TTC Brother vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
In the realm of mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch stand out for their unique characteristics and performance. The TTC Brother is lauded for its lightweight nature, with an actuation force of just 37g, offering a tactile experience that is both responsive and comfortable. Its crunch sound signature appeals to clicky switch enthusiasts, providing clear and precise feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver boasts lightning-fast actuation thanks to its short travel distance, along with a thocky sound and unmatched smoothness. While the Brother offers a crunchy and easy-to-press typing experience, the Smoothie Silver provides a quiet and swift keystroke. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Brother and the Gateron Smoothie Silver, it is evident that both switches feature unique characteristics in their construction. The Brother's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its relatively stiffer plastic composition, which results in a clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound, adding a distinct quality to the typing experience. Despite their differences, both housing materials contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch, with polycarbonate being more translucent and ideal for RGB lighting, while POM offers a more subdued sound profile.
When it comes to the bottom housing materials, the Brother utilizes nylon, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition that absorbs more sound. Similarly, the Smoothie Silver also features a POM bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound experience. Although the two switches differ in their top housing materials, both share similarities in the sound produced by their respective bottom housings. Nylon and POM provide unique qualities that contribute to the overall typing experience, showcasing the importance of material choice in switch construction.
The division of housing materials between the top and bottom of a switch plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile during typing. The qualities of the top housing material primarily affect the sound when the key is released, while the bottom housing has more impact on the bottom-out sound and overall typing feel. Despite having different top and bottom housing materials, the TTC Brother and the Gateron Smoothie Silver deliver similar results in terms of sound profile, with each material contributing to a unique typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between polycarbonate and POM housing materials depends on personal preference and desired sound profile for keyboard enthusiasts and typists alike.
Weight
The TTC Brother clicky switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, which has a higher actuation force of 45 grams. Both switches have an unknown bottom out force, which means we cannot directly compare them in this aspect. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Brother switch may be more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming. However, for individuals who enjoy a firmer keystroke, the Smoothie Silver switch with its higher actuation force may provide a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Brother clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches are relatively close in travel distance, with the Brother being slightly longer. In general, a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance can provide a more satisfying keypress for those who prefer a deeper feel. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what feels most comfortable to the user. While the difference between the two switches may be minimal, the slight variance in travel distance could impact the overall typing experience for some individuals.
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 Smoothie Silver has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie Silver for $2.60.
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 crunchy and satisfying click with each keystroke, reminiscent of stepping on a pile of crisp autumn leaves. This sound profile is sure to please enthusiasts who enjoy the auditory feedback of clicky switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch provides a thocky sound that is smooth and muted, catering to those who prefer a quieter typing experience. While the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, these descriptions give a general idea of what to expect from each switch in terms of acoustics.
In the realm of feel, the TTC Brother clicky switch is noted for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force for actuation. This light touch makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing the strain on fingers during prolonged typing sessions. Additionally, the tactile bump in the Brother switch provides a satisfying feedback without being overly pronounced, striking a good balance between tactility and smoothness. The Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, with its short travel distance and feather-light touch, offers a swift and seamless typing experience. These switches lack the tactile bump found in clicky switches, resulting in a consistent and linear keystroke that some users prefer for its simplicity.
In conclusion, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. While the Brother switch excels in providing a tactile and audible typing experience with its crunchy sound and easy-to-press feel, the Smoothie Silver switch offers a quiet and smooth typing sensation with its thocky sound and linear actuation. Depending on whether you prioritize tactile feedback and audible clicks or prefer a quieter and more linear typing experience, either of these switches can provide a satisfying performance. It is important to consider your personal preferences and typing habits when choosing between these two switches to ensure the best fit for your needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, consider the type of experience you are looking for. If you enjoy a tactile typing experience with a light actuation force and a satisfyingly crunchy sound, the TTC Brother clicky switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and fast actuation with a thocky sound and lighter touch, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch may be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and sound. Choose the switch that best suits your typing style and enhances your overall typing experience.
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