TTC Brother vs. Outemu Phoenix
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Outemu Phoenix switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Brother and the Outemu Phoenix mechanical keyboard switches, both clicky switches offer a satisfying tactile and auditory experience that is cherished by enthusiasts. The TTC Brother stands out for its lightweight actuation of 37g, providing a breezy typing experience without feeling burdensome. Its satisfyingly crunchy sound signature and balanced tactile bump make each keystroke a delight for users. On the other hand, the Outemu Phoenix's under-skirt click mechanism offers a unique and sparkling feel and sound profile, making it one of the most distinct clicky switches available. While the Brother is known for being easy to press and having a stepped feel, the Phoenix is described as having a polished crunchiness. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
17.5mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the TTC Brother and the Outemu Phoenix switches both feature polycarbonate for the top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This material is especially useful for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for light to shine through. However, the Brother's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Phoenix's polycarbonate bottom housing, which absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. This difference in bottom housing material can impact the overall typing experience and sound of the switches.
In terms of aesthetics, both the TTC Brother and the Outemu Phoenix switches feature clear housings, indicating the use of polycarbonate. This allows for a visually appealing look, especially when paired with RGB lighting. However, the housing materials differ when it comes to sound characteristics. The stiffer polycarbonate of the top housing in both switches leads to a more resonant sound profile, while the softer nylon of the Brother's bottom housing creates a deeper sound compared to the Phoenix's polycarbonate bottom housing. These differences in housing materials result in distinct typing experiences for users of each switch.
When considering the impact of housing materials on the typing experience, it is important to note that each material brings its own unique qualities to the switch. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, with nylon providing a deeper sound in the Brother switch and polycarbonate offering a clearer sound in the Phoenix switch. On the other hand, the top housing material has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches like the TTC Brother and the Outemu Phoenix plays a significant role in defining the sound profile and typing experience for users.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch, it is evident that they differ in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Brother switch has an actuation force of 37 grams, making it the lighter option, while the Phoenix switch's actuation force is not specified. On the other hand, the Phoenix switch has a bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a heavier typing experience compared to the Brother switch, whose bottom out force is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter typing feel may lean towards the Brother switch, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Phoenix switch with its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in determining the typing experience and preference of the user.
Travel distance
The TTC Brother clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for their faster response times. The slight difference of 0.2 mm between the two may not be noticeable to most users in terms of feel, but may impact the overall typing or gaming experience for some. The Brother switch is slightly longer in travel distance compared to the Phoenix switch, which may provide a slightly more substantial feel when pressing down on the keys. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for either a slightly longer or slightly shorter travel distance.
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 Phoenix comes in at $4.15 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, both the TTC Brother and Outemu Phoenix clicky switches offer a familiar and satisfying crunchy typing experience akin to stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. This classic clicky sound signature is beloved by enthusiasts for its tactile feedback and auditory appeal. Keep in mind that the actual sound produced may vary depending on external factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the TTC Brother clicky switch is characterized by its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force for activation, making typing effortless and comfortable. The tactile bump is well-balanced, providing just the right amount of feedback without feeling overpowering. On the other hand, the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch offers a polished feel with a smooth and refined finish, ensuring a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. While the Brother switch offers a stepped feel with distinct pre and post-travel stages, the Phoenix switch's unique under-skirt mechanism provides a crystalline and sparkling typing experience.
Overall, both the TTC Brother and Outemu Phoenix clicky switches bring their own unique qualities to the table, catering to different preferences and typing styles. The Brother switch excels in lightweight actuation and balanced tactile feedback, while the Phoenix switch stands out for its under-skirt click mechanism and polished typing feel. Depending on your priorities in sound, feel, and typing experience, you can expect similar results in terms of auditory satisfaction and tactile feedback from both switches, with slight variations in their individual characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the TTC Brother clicky switch or the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch, your decision should be guided by your preferences in terms of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lightweight switch with a breezy actuation and a satisfyingly crunchy sound, the TTC Brother switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you're looking for a medium bottom out force with a unique under-skirt click mechanism that provides a crystalline and sparkling sound profile, the Outemu Phoenix switch would be the better choice for you. Ultimately, the decision boils down to what type of typing experience you are looking for, and both switches offer distinctive characteristics that cater to different preferences. Consider these factors carefully to determine which switch aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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