TTC Brother vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Brother switch is lauded for its lightweight actuation of just 37g, providing a tactile experience that is easy on the fingers while still delivering a satisfyingly crunchy sound for enthusiasts of clicky switches. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switch series by Durock introduces a visually captivating range of pastel colors and a distinct dryness to its typing experience, despite its 62g bottom-out force. While the Brother switch is 'crunchy' and 'easy-to-press', the Sea Glass switch is 'frictionless' and 'mild', offering a feathery feel while typing. 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
62g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
17.5mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The TTC Brother and the Durock Sea Glass both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles and overall typing experience. The Brother's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the Sea Glass's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing provides a more pleasant and brighter sound. In terms of aesthetics, the translucent polycarbonate material of the Brother's top housing is ideal for showcasing RGB lighting, whereas the Sea Glass's blend offers a more unique appearance.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Brother's nylon material creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, while the Sea Glass's blend offers a pleasant and round sound. The bottom housing material has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of a key press, with the properties of nylon and UHMWPE being felt differently. The split between the top and bottom housing materials allows for a more nuanced typing experience, with each material contributing to different aspects of the sound profile.
Overall, while the Brother and Sea Glass have different housing materials, they both offer distinct sound profiles and typing experiences for users. The Brother's polycarbonate top housing creates a clear and resonant sound, while the Sea Glass's unique blend provides a brighter and more pleasant sound. Both switches showcase the impact of housing materials on sound and feel, demonstrating the importance of material selection in creating a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
The TTC Brother clicky switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Durock Sea Glass linear switch which has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams. On the other hand, the bottom out force of the Sea Glass switch is heavier at 62 grams compared to the Brother switch, where the bottom out force is unknown. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time, the TTC Brother switch might be the better choice due to its lower actuation force. However, for individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Durock Sea Glass switch with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces would be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, it is clear that the Brother has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm while the Sea Glass has a longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Brother switch offers a quicker response time due to its shorter distance, making it a popular choice for gamers seeking rapid keystrokes. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switch provides a deeper and more deliberate keystroke experience with its longer travel distance, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial feel while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference, with the Brother offering speed and the Sea Glass offering depth in keystrokes.
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 Durock Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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, the TTC Brother clicky switch offers a distinct and satisfyingly crunchy sound with each key press, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch presents a uniquely hollow sound signature, adding a touch of airiness to the typing experience. Both switches offer different auditory experiences, catering to those who prefer a more pronounced click with the Brother or a smoother, frictionless sound with the Sea Glass.
In terms of feel, the Brother clicky switch is praised for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force to activate and offering a gentle typing experience that reduces finger fatigue. Its stepped design provides a subtle tactile feedback, striking a balance between responsiveness and comfort. On the other hand, the Sea Glass linear switch boasts a frictionless and feathery feel, offering an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience. With a mild and easy-to-press characteristic, the Sea Glass switch provides a comfortable typing feel that is approachable to most users. Both switches offer a unique tactile experience, with the Brother focusing on light actuation and tactile feedback, while the Sea Glass emphasizes smoothness and ease of use.
Overall, the TTC Brother clicky switch and Durock Sea Glass linear switch each bring their own set of qualities to the table. The Brother excels in providing a crisp and crunchy sound with a lightweight and tactile typing experience, appealing to clicky switch enthusiasts. Meanwhile, the Sea Glass stands out for its pastel colors, frictionless feel, and smooth typing experience that appeals to those seeking a gentle and comfortable switch option. Depending on your preferences for sound, feel, and typing style, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your overall typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will come down to personal preference and the specific qualities you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, consider the following guidelines based on your preferences. If you enjoy a satisfyingly crunchy sound and a tactile typing experience with light actuation, the Brother switch is a perfect choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth, weightless, and frictionless typing experience with a pastel aesthetic, the Sea Glass switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize sound and tactility or smoothness and weightlessness in your typing experience. Each switch offers a unique set of qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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