TTC Brother vs. Outemu Ocean
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Outemu Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up in conversations are the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch. The TTC Brother is praised for its clicky nature, offering a satisfying crunch with a lightweight actuation of 37g. Ideal for those who enjoy a tactile typing experience without feeling weighed down, the Brother is known for its clear and precise click feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Ocean provides a tactile bump that strikes a balance between being felt distinctly and not overpowering the overall keystroke. While the Brother is categorized as 'Crunchy', 'Easy-to-press', 'Stepped', the Ocean falls under a different category. Both switches have their unique features and advantages, making them appealing choices for different preferences. 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
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
17.5mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Brother and the Outemu Ocean, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which enhances sound resonance. Additionally, the translucent quality of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed with RGB lighting. However, while both switches share this top housing material, they differ in their bottom housing composition. The Brother employs a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Ocean's nylon bottom housing, as nylon is known for its sound-absorbing properties.
Despite their shared use of polycarbonate top housing, the TTC Brother and Outemu Ocean switches diverge in their bottom housing materials. The Brother's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound experience, particularly noticeable during key presses. In contrast, the Ocean's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. This difference in bottom housing material highlights the impact it has on the overall sound and feel of each switch, demonstrating how material composition can significantly influence the typing experience.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in the TTC Brother and Outemu Ocean switches showcases the importance of housing materials in determining the sound and feel of mechanical keyboards. While both switches benefit from the clarity and resonance provided by polycarbonate, the distinction in their bottom housing materials imparts unique characteristics to each switch. Whether one prefers a sharper, crisper sound profile like that of the Brother or a deeper, fuller sound like the Ocean, the choice of housing material plays a crucial role in shaping the typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, we can see that the Brother switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Ocean switch's heavier actuation force of 55 grams. Both switches have an unknown bottom out force. The lighter actuation force of the Brother switch may be preferred by those who need to type for extended periods, such as during work or gaming sessions, as it requires less effort to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, the heavier actuation force of the Ocean switch may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The TTC Brother clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Ocean tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch has a longer travel distance compared to the TTC Brother clicky switch. The 3.5 mm travel distance of the Brother clicky switch may provide a slightly quicker response time, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for fast reactions. On the other hand, the 4 mm travel distance of the Outemu Ocean tactile switch may offer a more traditional typing experience with a deeper keypress feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for travel distance and typing feel.
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 Ocean 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, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. This auditory delight is a hallmark of clicky switches and is sure to please those who enjoy a pronounced sound with each keystroke. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Ocean tactile switch is unknown, so it's difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect. However, it's important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
Moving on to the tactile feel, the TTC Brother clicky switch offers an easy-to-press experience with its light actuation force of 37g. This means that typing on these switches is effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Additionally, the tactile bump in the Brother switch strikes a perfect balance between being felt distinctly and not overpowering the overall keystroke. In contrast, details about the tactile feel of the Outemu Ocean switch are unavailable, making it challenging to draw a direct comparison. However, the presence of a tactile bump in the Brother switch suggests a certain level of tactile feedback that may be lacking in the Ocean switch.
In conclusion, the TTC Brother clicky switch stands out for its lightweight nature, satisfyingly crunchy sound, and easy-to-press tactile feel. While specific details about the Outemu Ocean tactile switch are unknown, the Brother switch offers a well-rounded typing experience that is sure to appeal to those looking for a responsive and comfortable keypress. Ultimately, if you are seeking a similar typing experience with the Ocean switch, you may find comparable results in terms of sound and feel by considering factors such as keycap material and keyboard build.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, you should consider your preference for a light and crisp typing experience with audible feedback or a more subdued tactile feel with a stepped switch design. If you enjoy a light actuation force and a satisfyingly crunchy sound, the Brother switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more mild tactile feel with a two-stage keystroke sensation, the Ocean switch might be more up your alley. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and preferences to ensure a satisfying typing experience.
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