TTC Brother vs. Cherry MX Black
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Cherry MX Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch are both standout options in the market. The TTC Brother is praised for its lightweight actuation of just 37g, providing a tactile experience that is both satisfying and effortless. Its crunchy sound signature is sure to please clicky switch enthusiasts, while the tactile bump strikes a perfect balance between feedback and subtlety. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black switch, perfected by Cherry with their Hyperglide tooling, offers a smooth and textured typing experience with a deep sound profile. While the Brother is easy-to-press and crunchy, the MX Black is stiff and low-pitched. When considering which switch to choose, it 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
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
80g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
17.5mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The TTC Brother and Cherry MX Black switches both utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing due to the softer nature of the plastic. The top housing materials, however, differ between the two switches. The Brother features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the Cherry MX Black's nylon top housing. The use of polycarbonate also allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switch.
While both switches share the use of nylon for their bottom housing, the Brother's polycarbonate top housing offers a more resonant and clear sound profile, in contrast to the MX Black's duller and rounder sound from its nylon top housing. The different housing materials impact the overall typing experience in terms of sound and feel. The Brother's stiffer polycarbonate top housing provides a more defined sound when keys are released, while the MX Black's softer nylon top housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a slightly muted sound upon release.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials greatly influences the sound profile and overall typing experience of a switch. The stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the Brother switch creates a more resonant and clear sound, whereas the softer nylon top housing of the MX Black results in a duller and rounder sound. Both switches benefit from the use of nylon for the bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Ultimately, the housing materials play a significant role in determining the auditory and tactile feedback of each switch.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, it is evident that there is a significant difference in actuation force and bottom out force. The Brother switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, making it easier to type and game for long periods without fatigue. However, the bottom out force for the Brother switch is unknown, which could potentially affect the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In terms of weight, the Brother switch is lighter in comparison to the Cherry MX Black switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force, with lighter switches being more suitable for extended use and heavier switches offering a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Brother clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Cherry MX Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Cherry MX Black has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the TTC Brother switch. The shorter travel distance of the TTC Brother switch may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Cherry MX Black switch may provide a more substantial key press feel for those who prefer a deeper tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key press feel.
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 Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 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 is known for its crunchy sound signature, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. This satisfyingly crisp sound is a hallmark of clicky switches and is sure to please enthusiasts of this switch type. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black linear switch offers a low-pitched, bass-heavy sound profile, providing a more mellow typing experience. Depending on personal preference and the keyboard setup, each switch will offer a unique auditory experience.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the TTC Brother clicky switch is praised for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the articulate tactile bump in the Brother switch provides a satisfying feedback without being overpowering. In contrast, the Cherry MX Black linear switch is known for its textured feel, offering noticeable friction when pressed. The stiffness of the MX Black switch requires a higher amount of force to actuate, providing a different typing experience compared to the Brother switch.
Taking into consideration all the available information, it is evident that both the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Brother switch excels in providing a satisfyingly crunchy sound and an easy-to-press tactile experience, the MX Black switch distinguishes itself with a low-pitched sound and a textured, stiff typing feel. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on individual preferences and the desired typing experience. Regardless, both switches are top contenders in their respective categories, ensuring a high-quality typing experience for users.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a lightweight, easy-to-press switch with a satisfyingly crunchy sound and a balanced tactile bump, then the TTC Brother clicky switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier switch with a deep sound profile and a textured feel, then the Cherry MX Black linear switch may be more to your liking. Consider your typing habits, sound preferences, and desired level of key resistance when making your decision. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing experiences, so choose the one that aligns best with your preferences.
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