TTC Brother vs. Outemu Dustproof Purple
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Outemu Dustproof Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Brother and the Outemu Dustproof Purple both fall into the clicky switch category. The TTC Brother is revered for its lightweight actuation at 37g, providing a tactile experience that is smooth and effortless. Its satisfyingly crunchy sound signature is a favorite among clicky switch enthusiasts, while the tactile bump offers precise feedback without being overpowering. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Purple lacks a standout feature but still delivers a reliable clicky switch experience. While the Brother is known for being easy-to-press and stepped, the Dustproof Purple lacks specific categorizations. When choosing between the two, consider the Brother for its distinct tactile feel and satisfying sound, or the Dustproof Purple for a reliable clicky switch option. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
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
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
The housing materials of the TTC Brother and the Outemu Dustproof Purple switches are quite similar in terms of their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing also makes it ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting due to its translucency. This means that users can expect a clear and resonant sound profile when typing on either switch.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing materials of the TTC Brother and the Outemu Dustproof Purple, there is a slight difference. The Brother utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Dustproof Purple also features a nylon bottom housing, offering a similar typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile.
Overall, while the top housing materials of the TTC Brother and the Outemu Dustproof Purple are identical and offer similar sound profiles, the slight difference in bottom housing materials may result in a slightly different typing experience. Users can expect a sharper, crisper sound on both switches due to the polycarbonate top housing, but the Brother's nylon bottom housing may provide a deeper sound profile compared to the Dustproof Purple's nylon bottom housing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Brother clicky switch to the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch, it is clear that the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Brother has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Dustproof Purple's heavier 55 grams. This means that typing on the Brother switch might feel more effortless and responsive, while typing on the Dustproof Purple switch would require a bit more pressure to register keystrokes. Additionally, the exact bottom out force for the Brother switch is not provided, while the Dustproof Purple has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams. This indicates that typing on the Dustproof Purple switch would likely result in a firmer and more substantial feel when fully pressing the keys. Ultimately, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Brother switch, while those who prefer a heavier and more satisfying keystroke may choose the Dustproof Purple switch for their keyboards.
Travel distance
The TTC Brother clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Dustproof Purple switch has a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more substantial feel when typing. On the other hand, the Brother switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which can appeal to gamers looking for faster response times. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Dustproof Purple being on the longer side and the Brother being on the shorter side. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and response time.
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 Dustproof Purple 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
In terms of sound, the TTC Brother clicky switch is known for its crunchy sound signature, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. This satisfyingly crunchy sound is a hallmark of clicky switches and is sure to please enthusiasts of this switch type. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch is unknown, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect.
Moving on to feel, the TTC Brother clicky switch is lauded for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force to activate the keys. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the tactile bump in the Brother switch strikes a perfect balance between being felt distinctly and not overpowering the overall keystroke. The Outemu Dustproof Purple switch lacks a known description of its feel, making it challenging to draw a direct comparison to the Brother switch in this regard.
In conclusion, the TTC Brother clicky switch excels in both sound and feel aspects, offering a satisfyingly crunchy sound signature and an easy-to-press typing experience with a well-balanced tactile bump. While the details of the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch are unknown, it is essential to consider personal preferences and typing habits when choosing between these two switches. Ultimately, if sound and feel are critical factors in your decision, the TTC Brother clicky switch may provide a more predictable and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the TTC Brother clicky switch or the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lightweight switch with a breezy actuation, clear and crisp clicky sound, and a perfect balance of tactile feedback, the Brother switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and the innovative dustproof feature, the Dustproof Purple switch could be the better option. Consider your preference for actuation force, sound profile, and tactile feedback to make an informed decision on which switch would best suit your typing needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose wisely based on what matters most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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