TTC Brother vs. Outemu Silent White
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Outemu Silent White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The TTC Brother clicky switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch offer distinct experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Brother stands out for its lightweight nature with a breezy actuation of just 37g, providing a tactile experience that's never burdensome. Its satisfyingly crunchy sound signature and articulate tactile bump make it a favorite among clicky switch aficionados. On the other hand, the Silent White offers a smooth and silent typing experience with no audible feedback. While the Brother is ideal for those who enjoy a clicky and tactile typing experience, the Silent White is perfect for those who prefer a quieter and more 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
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
The housing materials of the TTC Brother and the Outemu Silent White switches are quite similar in terms of their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is known for being a relatively stiff plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect a similar sound and aesthetic experience when using either of these switches due to their shared polycarbonate top housing material.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Brother features a nylon bottom housing while the Silent White also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings typically results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. With both switches using nylon for their bottom housing, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel, as the properties of nylon will influence the bottom-out sound and feel of the keys.
Overall, while both switches share the use of polycarbonate in their top housing for a consistent sound and aesthetic profile, they differ slightly in their choice of bottom housing material. The TTC Brother and the Outemu Silent White both offer a unique typing experience due to their nylon bottom housings, which elicit a deeper and fuller sound compared to other housing materials. Ultimately, users may prefer one over the other based on their personal preference for the typing sound and feel provided by the different bottom housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Brother clicky switch to the Outemu Silent White linear switch, it is evident that the actuation force and bottom out force differ between the two. The Brother has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Silent White's 45 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes. However, the bottom out force of the Brother is unknown, while the Silent White has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is considered to be on the medium side. This means that the Silent White requires a heavier force to fully press down the key compared to the Brother (assuming the Brother also requires a lighter force to fully bottom out). For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Brother may be the preferred choice, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Silent White. Both switches have their own advantages depending on personal preferences and typing requirements.
Travel distance
The TTC Brother clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, slightly longer than the Outemu Silent White linear switch which has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the shorter end of the spectrum in terms of travel distance. Gamers may prefer the Brother switch for its slightly longer travel distance, offering a bit more depth in key presses for a more satisfying feel. On the other hand, those looking for a quicker response time may lean towards the Silent White switch with its slightly shorter travel distance. Overall, both switches provide a similar experience due to their relatively close travel distances, but the Brother switch edges out slightly in terms of depth.
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 Silent White 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
Overall, the TTC Brother clicky switch offers a delightful typing experience with its lightweight actuation force of 37g, providing a tactile bump that strikes a perfect balance between being felt distinctly and not overpowering the keystroke. Audibly, it produces a satisfyingly crunchy sound signature that is sure to please enthusiasts of clicky switches. On the other hand, information on the Outemu Silent White linear switch is currently not available. If we were to compare the two based on the available information, we can infer that the Brother switch would offer a more tactile and audible typing experience compared to the Silent White switch. However, individual preference plays a significant role in choosing the right switch for your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, it is recommended to try out different switches to find the one that suits your typing style and preferences best.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a lightweight and tactile typing experience with a satisfyingly crunchy sound, the Brother switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force with a silent typing experience, the Silent White switch may be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a crisp and tactile typing feel or a smooth and silent keystroke. Consider your personal typing preferences and choose the switch that best suits your needs.