TTC Brother vs. Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that stand out are the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro linear switch. The TTC Brother is favored for its lightweight actuation of just 37g, offering a tactile experience that is both satisfying and effortless. With a crunchy sound signature and a perfectly balanced tactile bump, it is a top choice for clicky switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro switches are praised for their smooth and budget-friendly typing experience, featuring a buttery smooth keystroke and a pleasing low-pitched “thock” sound. While the Brother is known for its easy-to-press and stepped design, the Milky Red Pro is characterized by its buttery and thocky feel. 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
52g
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 Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) both offer unique sound profiles based on the materials used. The Brother features a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. On the other hand, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) uses a nylon top housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer nature. While the Brother's polycarbonate top housing is ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency, the Milky Red Pro's nylon top housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of the bottom housings, both the TTC Brother and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) utilize nylon as the material of choice. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile in both switches, as nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound compared to harder plastics. The bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, influencing the overall typing experience.
While the top and bottom housings of the TTC Brother and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) differ in material, they each offer distinct sound profiles based on the properties of the materials used. The split in housing materials allows for a unique typing experience, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Whether using a polycarbonate top housing in the Brother or a nylon top housing in the Milky Red Pro, users can expect varying sound profiles that contribute to a fulfilling typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, it is evident that they have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Brother switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Milky Red Pro's 45 grams, making it more sensitive and requiring less force to register a keystroke. On the other hand, the Milky Red Pro has a heavier bottom out force of 52 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience compared to the Brother switch, for which the bottom out force is unknown. The choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference - those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the TTC Brother switch, while those who enjoy a more pronounced typing feel may lean towards the Gateron Milky Red Pro. Ultimately, the actuation and bottom out forces of each switch offer users different typing experiences, with the lighter Brother switch being ideal for extended typing sessions and the heavier Milky Red Pro providing a more tactile typing feel.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, the Brother comes in as the shorter option with a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Milky Red Pro has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Brother's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times, while the Milky Red Pro's longer travel distance could provide a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing or gaming 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 Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) has an MSRP of $2.61 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) for $2.30.
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 renowned for its satisfyingly crunchy sound signature, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. This audible feedback is sure to please fans of clicky switches, with each click delivering clear, crisp precision. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch offers a bassy, low-pitched "thock" sound that provides a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. While both switches offer distinct sound experiences, the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Brother clicky switch is lauded for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force to activate and offering a gentle resistance that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. It also boasts a stepped feel, providing a more subtle tactile feedback compared to hypertactile switches. In contrast, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch is described as offering a buttery smooth keystroke experience, ensuring a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. The choice between the two switches in terms of feel hinges on whether you prefer a more tactile experience with the Brother or a smoother typing feel with the Milky Red Pro (KS-3).
Overall, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Brother excels in delivering a crunchy sound profile and an easy-to-press, stepped feel, making it a top choice for clicky switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) stands out for its buttery smooth keystrokes and bassy, low-pitched "thock" sound, providing a different typing experience that appeals to those seeking a smoother typing feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, your choice should be based on your preference for tactile feedback and sound profile. If you enjoy a lightweight actuation force, crisp clicky sound, and a balanced tactile bump, the TTC Brother switch is the ideal option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and buttery keystroke experience with a low-pitched "thock" sound, the Gateron Milky Red Pro switch would be the perfect fit. Consider your typing preferences and desired sound profile to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Mentioned in this article
