TTC Brother vs. Outemu Blue
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Outemu Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The TTC Brother clicky switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch offer distinct features that cater to different preferences. The brother is praised for its lightweight nature, with a gentle actuation force of 37g, providing a tactile experience that is comfortable and satisfying. Its crunchy sound signature and well-defined tactile bump make each keystroke a delight for enthusiasts of clicky switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue switch does not have a specific standout feature but is known for its reliable performance. While the Brother is categorized as crunchy, easy-to-press, and stepped, the Blue switch does not have any specific categorization. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on personal preference and specific needs. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Both the TTC Brother and the Outemu Blue switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a similar sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced, making it ideal for switches that prioritize sound quality. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through the housing, adding to the overall aesthetic appeal of the switch.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the TTC Brother and the Outemu Blue switches feature nylon, a classic material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. This characteristic makes nylon a popular choice for switches that aim to provide a more muted and satisfying typing experience, as the sound produced is less sharp and more subdued.
While both switches share similarities in their housing materials, the unique combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in the TTC Brother ensures that the qualities of both materials are evenly distributed throughout the switch. The impact of the bottom housing can be felt when pressing down on a key, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing plays a significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. In contrast, the Outemu Blue switch may have a single housing material for both top and bottom, potentially resulting in a more homogeneous sound profile throughout typing.
Weight
In comparing the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, we can see that the Brother offers a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Blue's 50 grams. This means that the Brother switch requires less force to trigger a keystroke, making it a potentially more comfortable option for those looking for a lighter touch. However, since both switches have an unknown bottom out force, it is hard to determine which one offers a heavier typing experience. Those who prefer a stronger push feel may lean towards the Outemu Blue switch based on its higher actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, it is clear that the Brother has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm compared to the Blue's 4 mm. The difference may seem small, but it can have a significant impact on the typing or gaming experience. The shorter travel distance of the Brother switch might appeal to those looking for a more responsive feedback, ideal for gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Blue switch could provide a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a deeper key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific needs of the user.
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 Blue 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 and the Outemu Blue clicky switch offer distinctive experiences. The Brother switch is characterized by a satisfyingly crunchy sound signature, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. Each click is delivered with clear precision, making it a delight for enthusiasts of clicky switches. On the other hand, information about the sound profile of the Outemu Blue switch is unavailable. However, it is important to note that the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by external factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the TTC Brother is known for its easy-to-press quality, requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force not only makes typing effortless and comfortable but also reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the Brother switch features a subtle tactile bump that strikes the perfect balance, offering enough feedback to be felt distinctly without overpowering the overall keystroke. Conversely, information about the feel of the Outemu Blue switch is not provided.
In conclusion, while the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch have unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, the Brother switch stands out for its lightweight nature, satisfyingly crunchy sound, and easy-to-press feel. If one enjoys a tactile, responsive, and low-impact typing experience, the TTC Brother switch would be an excellent choice. However, if the sound and feel of the Outemu Blue switch align with your preferences, you can expect similar results in terms of performance and typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches would depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, consider the specific characteristics that each switch offers. If you are looking for a lightweight switch with a breezy actuation force, satisfyingly crunchy sound signature, and a tactile bump that strikes a perfect balance, the TTC Brother clicky switch is a top choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a different bottom out force and sound characteristics, the Outemu Blue clicky switch may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on your personal preference for actuation force, sound, and tactile feedback.
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