TTC Brother vs. Outemu Red
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Outemu Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Brother clicky switch to the Outemu Red linear switch, it's clear that they offer vastly different typing experiences. The Brother stands out for its lightweight and breezy actuation of just 37g, providing a tactile experience that is both satisfying and precise. With a satisfyingly crunchy sound signature, it is sure to delight clicky switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Red switch lacks a defining feature but is known for its smooth and consistent linear feel. While the Brother is ideal for those who enjoy a more tactile and audible typing experience, the Red switch offers a more straightforward and linear 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
46g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.10 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
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 Red switches use polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which creates a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. On the other hand, while both switches use nylon for their bottom housing, they offer a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the top housing.
Despite using different materials for their top and bottom housing, the TTC Brother and the Outemu Red switches exhibit similar characteristics. The split between the top and bottom housing allows for a combination of qualities in the sound and feel of the switch. When pressing down on these switches, the nylon bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel, while the polycarbonate top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This split in housing materials provides a balanced and nuanced typing experience for users of both switches.
In summary, the TTC Brother and the Outemu Red switches showcase the unique properties of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials. While polycarbonate offers a sharper and crisper sound profile, nylon provides a deeper and fuller sound experience. The combination of these materials in the top and bottom housing of each switch results in a harmonious blend of sound qualities during typing. Whether it be the impact on the bottom-out sound or the sound when releasing a key, both switches offer a well-rounded and satisfying typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, it is clear that the Brother is the lighter option with an actuation force of 37 grams, while the Red is the heavier one at 46 grams. However, the bottom out force for the Brother is unknown, while the Red has a bottom out force of 62 grams. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Brother switch, as it requires less force to actuate. On the other hand, the Red switch is more suitable for those who enjoy a heavier typing experience, as it requires a greater force to bottom out. Both switches offer a different typing experience, with the Brother providing a lighter feel and the Red offering a more substantial push for typists who prefer a stronger tactile response. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, it is clear that the Brother has a shorter travel distance at 3.5 mm, while the Red has a longer travel distance at 4 mm. This means that the TTC Brother clicky switch will provide a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, which can be beneficial for tasks requiring fast and precise input, such as gaming. On the other hand, the Outemu Red linear switch will offer a slightly deeper press due to its longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who desire a more traditional feel when typing or gaming. Both switches offer a different tactile experience, so the choice between them ultimately depends on personal preference for travel distance and keypress 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 Red 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
The TTC Brother clicky switch is praised for its crunchy sound signature, reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves, which is sure to please enthusiasts of clicky switches. This switch also offers a tactile bump that strikes a perfect balance, providing clear and precise feedback without being overwhelming. In terms of feel, the Brother switch is recognized for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force to activate and reducing fatigue during long typing sessions. Additionally, its stepped design adds a unique tactile feel, with distinct pre-travel and post-travel sensations.
On the other hand, little information is available about the Outemu Red linear switch, making it difficult to directly compare its sound and feel to the TTC Brother clicky switch. However, linear switches like the Outemu Red are known for their smooth and consistent keystrokes, lacking the tactile feedback and audible click of clicky switches like the Brother. This can result in a quieter typing experience that may appeal to those looking for a more understated option.
In conclusion, the TTC Brother clicky switch offers a satisfyingly crunchy sound and a tactile feel that balances feedback and smooth operation. In contrast, the Outemu Red linear switch likely provides a quieter and more linear typing experience without the tactile bump or audible click associated with clicky switches. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, consider your preferences and typing habits. If you value a lightweight and tactile typing experience with a satisfyingly crunchy sound, and appreciate a gentle resistance during key presses, then the TTC Brother clicky switch may be the perfect fit for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and a linear switch without any discernible tactile bump, the Outemu Red linear switch could be more suitable for your typing needs. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound. Happy typing!
Mentioned in this article
