TTC Brother vs. Kailh Sage
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Kailh Sage switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Brother clicky switch to the Kailh Sage clicky switch, both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The TTC Brother is favored for its lightweight and easy-to-press actuation of 37g, providing a tactile experience that is comfortable and non-intrusive. Its satisfyingly crunchy sound signature and well-balanced tactile bump make it a top choice for those who enjoy clicky switches. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage switch is known for its heavy weight and sharp clickiness, offering a more invigorating typing experience. Both switches have their own strengths and qualities that appeal to different users. 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
70g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Brother and the Kailh Sage, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, which results in a clearer and more resonant sound profile. This material is ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the bottom housing of both switches is made of nylon. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. While both switches use different materials for their bottom housing, they both aim to provide a more satisfying typing experience through their unique sound profiles.
Despite the similarities in housing materials, the TTC Brother and the Kailh Sage offer slightly different typing experiences due to their unique combinations of polycarbonate and nylon housing. The Brother's polycarbonate top housing contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, while its nylon bottom housing adds a deeper and fuller sound. This combination creates a balanced typing experience that caters to a variety of preferences. On the other hand, the Sage's polycarbonate top housing also provides a sharp and clear sound, but its nylon bottom housing results in a duller and rounder sound. This difference in bottom housing material may lead to a slightly softer typing experience compared to the Brother.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the TTC Brother and the Kailh Sage showcases the importance of top and bottom housing in creating a unique typing experience. While both switches use polycarbonate for their top housing, the difference in bottom housing material allows for a distinct sound profile in each switch. The Brother's combination of polycarbonate and nylon results in a balanced and satisfying typing experience, while the Sage's use of polycarbonate and nylon creates a slightly softer typing sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the user's preference for a sharper or rounder sound profile.
Weight
In comparing the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, it is clear that they have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Brother has a light actuation force of 37 grams, while the Sage's actuation force is unknown. On the other hand, the Sage has a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams, while the Brother's bottom out force is not specified. This means that the Brother switch is lighter in terms of actuation force, making it easier to type for longer periods of time without fatigue. In contrast, the Sage switch provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force, making it ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TTC Brother clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Kailh Sage clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those looking for a faster response time, such as gamers. The slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be noticeable to most users, as they are both relatively short. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of how the keypress feels and the level of responsiveness desired.
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 Kailh Sage comes in at $6.25 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 Kailh Sage clicky switches offer a satisfyingly crunchy sound that is sure to please enthusiasts of clicky switches. The crisp and precise click of the Brother switch and the refreshingly sharp clickiness of the Sage switch both deliver an auditory experience reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. Please note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard chassis and keycaps it's paired with.
Moving on to feel, the Brother switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force to activate and offering a gentle typing experience that reduces finger fatigue. Additionally, it features a stepped design that provides a distinct tactile feel with two stages during the keystroke. On the other hand, the Sage switch offers an invigorating typing sensation with pronounced feedback, a moderate to firm actuation force, and a sharp tactile bump that is felt prominently with each keypress. Both switches offer unique tactile experiences that cater to different preferences in typing feel.
In conclusion, while the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch have their own distinctive qualities in terms of sound and feel, they both deliver exceptional performance in the realm of clicky mechanical keyboard switches. Whether you prefer the lightweight and breezy actuation of the Brother switch or the heavy and sharp clickiness of the Sage switch, you can expect a premium typing experience with either option. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference in sound and feel, ensuring that you'll get satisfying results with either selection.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a lightweight and easy-to-press switch with a subtle tactile bump and crisp sound, the Brother switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier switch with a sharp and invigorating feedback and a distinct clickiness, the Sage switch might be more suited to your typing style. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider your personal typing preferences and priorities when making your decision.
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