TTC Brother vs. SP-Star Duck
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the SP-Star Duck switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
In the realm of mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch stand out as contenders for your typing pleasure. The Brother is hailed for its lightweight actuation at 37g, providing a tactile experience that is both responsive and effortless. With a pleasingly crunchy sound signature beloved by clicky switch enthusiasts, the Brother also boasts a tactile bump that strikes the perfect balance between feedback and subtlety. On the other hand, the Duck switch offers a more subdued tactile typing experience, with a clean and crispy sound profile that is perfect for those seeking a gentler feel. While the Brother is described as ['crunchy', 'easy-to-press', 'stepped'], the Duck is categorized as ['neutral', 'mild', 'buttery', 'polished']. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
17.5mm spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Brother and the SP-Star Duck, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. However, the Brother also features a nylon bottom housing which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. In contrast, the Duck utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, emphasizing a clear and resonant sound. While both switches offer a similar experience in terms of top housing material, the difference in bottom housing material affects the overall sound profile and typing experience.
The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both the TTC Brother and the SP-Star Duck not only contributes to their sharp and clear sound profiles but also enhances their aesthetic appeal. With its translucency, polycarbonate is perfect for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, providing a visually striking element to the overall design. The choice of nylon for the Brother's bottom housing adds a unique depth to the typing experience, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Duck focuses on producing a more precise and defined sound. These differences in housing materials showcase how subtle variations can impact the overall sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch.
When considering the impact of housing materials on the typing experience, it becomes clear that the bottom housing plays a significant role in the sound and feel of actuation. The qualities of the nylon bottom housing of the TTC Brother contribute to a deeper and more rounded sound upon bottoming out a key. Conversely, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the SP-Star Duck emphasizes a crisper and more resonant sound profile. The split between top and bottom housing materials highlights the importance of each component in shaping the overall typing experience, demonstrating how material choices can influence sound, feel, and aesthetic appeal in mechanical keyboard switches.
Weight
The TTC Brother clicky switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Duck switch requires a heavier bottom out force of 58 grams, while the Brother switch has an unknown bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Brother switch for its lower actuation force, while those who prefer a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Duck switch with its higher bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual typing preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the TTC Brother clicky switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, it is evident that the Brother has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Duck has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Brother's 3.5 mm travel distance is ideal for those seeking a quicker response time, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the Duck's 4 mm travel distance provides a deeper key press, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference regarding travel distance and the type of typing experience desired.
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 SP-Star Duck has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Duck for $5.40.
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 sound signature that is sure to please fans of clicky switches. The crisp and precise clicks produced by the Brother switch make typing a delight for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch provides a more neutral sound profile, offering a clean and crispy typing experience that is suitable for various environments, whether you are a beginner or advanced user. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound.
In regard to feel, the Brother clicky switch is known for its easy-to-press nature and lightweight actuation, making typing effortless and comfortable for extended periods. Additionally, the tactile bump in the Brother switch strikes a perfect balance, providing enough feedback to be felt distinctly without overpowering the overall keystroke experience. Conversely, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch offers a mild and approachable typing experience, with qualities that fall into a safe middle ground. The buttery and polished feel of the Duck switch results in smooth and fluid keystrokes, enhancing the overall typing sensation. Again, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel.
Taking into account the information provided, it is evident that the TTC Brother clicky switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Brother switch excels in providing a crunchy sound and easy-to-press feel with a balanced tactile bump, the Duck switch offers a more subdued sound profile and a buttery, polished typing experience. Both switches have their own strengths and cater to different preferences, so choosing between them will ultimately depend on whether you prefer a louder, more tactile typing experience (Brother) or a quieter, smoother feel (Duck). Regardless of the choice made, both switches are sure to provide a satisfactory typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, consider the characteristics that best suit your typing preferences. If you enjoy a lightweight and clicky typing experience with a satisfyingly crunchy sound, the Brother switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle tactile feel with a clean and crispy sound profile, the Duck switch could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal typing style and preferences, so choose the switch that will enhance your overall typing experience.
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