TTC Brother vs. KTT Semi Mute
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the KTT Semi Mute switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch stand out as popular choices with distinct characteristics. The TTC Brother is renowned for its satisfyingly crunchy sound and breezy actuation of just 37g, making it a favorite among clicky switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute offers a completely silent operation, perfect for those seeking a noise-free typing experience with its linear actuation and advanced dampening technology. While the Brother provides a tactile and audible typing experience, the Semi Mute focuses on delivering a buttery and muted feel. When considering which switch to choose, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
17.5mm spring
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
The Brother and the Semi Mute both make use of polycarbonate for their top housing, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal material for those who prioritize sound quality in their typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the visual appeal of the switches. However, the Brother diverges from the Semi Mute in its choice of nylon for the bottom housing. Nylon creates a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate, thanks to its softer composition that absorbs more sound. This difference in bottom housing material may result in a slightly different typing experience between the two switches.
While the Brother and the Semi Mute share the same polycarbonate top housing, their choice of bottom housing material sets them apart in terms of sound and feel. The Brother's nylon bottom housing offers a softer feel and a deeper sound profile, while the Semi Mute's polycarbonate bottom housing aligns with its sharper, higher-pitched sound signature. This distinction means that when typing on the Brother, users may experience a more rounded and dampened sound compared to the crisper and more resonant sound of the Semi Mute. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may come down to individual preferences for sound and typing experience.
In considering the impact of housing materials on switch performance, it is important to note that the qualities of each material are split between the top and bottom housings of a switch. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound when a key is released. Therefore, the Brother's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing may provide a balanced typing experience with the benefits of both materials, offering a unique sound profile that differs from the all-polycarbonate construction of the Semi Mute. Overall, the choice between these switches ultimately depends on personal preferences for sound, feel, and aesthetics.
Weight
The TTC Brother clicky switch and KTT Semi Mute linear switch have distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Brother switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Semi Mute's 43 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes with less pressure. However, the bottom out force for the Brother switch is unknown, while the Semi Mute requires a heavier 58 grams to fully press down, providing a more substantial typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Brother switch for longer typing sessions, while those who enjoy a heavier push may opt for the Semi Mute for a more satisfying feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TTC Brother clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the KTT Semi Mute linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the KTT Semi Mute switch has a longer travel distance compared to the TTC Brother switch. A shorter travel distance can be favorable for gamers looking for faster response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying keypress for those who prefer a deeper typing experience. Both switches offer unique advantages depending on individual preferences, with the shorter travel distance of the Brother switch providing similar results for those seeking a quicker response.
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 Semi Mute has an MSRP of $3.97 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi Mute for $3.55.
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
In terms of sound, the TTC Brother clicky switch is known for its crunchy sound signature, reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves. This audible feedback is clear, precise, and satisfying for enthusiasts of clicky switches. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute linear switch is designed to provide a muted sound profile, ensuring a quieter typing experience ideal for noise-sensitive environments. The Semi Mute switch offers a more neutral sound profile compared to the distinct crunchiness of the Brother, making it suitable for a wide range of users. Ultimately, the sound produced by these switches will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Brother clicky switch offers an easy-to-press experience with gentle resistance and a light actuation force of 37g, promoting effortless typing and reducing finger fatigue. The tactile bump in these switches strikes a perfect balance between being distinctly felt without overpowering the keystroke. Conversely, the KTT Semi Mute linear switch boasts a buttery feel, providing a smooth and uniform typing sensation for a comfortable and gratifying typing experience. The mild characteristics of the Semi Mute switch make it approachable and suitable for a broad range of users, offering a satisfying keystroke without excessive resistance.
In conclusion, the TTC Brother clicky switch excels in providing a crunchy and tactile typing experience, ideal for those who enjoy audible feedback and a light actuation force. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute linear switch offers a quieter typing experience with a smooth and buttery feel, making it perfect for those who prefer a more muted sound profile. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Brother emphasizing a distinct tactile feel and audible click, while the Semi Mute focuses on providing a noise-free and comfortable typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can achieve satisfying results with either of these high-quality mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when it comes to choosing between TTC Brother clicky switches and KTT Semi Mute linear switches, you should consider your priorities. If you value a tactile and audibly satisfying typing experience with a lightweight actuation force, the Brother clicky switch may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a noise-free environment and a smooth, linear typing feel with a medium bottom out force, then the Semi Mute switch is the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize the audible feedback and light actuation of the Brother switch or the silent operation and comfortable typing feel of the Semi Mute switch. Both switches offer unique characteristics, so choose the one that aligns best with your preferences and typing style.
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