TTC Brother vs. KTT Phalaenopsis
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the KTT Phalaenopsis switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When navigating the vibrant landscape of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch plays a pivotal role in shaping the typing experience. On one hand, we have the TTC Brother, a clicky switch that excels with its lightweight actuation force of just 37g, providing a stimulating typing experience characterized by a satisfying crunchy sound and a defined tactile bump that enhances every keystroke. This switch is tailored for those who revel in audible feedback and the unmistakable crispness of each click, making it a top contender among clicky enthusiasts. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis switch offers a different allure with its striking translucent design and equally lightweight 37g actuation, but it stands out with a more substantial tactile force of 50g. This delivers a rich, thocky feedback that is designed to minimize finger fatigue during long typing sessions while still offering a satisfying tactile sensation. While both switches cater to distinct preferences, your choice will depend on whether you crave the pronounced auditory experience of the Brother or the deep tactile response of the Phalaenopsis. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your unique typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
17.5mm spring
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Brother and the KTT Phalaenopsis, both switches share a notable similarity in their top housings, which are constructed from polycarbonate. This choice of material leads to a sound profile that is sharp, high-pitched, and crisp, thanks to polycarbonate's stiffness. The clear housing allows for optimal light diffusion when RGB lighting is utilized, enhancing both functional and aesthetic appeal. The consistency in the top housing material provides users of both switches with a comparable auditory experience when the key is released, highlighting the strengths of polycarbonate in producing a clear and resonant sound.
However, the bottom housings of these switches diverge significantly in material choice. The TTC Brother employs nylon for its bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer properties allow it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience when the key is pressed down. In contrast, the KTT Phalaenopsis uses polycarbonate for its bottom housing, mirroring the properties of the top. This results in a more consistent sound profile across both actions—keystroke and release—where the crispness of polycarbonate is present during both processes.
Ultimately, the combination of these materials in each switch influences the overall acoustic experience for the user. While users of the TTC Brother may enjoy a richer bottom sound thanks to nylon's absorption properties, KTT Phalaenopsis users can expect a uniformity in sound across both actions because of polycarbonate's rigidity. Therefore, while the TTC Brother and KTT Phalaenopsis offer distinct auditory characteristics due to their differing bottom housings, the shared use of polycarbonate in the top ensures that fundamental similarities in sound clarity and lighting effects remain present.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Brother clicky switch to the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, we find both have the same actuation force of 37 grams, meaning they require an equal amount of force to register a keystroke. This similarity ensures that users can expect a consistent typing experience regarding initial keypresses with both switches. However, the bottom out force presents a contrast; the Brother switch's bottom out force is unavailable, while the Phalaenopsis has a bottom out force of 50 grams. This indicates that the Phalaenopsis switch offers a heavier overall feel during typing or gaming as it requires more force to fully depress the key. For users who favor a lighter touch for longer typing sessions, the TTC Brother may be more appealing, while those who prefer the sturdiness of a heavier keypress may opt for the KTT Phalaenopsis.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Brother clicky switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, there is a clear difference between the two. The TTC Brother switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the KTT Phalaenopsis features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Brother switch offers a more responsive, rapid key press, favored by those who prioritize faster response times, such as gamers. In contrast, the Phalaenopsis switch provides a deeper travel experience, which some users may find more satisfying and less abrupt when typing. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference: a shorter travel distance like that of the Brother suggests a quick action, while the longer travel of the Phalaenopsis might appeal more to those who enjoy a more substantial key press.
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 KTT Phalaenopsis has an MSRP of $4.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Phalaenopsis for $4.15.
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 quality, the TTC Brother clicky switch is characterized by its distinctly crunchy sound signature, which evokes a satisfying auditory experience reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves. This sharp and clear sound is particularly appealing to clicky switch enthusiasts who appreciate that immediate feedback accompanying their keystrokes. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis switch presents a deeper, bassy sound profile, offering a rich and thocky auditory experience. The combination of depth and reverberation creates a softer yet satisfying thud upon actuation. Ultimately, while the Brother switch produces a higher-pitched, sharper click, the Phalaenopsis yields a more subdued, resonant thock; the perceived sound will still vary based on one’s choice of keyboard and keycap materials.
In terms of tactile feel, both switches showcase some similarities yet differ significantly in their characteristics. The TTC Brother switch features an easy-to-press mechanism combined with a distinct, subtle tactile bump that strikes a balance of feedback without being overly aggressive. This light actuation force of just 37 grams makes it comfortable and reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Conversely, the KTT Phalaenopsis switch exhibits a tactile bump that is also described as stepped, providing a mild but noticeable feedback during key presses. The tactile feedback yields a slightly different sensation compared to the Brother, as the Phalaenopsis offers a more pronounced two-stage feel, allowing users to experience both pre-travel and post-travel tactile sensations. Both switches prioritize user comfort, but they cater to slightly different preferences in sensation.
In summary, while both the TTC Brother clicky switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch are designed with a light actuation force to enhance typing comfort, they differ in their sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Brother offers a crisp, crunchy sound with an articulate bump that provides a clear auditory and tactile feedback, ideal for clicky switch fans. In contrast, the Phalaenopsis presents a deeper, thocky sound and a stepped tactile feedback, appealing to those who prefer a more subdued sound with distinct tactile stages. Each switch has its strengths, and the choice between them will ultimately depend on personal preferences regarding sound and tactile feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch hinges on your personal typing preferences and intended use. If you are drawn to a lively and engaging typing experience, where each keystroke erupts into a satisfying crunch and provides a lightweight feel, then the TTC Brother is likely your best bet. Its easy actuation and crisp sound make it especially enjoyable for those moments of intense typing or gaming, offering an engaging auditory feedback that can enhance your overall experience. On the other hand, if you seek a more subdued and nuanced typing experience, the KTT Phalaenopsis with its deeper, bassy sound profile and weighted 50g bottom-out force would be ideal. This switch delivers a pronounced yet pleasant tactile bump, providing a perfect balance for both typing and gaming without overwhelming sensory feedback. When prolonged typing sessions are on the horizon, the slight heft of the Phalaenopsis can also help reduce finger fatigue. Ultimately, your choice should align with your typing style: whether you crave the lively interaction of clicks or the balanced, tactile feedback of a traditional tactile switch.
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