TTC Brother vs. Outemu Milk Blue
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Outemu Milk Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Brother clicky switch to the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, it's evident that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The TTC Brother stands out for its lightweight nature with a breezy actuation of just 37g, making it a great choice for those who prefer easy-to-press keys. Its satisfyingly crunchy sound signature is a favorite among clicky switch aficionados, providing clear and crisp precision with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Blue switch does not have a specific standout feature mentioned, but it may appeal to those who prefer a more traditional clicky switch experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these 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 Milk Blue switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, creating a sharper and more resonant sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, which leads to a clear and high-pitched sound, making it ideal for those who enjoy a distinct typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for compatibility with RGB lighting, adding a visual aesthetic to the overall keyboard setup. In terms of sound and feel, users can expect similar results from both switches due to the shared material of the top housing.
On the other hand, the Brother switches feature a nylon bottom housing, while the Milk Blue switches also utilize nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to other housing materials. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use this material for their bottom housing. Despite the difference in top housing material, the shared nylon bottom housing between the TTC Brother and Outemu Milk Blue switches ensures a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel.
When considering the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the overall typing experience, it is important to note that the qualities of each material are distributed between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing the key. While both the Brother and Milk Blue switches offer unique characteristics in their housing materials, their overall performance and typing experience are likely to be comparable due to the similarities in housing materials used.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, it is evident that the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in the typing experience. The TTC Brother switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, while the Outemu Milk Blue switch has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams. This means that the TTC Brother switch may be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch when typing, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Blue switch is better suited for individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Since the bottom out force for both switches is unknown, it is difficult to determine which one would require more force to fully press down. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for a lighter or heavier actuation force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, it is clear that the Brother has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Milk Blue has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Brother switch offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it ideal for gamers who prioritize speed. On the other hand, the Milk Blue switch provides a more substantial feeling with its longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a deeper key press sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance - whether one prefers a quicker, shorter travel or a more substantial, longer travel 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 Milk 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 offers a satisfyingly crunchy experience that is sure to please enthusiasts of clicky switches. The clear, crisp sound of each key press resembles the sensation of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves, delivering a delightful auditory feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch is unknown, but it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard used and the keycaps attached.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the TTC Brother clicky switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force at a light actuation of just 37g. This lightweight design ensures a tactile experience that is effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Additionally, the articulate tactile bump of the Brother switch strikes a perfect balance between being noticeable yet gentle, enhancing the overall typing feel. Conversely, information regarding the feel of the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch is currently unavailable.
Considering all available information, it is evident that the TTC Brother clicky switch excels in both sound and feel aspects, offering a lightweight and tactile typing experience with a satisfyingly crunchy sound profile. While details about the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch are lacking, it can be assumed that similar results in sound and feel may be achieved when compared to the Brother switch. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may depend on personal preference and the overall typing experience desired by the user.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, you should consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prioritize a lightweight actuation force, a satisfyingly crunchy sound, and a well-balanced tactile bump, the TTC Brother switch is the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with unique features such as stepped tactile feedback or a different sound profile, the Outemu Milk Blue switch may be more suited to your tastes. Ultimately, the decision should be based on what characteristics you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch to ensure a typing experience that aligns with your preferences.
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