TTC Brother vs. Outemu Brown
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Outemu Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Brother clicky switch to the Outemu Brown tactile switch, it becomes apparent that each has its own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The TTC Brother stands out with its lightweight actuation of just 37g, providing a tactile typing experience that is both smooth and satisfying. The audible crunchiness of each keystroke is sure to please enthusiasts of clicky switches, while the tactile bump offers a perfect balance of feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown switch lacks a standout feature but is known for its reliability and consistency. It offers a tactile feedback without the loud clicking noise, making it a great choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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 Brown, we can see that both switches use polycarbonate for the top housing. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature. It also allows for RGB lighting to shine through due to its translucency. However, while both switches share this feature, the sound profile may vary slightly depending on other factors such as the design of the switch itself.
Moving on to the bottom housing material, both the Brother and the Brown utilize nylon for this component. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. Despite using the same material for the bottom housing, there may still be differences in how the sound is produced based on the specific design and construction of each switch.
When considering how the housing materials affect the overall sound and feel of the switches, it is important to note that the qualities of each material are distributed between the top and bottom housings. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed down, while the top housing influences the sound when the key is released. Therefore, while both the TTC Brother and the Outemu Brown share similarities in their housing materials, their individual designs and construction may result in unique typing experiences for users.
Weight
The TTC Brother clicky switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Outemu Brown tactile switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 53 grams. The bottom out force for the Brother switch is unknown, while the Brown switch has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Brother switch, as it requires less force to activate, making it ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Outemu Brown switch for its heavier actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the TTC Brother clicky switch is 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Outemu Brown tactile switch has a longer travel distance compared to the TTC Brother clicky switch. The difference may seem minimal, but it can greatly impact the typing experience. Those who prefer a shorter travel distance may opt for the TTC Brother clicky switch, as it offers faster response times, which can be beneficial for gamers. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Outemu Brown tactile switch for its longer travel distance that provides a more significant depth to the keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
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 Brown 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 known for its satisfyingly crunchy sound signature, typical of clicky switches. Each keystroke produces a clear and crisp click that is sure to please enthusiasts of clicky switches. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Brown tactile switch is unknown, so it's difficult to compare the two in this aspect. However, keep in mind that the sound of a switch is influenced by various factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
Turning to the feel of the switches, the TTC Brother clicky switch is lauded for its easy-to-press nature, requiring a mere 37g of force for actuation. This light actuation force results in a tactile typing experience that is comfortable and effortless, reducing fatigue during long typing sessions. The tactile bump of the Brother switch strikes a perfect balance, providing tactile feedback without being overpowering. In comparison, the feel of the Outemu Brown tactile switch remains unknown, so it's challenging to directly contrast the two switches in this aspect.
In conclusion, the TTC Brother clicky switch excels in providing a crunchy and tactile typing experience with its lightweight actuation force and distinct tactile bump. While the sound and feel of the Outemu Brown tactile switch remain uncertain in this comparison, it's worth noting that both switches may offer similar results depending on individual preferences and setup configurations. Ultimately, choosing between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch will come down to personal preference for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prioritize a light and breezy actuation force with a satisfyingly crunchy sound and a perfectly balanced tactile bump, the TTC Brother clicky switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a more traditional tactile typing experience, the Outemu Brown tactile switch may be more suited to your liking. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences, so it's essential to consider what factors are most important to you when making your decision.
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