TTC Brother vs. Outemu Black
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Outemu Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Brother clicky switch to the Outemu Black linear switch, it's clear that each offers a unique typing experience. The Brother stands out with its lightweight actuation of just 37g, providing a tactile experience that is both satisfying and easy on the fingers. Its audible crunch and precise feedback make it a favorite among clicky switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Outemu Black offers a smooth and consistent keystroke without any tactile bump or audible feedback. While the Brother is ideal for those who enjoy a clicky and tactile typing experience, the Black is perfect for those who prefer a quieter and more linear 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
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
82g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.50 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
Polycarbonate
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
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Brother and the Outemu Black, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate creates a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches that prioritize sound quality. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of these switches. While both switches share the same top housing material, the differences lie in their bottom housing material.
The Brother and the Black both feature nylon as their bottom housing material, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. Nylon, known for being softer and absorbing more sound than harder plastics, creates a duller and rounder sound that adds depth to the typing experience. These qualities of the nylon bottom housing contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switches, offering a unique tactile experience for users. Despite the differences in the top housing material, the shared use of nylon for the bottom housing ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the TTC Brother and the Outemu Black impacts the sound and feel of the switches in distinct ways. While both switches benefit from the use of polycarbonate in the top housing for a sharp and resonant sound, the nylon bottom housing of each switch adds depth and fullness to the typing experience. The split between the qualities of the bottom and top housing materials allows users to appreciate the unique characteristics of each material throughout the typing process. Whether it be a sharper sound profile from polycarbonate or a fuller sound from nylon, both the Brother and the Black offer a diverse and immersive typing experience.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Outemu Black linear switch reveals significant differences. The TTC Brother has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the heavier 65 grams of the Outemu Black. However, the bottom out force of the Outemu Black is higher at 82 grams, while the bottom out force of the TTC Brother is unknown. The lighter actuation force of the TTC Brother may be preferred for longer typing sessions or gaming, while the heavier actuation force of the Outemu Black might appeal to those seeking a more substantial typing experience. Despite the differences in force requirements, selecting either switch based on personal preference will result in a customized typing experience tailored to individual needs.
Travel distance
The TTC Brother clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Outemu Black linear switch has a longer travel distance compared to the TTC Brother clicky switch. The difference is only 0.5 mm, but this can still have an impact on the typing experience. The shorter travel distance of the TTC Brother clicky switch may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Outemu Black linear switch may provide a more satisfying feel for those who prefer a deeper keystroke. Ultimately, both switches offer different options to cater to individual preferences in typing and gaming.
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 Outemu Black comes in at $3.10 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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Brother clicky switch is praised for its crunchy sound signature, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. This satisfyingly tactile experience is sure to please enthusiasts who enjoy the audible feedback of clicky switches. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Black linear switch is unknown, making it difficult to directly compare to the Brother in this aspect. However, it is important to note that the sound produced by a switch can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of these switches, the TTC Brother clicky switch is characterized by its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force at a lightweight actuation of just 37g. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Additionally, the tactile bump of the Brother switch is described as stepped, providing a nuanced feedback that strikes a balance between discernible tactility and smooth keystrokes. Conversely, information regarding the feel of the Outemu Black linear switch is not available, making it challenging to directly compare its typing experience in terms of actuation force and tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the TTC Brother clicky switch stands out for its lightweight actuation, satisfyingly crunchy sound, and easy-to-press tactile experience with a stepped feedback mechanism. While the subjective qualities of the Outemu Black linear switch remain unknown in terms of sound and feel, it is important to consider individual preferences and typing preferences when choosing between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches are likely to offer a similar level of quality within their respective switch types, catering to different preferences in sound and feel for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a delightful clicky switch experience with a lightweight actuation force and satisfyingly crunchy sound, the TTC Brother switch is the way to go. It offers a perfect balance of tactile feedback without being too overwhelming. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavy linear switch with a bottom out force of 82 grams, the Outemu Black switch may be more suited for you. Ultimately, your choice between the Brother clicky switch and the Black linear switch will depend on your preference for actuation force, typing experience, and sound signature. Choose wisely based on what best suits your typing style and preferences.
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