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves. This auditory delight is sure to please clicky switch enthusiasts who enjoy the distinct click with each keystroke. On the other hand, the KTT Miaowu linear switch is described as producing a clacky and sharp sound when pressed, characterized by its crisp and percussive nature. While both switches offer unique auditory experiences, the Brother's sound leans towards a crunchy texture, while the Miaowu's sound is more defined by its clacky nature. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference in sound profile.
In terms of feel, the TTC Brother clicky switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force to activate and offering a gentle resistance that enhances the typing experience. Additionally, it features a stepped tactile bump that provides just the right amount of feedback without being overpowering. On the other hand, the KTT Miaowu linear switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like sensation with lively rebound when pressed. This unique feel sets it apart from the more traditional easy-to-press nature of the Brother switch. Ultimately, those who prefer a gentler typing experience may lean towards the Brother, while those seeking a more dynamic and lively feel may favor the Miaowu.
In conclusion, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the KTT Miaowu linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Brother excels in delivering a crunchy and easy-to-press typing experience with a balanced tactile bump, making it a top choice for clicky switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Miaowu stands out with its clacky sound profile and bouncy feel, providing a unique and dynamic typing experience. While both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences, it is important to consider individual typing habits and preferences when selecting the ideal switch for your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, whether choosing the TTC Brother or the KTT Miaowu, you can expect a high-quality typing experience tailored to your sound and feel preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the KTT Miaowu linear switch, consider your preferences and needs. If you value a light actuation force and a satisfyingly crunchy sound signature, the Brother switch would be a great choice for you. Its tactile bump and easy-to-press nature make typing a breeze and provide a unique typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a bottom out force of 50 grams and a bouncy feel, the Miaowu switch would be more suitable for you. Its smooth keystroke action and POK stem set it apart from other switches, providing a different typing sensation. Ultimately, the decision comes down to what you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch – whether it's the feel, sound, or overall typing experience.
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