TTC Brother vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch offer unique experiences catered to different preferences. The TTC Brother is praised for its lightweight and breezy actuation of just 37g, providing a tactile experience without being burdensome. With a satisfyingly crunchy sound signature and a well-balanced tactile bump, this switch is sure to please clicky switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black is ideal for those seeking a quieter typing experience, featuring a cushiony bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback. While the Brother offers a crunchy and easy-to-press feel, the Silent Ink Black provides a silky and muted typing experience. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
17.5mm spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Brother and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches offer distinct characteristics that contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switches. The Brother features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile with a higher pitch. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black utilizes a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, resulting in a pointier and relatively high-pitched sound that is described as clacky. While both provide satisfying sound profiles, the materials used in the top housing contribute to slight differences in the overall typing experience.
In terms of bottom housings, the Brother utilizes nylon, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black boasts a proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing, offering a pointed and high-pitched sound profile that complements the characteristics of its top housing. Both bottom housings contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches, with nylon providing a duller and rounder sound compared to the INK blend's thinner and higher-pitched sound.
While the Brother and the Silent Ink Black switches have different housing materials for their top and bottom housings, the qualities of each material contribute to the overall typing experience in unique ways. The bottom housing of a switch has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, with the nylon bottom housing of the Brother producing a deeper typing sound compared to the INK blend of the Silent Ink Black. Conversely, the top housing influences the sound when a key is released, with the polycarbonate top housing of the Brother offering a sharper sound profile compared to the INK blend of the Silent Ink Black. Despite the differences in housing materials, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience tailored to the preferences of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, it is evident that the Brother switch is lighter in terms of actuation force at 37 grams compared to the Silent Ink Black's 60 grams. However, the Brother switch lacks information on its bottom out force, whereas the Silent Ink Black has a bottom out force of 70 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. Those who prefer a lighter actuation force may lean towards the TTC Brother switch for a more responsive typing experience, while those who prefer a heavier push may opt for the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing comfort and responsiveness.
Travel distance
The TTC Brother clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Silent Ink Black has a longer travel distance compared to the Brother switch. The Brother switch provides a slightly shorter travel distance, making it a good choice for those who prefer a quicker response time. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch with its longer travel distance may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial key press feel. Both switches offer different experiences in terms of travel distance, so it ultimately depends on personal preference when deciding between the two.
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 Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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, favored by those who enjoy the audible feedback of clicky switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch provides a muted sound profile, perfect for environments where quieter typing is necessary. While the Brother satisfies clicky enthusiasts with its distinct click sound, the Silent Ink Black provides a softer and gentler typing experience for those seeking a more subtle auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, the TTC Brother clicky switch is praised for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force for activation and offering a low-impact typing feel that reduces fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, it features a stepped tactile bump that provides a unique typing experience with distinct pre-travel and post-travel sensations. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch offers a silky smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance during key presses and releases. Its polished finish enhances the overall smoothness of the keystrokes, providing a refined and sleek typing experience.
Overall, while the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch offer contrasting experiences in terms of sound and feel, both switches excel in their respective qualities. If you prefer a crunchy click sound and an easy-to-press typing feel, the TTC Brother is an excellent choice. Alternatively, if you seek a quieter typing experience with a silky smooth feel, the Gateron Silent Ink Black is a perfect fit. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on your personal preferences in sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, you should consider your typing environment and personal preferences. If you enjoy a vibrant and audible typing experience with a light actuation force, then the Brother switch is the way to go. Its crunchy sound and easy-to-press feel will elevate your typing sessions with each satisfying click. On the other hand, if you need a quieter option with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a silky smooth feel, the Silent Ink Black switch is the ideal choice. Its muted sound and polished typing experience create a more subdued but equally enjoyable typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches boils down to your typing style and the ambiance you desire during your typing sessions.
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