TTC Brother vs. Cherry MX Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Cherry MX Speed Silver 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 Speed Silver linear switch offer unique features catered towards different preferences. The Brother is renowned for its lightweight actuation of just 37g, providing a tactile experience that is both crisp and satisfying. Its audible clicky sound signature makes it a favorite among enthusiasts who enjoy a distinct feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Speed Silver stands out for its rapid response and low spring resistance, perfect for gamers seeking maximum speed and precision in their gameplay. While the Brother is 'Crunchy', 'Easy-to-press', and 'Stepped', the Speed Silver is 'Textured', 'Thocky', and 'Low-pitched'. Ultimately, choosing between these switches comes down to personal preference and intended use; 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Brother and the Cherry MX Speed Silver both offer unique characteristics that impact the overall sound profile of the switches. The Brother's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, ideal for those who prefer a crisper typing experience. In contrast, the MX Speed Silver's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, providing a more rounded typing experience. Both materials have their strengths, with polycarbonate offering clarity and resonance, while nylon absorbs more sound for a duller sound profile.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Brother and the MX Speed Silver utilize nylon, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of the nylon material allows for more sound absorption compared to harder plastics, creating a rounder sound experience for users. While the bottom housing may not be as noticeable during typing as the top housing, it still plays a significant role in enhancing the overall sound and feel of the switches. The similar choice of material for the bottom housing in both switches highlights the importance of consistency in creating a cohesive typing experience.
When considering the impact of the top and bottom housing materials, it's clear that each plays a crucial role in shaping the sound profile of the switch. The characteristics of the materials are divided between the top and bottom housing, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. In this regard, the choice of housing material is essential in determining the overall typing experience, with differences in stiffness and sound absorption leading to distinct sound profiles for the TTC Brother and the Cherry MX Speed Silver.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, one can see that the Brother switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 37 grams compared to the MX Speed Silver's 30 grams. However, both switches have unknown bottom out forces, making it difficult to determine which one requires more pressure to fully press down. In terms of weight, the MX Speed Silver would be considered the lighter option, which may appeal to users looking for a more effortless typing experience for extended periods. On the other hand, the Brother switch's slightly higher actuation force may provide a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a bit more resistance. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation force and bottom out pressure.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the TTC Brother clicky switch is 3.5 mm, while the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. The difference of 0.1 mm may seem minimal, but for those who are very particular about their key switches, it could make a noticeable impact on the typing or gaming experience. Both switches fall within the category of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for their faster response times. However, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch's slightly shorter travel distance may give it a slight edge in terms of speed and agility. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and desired typing 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 Speed Silver has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Speed Silver for $4.00.
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 sound signature that resonates with each keystroke, reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves. In contrast, the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch produces a thocky and low-pitched sound, giving off a deep and satisfying tone. The sound produced by both switches is distinct in its own right, catering to different preferences and environments. Ultimately, the sound profiles of the Brother and Speed Silver switches will provide unique auditory experiences for users to enjoy during their typing or gaming sessions.
Moving on to the feel, the TTC Brother clicky switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force for actuation, which enhances typing comfort and reduces finger fatigue. The tactile bump in the Brother switch is stepped, providing a more subtle two-stage typing experience compared to sharper tactility found in other switches. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch offers a textured feel with noticeable friction, catering to users who prefer a bit of resistance during key presses. The tactile experiences of these switches are distinct, providing users with options to choose based on their preferred typing feel and sensitivity to key feedback.
In conclusion, the TTC Brother clicky switch excels in delivering a lightweight and crisp typing experience with a satisfyingly crunchy sound, making it a favorite among clicky switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch stands out for its rapid response and low spring resistance, catering to gamers seeking maximum speed in their keystrokes. While the Brother switch provides a softer actuation and stepped tactile feedback, the Speed Silver switch offers a textured feel for users who prefer some friction during typing. Each switch brings its own set of qualities to the table, and users can expect distinct typing and sound experiences based on their choice between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, consider your specific needs and preferences. If you value a tactile typing experience with a satisfyingly crunchy sound and a gentle actuation force, the Brother switch is a fantastic choice. On the other hand, if you prioritize rapid response times and smooth key presses for gaming, the MX Speed Silver switch with its low spring resistance and instant triggering may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, choose the switch that aligns with your typing style and enhances your overall typing or gaming experience.
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