TTC Brother vs. Gateron Mini i
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Gateron Mini i switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Brother, a clicky switch, with the Gateron Mini i, a tactile switch, it's clear that both have unique qualities to offer. The TTC Brother stands out for its lightweight nature, smooth actuation, and satisfyingly crunchy sound, making it a favorite among clicky switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i switches are known for their gentle tactility, muted sound profile, and lightweight design, perfect for quiet and comfortable typing in office settings. While the Brother offers a more pronounced tactile bump and audible click, the Mini i provides a more subtle keystroke experience ideal for professional environments. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Brother and the Gateron Mini i switches both offer unique sound profiles and characteristics. The Brother's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, which resonates more clearly. In contrast, the Mini i's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, absorbing more sound with its softer plastic composition. While both materials offer different acoustic experiences, they both aim to enhance the overall typing sound and feel.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Brother and Mini i switches utilize nylon for a deeper and fuller sound profile. While the Brother's nylon bottom housing adds to the switch's overall sound experience with its softer plastic absorbing more sound, the Mini i's nylon bottom housing also contributes to a similar effect. The similarity in bottom housing material between the two switches may result in comparable typing experiences with a focus on creating a rounder and duller sound profile.
Ultimately, the differences in housing materials between the Brother and Mini i switches allow for unique typing experiences. The split qualities between the top and bottom housings of a switch play a significant role in the overall sound and feel when typing. Whether it's the stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the Brother creating a clearer sound upon key release, or the softer nylon bottom housing of the Mini i contributing to a fuller sound upon key press, each switch offers a distinctive typing experience that caters to different preferences.
Weight
The TTC Brother clicky switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch both have their own unique characteristics when it comes to actuation force and bottom out force. The TTC Brother has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, while the Gateron Mini i has a slightly heavier actuation force of 40 grams. As for bottom out force, the Gateron Mini i requires 50 grams, whereas the bottom out force for the TTC Brother is not specified. The Brother clicky switch would provide a lighter typing experience compared to the Gateron Mini i, which offers a slightly stronger push feel. Both switches have their own advantages, with the Brother clicky switch being ideal for longer typing sessions, while the Gateron Mini i would be preferred by those looking for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Brother clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, slightly longer than the Gateron Mini i tactile switch which has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those looking for quicker response times, such as gamers. The difference of 0.1 mm between the two switches may not be significant to most users, as they will likely provide similar results in terms of key feel and actuation. Ultimately, the choice between the Brother and Gateron Mini i switches will come down to personal preference for the slight variation in travel distance.
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 Mini i comes in at $6.00 per 10 switches.
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 satisfyingly crunchy sound that is clear, crisp, and precise, perfect for enthusiasts who enjoy the auditory feedback of typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch provides a more neutral sound profile that is gentle and not intrusive, making it a suitable choice for a professional office environment where a quieter typing experience is preferred. Both switches offer distinct sound qualities that cater to different preferences, with the Brother excelling in delivering a more pronounced clicky sound compared to the Mini i's more subdued profile.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Brother clicky switch is noted for its easy-to-press nature, providing a responsive and low-impact typing feel that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. It features a stepped design that offers a distinct tactile bump without being overwhelming. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch is described as bouncy and snappy, offering a lively typing experience with a spring-like feedback sensation. It also has a mild and subtle feel that is approachable for most users, striking a balance between comfort and responsiveness. Both switches provide unique tactile experiences, with the Brother focusing on a more distinct tactile bump and the Mini i offering a softer and more playful typing feel.
In conclusion, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Brother excels in providing a crispy and precise clicky sound with an easy-to-press design and a stepped tactile feel, perfect for enthusiasts seeking a more pronounced tactile experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i provides a neutral and muted sound profile with a bouncy and snappy feel that is gentle yet responsive, suitable for professional environments where a quieter typing experience is preferred. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and the intended usage environment.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a satisfyingly crunchy sound with clear, crisp precision in each keystroke, along with a lightweight and gentle actuation of just 37g, then the TTC Brother clicky switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a more muted sound profile suitable for quiet professionalism in an office setting, along with gentle tactility and a light actuation force of 50g, then the Gateron Mini i tactile switch would be a better fit for you. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
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