TTC Brother vs. Cherry MX Purple RGB
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, many enthusiasts find themselves weighing the distinct qualities of different types. On one hand, the TTC Brother switch stands out as a clicky option, featuring a lightweight 37g actuation force and a unique silicone dampening pad that softens the traditional click sound, making it a perfect choice for those who desire the tactile feedback of a click without the accompanying noise. This makes the Brother particularly appealing for both gamers and typists looking for a satisfying typing experience without distractions. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch offers a more refined tactile experience, characterized by a short, medium-strength bump that is the result of collaboration with keyboard expert Glarses. This switch caters to users who appreciate a pronounced tactile feel while maintaining versatile performance for various typing or gaming scenarios. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences in tactile feedback and noise levels; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your individual needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
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 Cherry MX Purple RGB switches exhibit distinct characteristics that influence their overall sound profiles. The TTC Brother features a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its stiffness and resilience. This rigidity enhances the switch’s auditory feedback, creating a sharper, crisper sound upon actuation. Polycarbonate's translucency also makes it particularly advantageous for RGB lighting effects, as the light can effectively diffuse through the clear material, resulting in visually striking illumination. In sharp contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB employs a nylon top housing, a material traditionally associated with a softer and more muted sound profile. The inherent softness of nylon absorbs sound, yielding a deeper and fuller auditory experience, which brings about a more rounded sound with each keystroke.
Examining the bottom housings reveals a different dynamic. Both the TTC Brother and the Cherry MX Purple RGB utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which further contributes to the overall sound experience of each switch. As both switches echo a similar quality due to the nylon material, typists can expect a consistent, deeper sound during key presses. This shared characteristic allows users to relish a plush bottom-out experience, relying on nylon’s ability to dampen sound, regardless of which switch is being utilized. Hence, while the top housing introduces contrasting qualities, the commonality in the bottom housing creates a degree of sound consistency across both switches.
When combining the effects of the different housing materials in these switches, one can better understand how the resulting sound profile may vary based on the top and bottom housings. With the TTC Brother emphasizing a sharper escape sound from the polycarbonate top housing and the Cherry MX Purple RGB delivering a fuller sound due to its nylon top, typists can find nuanced differences in responsiveness and acoustic feedback. This dynamic illustrates how switching between the two will offer a diverse typing experience, as the impact of each housing material plays a crucial role in the overall auditory impression and tactile feedback. Ultimately, while the Brother may shine in scenarios emphasizing illumination and higher pitch sounds, the Cherry MX Purple RGB delivers a more subdued and mellow typing experience with its nylon components.
Weight
The TTC Brother clicky switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch exhibit differences in their actuation forces, reflecting distinct typing experiences. The Brother switch has an actuation force of 37 grams, making it the lighter option, which may appeal to users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, ideal for long sessions at work or gaming. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch requires a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, catering to those who appreciate a more substantial tactile feedback when typing. Unfortunately, the bottom out forces for both switches are unknown, preventing a direct comparison in that regard. If one were to prioritize a lighter touch versus a heavier push feel, these force values indicate that the TTC Brother is better suited for a lighter touch, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB would be favored by those seeking a stronger push feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch, a clear distinction emerges. The TTC Brother switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it shorter than the Cherry MX Purple RGB, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing the keys, users of the Brother switch will experience a less pronounced depth, potentially appealing to those who favor quicker response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Cherry MX Purple may provide a more satisfying tactile feedback for users who prefer a deeper keystroke, enhancing the typing experience. Therefore, if you're looking for a more responsive feel, the TTC Brother would be the better choice, whereas the Cherry MX Purple would cater to those who enjoy a traditional and hearty depth in their key presses.
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 Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
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 offers a crunchy auditory experience reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves, making it quite satisfying without being overwhelmingly loud. It features a silicone dampening pad that tempers the click sound, leading to a subtler acoustic profile than many traditional clicky switches, which often can be quite jarring. On the other hand, the sound characteristics of the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch are currently unknown; however, like most Cherry switches, you can expect clarity and consistency in the sound, though the specific auditory presence of this switch may be somewhere in the middle compared to offerings from other brands.
In terms of feel, the TTC Brother switch is characterized as a stepped switch, providing a tactile feedback experience that feels like having multiple stages during a keystroke. This allows typists to sense both the pre-travel and post-travel moments distinctly, creating a more nuanced interaction with each keystroke. Contrastingly, the feel of the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch has not been explicitly detailed, but being developed in collaboration with keyboard enthusiasts, it likely embodies a refined tactile response that balances firmness with responsiveness, although the specifics of bump strength or actuation may vary since they are generally known for a medium tactile response.
In summary, both the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB offer distinct qualities suited for different preferences. The Brother excels in providing a quieter, more controlled clicky experience, making it approachable for both gamers and typists who prefer a subtler auditory feedback. Meanwhile, the Cherry MX Purple RGB likely delivers a well-balanced tactile experience with a pleasant bump, perfect for those who appreciate clear feedback while typing or gaming. While their sound signatures differ, both can cater to users looking for satisfying tactile feedback, ensuring that individuals selecting either switch can find considerable enjoyment in their typing or gaming endeavors.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you're looking for a switch that delivers a lightweight and quieter typing experience while still providing satisfying tactile feedback, the TTC Brother is an excellent choice. Its 37g actuation force combined with the silicone dampening pad ensures that you can enjoy a clicky feel without overwhelming noise, making it especially suitable for shared workspaces or late-night gaming sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a more robust tactile sensation with a medium-strength bump, the Cherry MX Purple RGB might be your go-to option. This switch offers a refined feel, ideal for typists and gamers alike who appreciate a pronounced tactile response for precision. In essence, if noise level and a lighter typing experience are your priorities, opt for the Brother; however, if you seek a strong tactile feedback and don't mind a bit more sound, the Cherry MX Purple RGB could serve you better.
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