TTC Brother vs. Outemu Lotus
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Outemu Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch stand out as unique options to explore. The Brother, known for its lightweight nature with a breezy actuation of just 37g, offers a satisfyingly crunchy sound signature that will please clicky switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Lotus provides a different typing experience with its linear design. While the Brother is characterized as crunchy, easy-to-press, and stepped, the Lotus falls under a different category. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, making them suitable for different preferences and typing styles. However, let's delve 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
35g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
17.5mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Brother and the Outemu Lotus, we can see that they both use nylon for the bottom housing. Nylon is known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its relatively softer nature. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches made with nylon housings. Both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound thanks to their shared bottom housing material.
However, when it comes to the top housing, the TTC Brother utilizes polycarbonate while the Outemu Lotus features a nylon top housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Its translucency makes it ideal for switches designed for RGB lighting. In contrast, the Lotus's nylon top housing absorbs more sound, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile that is duller and rounder compared to the Brother's polycarbonate top housing. This results in a different sound experience for each switch.
The choice of housing material for a switch can significantly impact the overall feel and sound of typing. The different characteristics of polycarbonate and nylon result in distinct sound profiles for the Brother and Lotus switches. While both switches benefit from the softer nature of nylon in the bottom housing, the polycarbonate top housing of the Brother offers a more resonant and clear sound compared to the Lotus's nylon top housing. Ultimately, the housing materials play a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of each switch, providing users with unique typing experiences based on their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, the Brother has a slightly higher actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Lotus' 35 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Lotus is 50 grams, which is heavier than the unknown bottom out force of the Brother. The Brother switch may provide a lighter typing experience compared to the Lotus, which offers a more substantial push feel. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of typing or gaming, the Brother switch may be more suitable. On the other hand, if someone prefers a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience, the Lotus switch with its heavier bottom out force may be the preferred choice. Overall, considering both switches' actuation and bottom out forces is crucial in determining which one would be ideal based on individual preferences and typing habits.
Travel distance
The TTC Brother clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Lotus linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. The Brother switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more substantial feeling when typing compared to the Lotus switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for switch travel distance to achieve 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 Lotus 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 offers a distinctive and satisfyingly crunchy sound that is a hallmark of clicky switches. The crisp precision of each click will surely please enthusiasts of this type of switch, providing a tactile auditory experience akin to stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the sound signature of the Outemu Lotus linear switch is unknown at this time, so it's important to keep in mind that the sound of a switch can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the TTC Brother clicky switch is characterized by an easy-to-press nature that requires minimal force for activation, making typing effortless and comfortable. The light actuation force of just 37g contributes to a low-impact typing feel, reducing finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions. Additionally, the tactile bump in the Brother switch strikes a harmonious balance between being noticeable and gentle, enhancing the overall typing experience. Conversely, information on the specific feel of the Outemu Lotus linear switch is currently unavailable.
Taking into consideration the available information, it is clear that the TTC Brother clicky switch excels in providing a lightweight and tactile typing experience with its distinctive crunchy sound and easy-to-press nature. While the Outemu Lotus linear switch lacks specific descriptions of its sound and feel, it is important to consider personal preferences and typing style when choosing between these switches. Ultimately, both switches have their own strengths and it is worth exploring further to determine which one aligns better with individual preferences for typing feel and sound signature.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering the choice between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences and typing style. If you value a lightweight and tactile typing experience with a satisfyingly crunchy sound, the Brother switch is an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a linear switch feel, then the Lotus switch may be more suitable for you. Both switches have their own unique qualities, so it is essential to consider what aspects are most important to you when making your decision. Ultimately, the decision rests on which features align best with your typing preferences.
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