TTC Brother vs. Outemu Spring Breeze
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Brother and the Outemu Spring Breeze both fall under the clicky switch category, offering users a satisfying tactile and auditory experience. The TTC Brother is renowned for its lightweight nature, boasting a breezy actuation of just 37g, making it easy to press without feeling burdensome. With a distinct crunchy sound signature and a well-balanced tactile bump, the TTC Brother is an excellent choice for those who enjoy clicky switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze does not have any specific standout features mentioned in the provided information. However, both switches offer their own unique characteristics that may appeal to 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
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 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
Nylon
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
The housing materials of the TTC Brother and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches offer contrasting characteristics. The Brother's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness, while the Spring Breeze's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound by virtue of its softer nature. The translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, whereas the nylon top housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder sound profile. These differences in material contribute to distinct auditory experiences for users of each switch.
Similarly, the nylon bottom housings of both the TTC Brother and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches offer deeper and fuller sound profiles. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing on these switches. While the top housing of a switch impacts the sound when a key is released, the bottom housing has a greater effect on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. Despite having different top housing materials, the similarities in their bottom housing materials result in comparable typing experiences in terms of sound and feel for both switches.
The division of housing materials between the top and bottom of a switch influences the overall sound and feel experienced by the user. With the TTC Brother featuring a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, the distinctive qualities of each material are distributed throughout the typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Spring Breeze utilizes nylon for both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a consistent deep and full sound profile. Whether it's the sharp and clear sound of polycarbonate or the deep and absorptive sound of nylon, each housing material contributes to the unique tactile and auditory experience of these switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, there are notable differences. The Brother has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, while the Spring Breeze requires 40 grams to actuate. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Brother does not provide a specific measurement, whereas the Spring Breeze has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is considered medium-light. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Brother switch for a more effortless typing experience, while individuals who enjoy a bit more resistance might opt for the Spring Breeze for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Brother clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Spring Breeze has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Brother. The 3.5 mm travel distance of the Brother may provide a faster and more responsive typing experience, making it ideal for gamers who value quick response times. On the other hand, the 4 mm travel distance of the Spring Breeze may offer a more satisfying and pronounced key press for those who prefer a deeper actuation feel. Both switches offer different travel distances, allowing users to choose based on their preference for either a shorter or longer key travel experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key feel and responsiveness.
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 Spring Breeze 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 renowned for its satisfyingly crunchy sound profile, offering a delightful auditory experience for enthusiasts. Each key press delivers a clear and precise click, making typing a truly enjoyable sensory experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch's sound characteristics are unknown, so it's difficult to compare in this aspect. Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Brother is praised for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force for activation. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended use. Additionally, the tactile bump on the Brother switch provides just the right amount of feedback without being overwhelming. As for the Spring Breeze switch, information on its feel is unavailable. In conclusion, if you're looking for a switch with a satisfyingly crunchy sound, light actuation force, and a balanced tactile bump, the TTC Brother clicky switch would be an excellent choice. However, for the Outemu Spring Breeze switch, more information is needed to make a direct comparison in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, you should consider the typing experience you are looking for. If you value a lightweight actuation force of 37g, a satisfyingly crunchy sound, and a tactile bump that strikes the perfect balance, then the TTC Brother switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force of 55g and are looking for a different typing experience, the Outemu Spring Breeze switch may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.