TTC Brother vs. TTC Silent Bluish White (V2)
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch offer unique advantages for different preferences. The Brother clicky switch is favored for its lightweight actuation of just 37g, providing a tactile experience that is both responsive and effortless. It produces a satisfyingly crunchy sound with each click, perfect for enthusiasts who enjoy an audible feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch provides a medium level of resistance, offering a comfortable typing experience without being overly loud. These switches are designed to be quiet, making them ideal for office or shared living spaces. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
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 TTC Silent Bluish White (V2), it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. While the top housing of both switches is the same, the differences lie in their bottom housing materials.
The Brother utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which brings a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the polycarbonate top housing. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound that is felt when pressing down on the switch. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White (V2) also employs a nylon bottom housing for the same reasons. Therefore, both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel, thanks to their shared use of nylon for the bottom housing.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and tactile feel experienced by users. While both the TTC Brother and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) share a polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and clear sound, their differing bottom housing materials, nylon in this case, contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. Understanding how these materials interact with each other can help users choose a switch that best fits their preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
In comparing the TTC Brother clicky switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch, it is clear that the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in the typing experience. The Brother clicky switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch, which requires 42 grams to actuate. However, the bottom out force of the Silent Bluish White (V2) switch is lighter at 50 grams compared to the Brother switch, for which the bottom out force is unknown. The actuation force determines the force needed to trigger a keystroke, while the bottom out force measures the force required to press the key all the way down. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time, the lighter actuation force of the Brother switch may be more suitable. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may prefer the heavier actuation force of the Silent Bluish White (V2) switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the TTC Brother clicky switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch is the same, with both switches having a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same amount of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, you can expect similar results from both switches.
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 TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Bluish White (V2) for $4.63.
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 satisfyingly crunchy experience, akin to stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves, which is a hallmark of clicky switches. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch provides a muted sound profile, making it ideal for quieter environments like offices or shared living spaces. Both switches offer distinct auditory experiences, with the Brother being more pronounced and the Silent Bluish White being more subtle.
In terms of feel, the TTC Brother clicky switch is easy-to-press with a light actuation force, making typing effortless and comfortable. It also has a stepped tactile sensation, providing a mild bump during key presses. In contrast, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch offers a buttery and mild typing experience, with a subtle and polished feel that enhances typing comfort. Both switches have their own unique tactile characteristics, with the Brother leaning towards a more pronounced feedback and the Silent Bluish White offering a smoother, more uniform keystroke.
Overall, the TTC Brother clicky switch is a top favorite among clicky switches, known for its lightweight nature, crunchy sound, and balanced tactile bump. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch provides a medium tactile feel with a focus on quiet operation, making it suitable for shared environments. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer distinct typing experiences that cater to different needs. Whether you prefer the pronounced click of the Brother or the quiet comfort of the Silent Bluish White, you can expect a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience with either switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing experience and noise level. If you enjoy a lightweight, easy-to-press switch with a satisfyingly crunchy sound, the Brother clicky switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium tactility with a quieter typing experience suitable for office or shared living spaces, the Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a crisp and audible typing experience or a smoother, quieter typing experience. Choose the switch that best aligns with your preferences to enhance your overall typing enjoyment.
Mentioned in this article
