TTC Brother vs. Outemu Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Outemu Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Brother clicky switch to the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, it's easy to see the unique traits that set them apart. The Brother is praised for its lightweight actuation of just 37g, providing a breezy and effortless tactile experience for users. Its satisfyingly crunchy sound signature and well-balanced tactile bump make it a favorite among clicky switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Milk Tea lacks specific standout features but offers a more subtle and smooth keystroke experience. While the Brother is ideal for those who enjoy a pronounced feedback and audible click, the Milk Tea may appeal to those who prefer a quieter and gentler typing feel. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Ly
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
17.5mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The TTC Brother and the Outemu Milk Tea both feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. However, while the Brother emphasizes clarity and resonance due to polycarbonate's stiffness, the Milk Tea offers a bright sound signature with resonant clacks. Both switches benefit from the translucency of polycarbonate, making them ideal for use with RGB lighting. In terms of aesthetics, they both provide a visually appealing look with their clear housing material.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the TTC Brother and the Outemu Milk Tea use nylon, a classic switch housing material known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This contributes to a more satisfying typing experience for both switches, allowing users to enjoy the tactile feedback and sound of each key press. The choice of nylon for the bottom housing ensures that the sound produced is rich and satisfying for users of both switches.
While the TTC Brother and the Outemu Milk Tea differ in their top housing materials, both switches benefit from the qualities of nylon in the bottom housing. The use of nylon in the bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience for users. Whether it's the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel from the bottom housing or the sound when releasing a key from the top housing, both switches offer a satisfying tactile and auditory experience that is sure to please keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The TTC Brother clicky switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. Both switches have an unknown bottom out force. The lighter actuation force of the Brother switch may be preferred by those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, as it requires less force to type. On the other hand, the heavier actuation force of the Milk Tea switch may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Overall, when comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of these two switches, the Brother clicky switch is lighter in terms of actuation force, while the Milk Tea tactile switch is heavier. Both switches offer different typing experiences, catering to individuals with various preferences in terms of force required for keystrokes.
Travel distance
The TTC Brother clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Milk Tea switch has a slightly longer travel distance than the Brother switch. The 0.5 mm may not seem like much, but it can make a difference in the feel and responsiveness of the switch. If you prefer a faster response time, the Brother switch with the shorter travel distance may be more suitable for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper key press feeling, the Milk Tea switch with the longer travel distance may be more to your liking. Ultimately, both switches offer a different tactile experience due to their travel distances, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences.
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 Tea 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 shines with its crunchy sound signature that is reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. Clicky switch enthusiasts will appreciate the clear, crisp precision with which each keystroke is delivered. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch is unknown. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the TTC Brother clicky switch is lauded for its easy-to-press nature, requiring a gentle 37g actuation force. This lightweight actuation allows for a tactile experience that is effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Additionally, the articulate tactile bump provides just the right amount of feedback without being overpowering. As for the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, information regarding its feel is unavailable.
In conclusion, the TTC Brother clicky switch offers a delightful typing experience with its lightweight actuation, satisfyingly crunchy sound, and balanced tactile bump. While the sound and feel aspects of the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch remain unknown, it is important to remember that individual preferences play a significant role in switch selection. Ultimately, both switches may provide similar results in terms of sound and feel depending on personal preferences and setup configurations.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a light and breezy actuation with a satisfyingly crunchy sound and a well-balanced tactile bump, the TTC Brother clicky switch is your top choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a more subtle tactile feel and a different bottom out force, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch might be the better option for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style to ensure the best keyboard switch selection for your needs.
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