TTC Brother vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the diverse landscape of mechanical keyboard switches, two notable contenders stand out: the TTC Brother and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie. The TTC Brother, a clicky switch, is celebrated for its lightweight actuation of just 37g, providing an effortlessly tactile and satisfying typing experience. Its distinctively crunchy sound signature and pronounced tactile feedback appeal to enthusiasts who relish the audible and physical confirmation of each keystroke, making it a prime choice for those who enjoy a lively typing rhythm. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offers a different experience; as a linear switch, it prioritizes smoothness and subtlety with its medium-weight design. With a rich 'thocky' sound profile, it ensures a quieter yet still engaging typing ambiance, perfect for users who prefer an uninterrupted workflow without the auditory distractions typical of clicky switches. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches often depends on personal preferences regarding feedback and sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
17.5mm spring
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Brother and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie showcase a fascinating interplay between design and acoustics, highlighting how material choice directly influences the overall typing experience. The TTC Brother features a polycarbonate top housing, which is renowned for its higher-pitched, crisper sound profile. This is largely due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, allowing for a clearer resonance. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie utilizes a POM top housing, which tends to produce a deeper and more muted sound. While both materials serve their purpose well, they diverge in how effectively they convey sound, impacting not just auditory feedback but also how the key feels when pressed and released.
For the bottom housing, both switches again utilize different materials that define their sound characteristics. The TTC Brother is equipped with a nylon bottom housing, celebrated for its softer properties that create a deeper, fuller sound profile. This contributes to a more pronounced bottom-out experience that can feel softer and more cushioned. Conversely, the Sea Salt Smoothie employs a POM bottom housing, favoring a similarly muted sound profile to that of its top housing, which produces a unique depth. Although both switches aim for a deep sound signature, the nylon in the Brother enhances the overall roundness, while the POM maintains a more consistent muted quality.
When considering the overall performance, the distinct materials used in the top and bottom housings of both switches show how sound and feel are sculpted by the choices made. In the case of the TTC Brother, the combination of a polycarbonate top with a nylon bottom delivers a comprehensive acoustic profile that emphasizes clarity upon release and depth when bottoming out. The Sea Salt Smoothie, using POM for both housings, creates a more uniform sound experience characterized by its deep and muted qualities. While the switches produce different sound profiles individually, users seeking a unique auditory experience can still achieve satisfying results through careful consideration of their intended use and sound preference.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, there is a noticeable difference in actuation force. The Brother switch requires a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, making it potentially more comfortable for prolonged typing sessions, while the Sea Salt Smoothie demands a heavier actuation force of 48 grams. This difference means that users who favor a softer touch may prefer the TTC Brother for its lighter feel, suitable for extended use at work or during long gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may find the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie more appealing due to its firmer resistance. As for the bottom out forces, both switches have unspecified values, leaving that aspect unknown for comparison. Overall, the TTC Brother is the lighter option, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is heavier, catering to different user preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, we find that the Brother has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This difference means that the Gateron switch provides a bit more depth, which could be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial tactile feedback while typing or gaming. Conversely, the TTC Brother's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers who favor quicker key presses for enhanced responsiveness. Overall, the TTC Brother is the shorter switch, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is the longer option, catering to different preferences in switch feel and typing experience.
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 Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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 sound profile of the TTC Brother clicky switch is characterized by a crunchy auditory experience, akin to the satisfying sound of stepping on autumn leaves. This sound signature resonates well with enthusiasts who appreciate a definitive auditory feedback in their typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie features a thocky sound profile. While the exact nuances of its auditory experience are not detailed, it hints at a deeper and fuller sound when the key is pressed down, which can be pleasing in its own right. Both switches’ sound will be influenced by different factors such as the keyboard case and keycap materials, but at their cores, they offer distinctly different auditory experiences.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Brother switch stands out with its lightweight actuation of just 37g, providing an effortless typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue during extended sessions. It features a tactile bump that is articulated enough to be felt distinctly, giving users a clear indication of actuation without being overly aggressive. This versatility makes it suitable for those who desire feedback without interruption. In contrast, the feel of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is unknown, but being a linear switch, it is typically smooth and does not possess the tactile bump that characterizes the Brother. The expectation would be that the smoothness of the Sea Salt Smoothie will provide a very different typing sensation, appealing to those who prefer a consistent and fluid actuation throughout the key press.
In conclusion, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch represent two ends of the keyboard switch spectrum, catering to different preferences in both sound and feel. The Brother offers a crunchy auditory experience and a light, tactile feedback that enhances typing clarity, while the Sea Salt Smoothie promises a smooth and thocky sound—with an emphasis on effortless keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will be determined by individual preferences for auditory and tactile sensations, as each switch excels in its own style.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, it’s essential to consider your typing preferences and the kind of experiences you want from your keyboard. If you enjoy a tactile and auditory feedback while typing, the Brother is an excellent choice with its lightweight actuation of just 37g and a crisp, crunchy sound signature that adds a delightful element to your keystrokes. Its tactile bump offers just the right amount of feedback without being overwhelming—ideal for those who appreciate a traditional clicky feel. Conversely, if you prefer a smoother, quieter typing experience, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch is likely more suitable for you. Appreciated for its thocky sound profile and seamless actuation, this switch excels in providing a plush typing experience that minimizes fatigue, making it perfect for extensive typing or gaming sessions where speed and fluidity are paramount. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal typing style and the sensory feedback that enhances your productivity or enjoyment on a mechanical keyboard.
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