TTC Brother vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the HMX Swift linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Brother is celebrated for its lightweight and breezy actuation of 37g, providing a tactile experience that is both satisfying and easily manageable. With a satisfyingly crunchy sound signature and a perfectly balanced tactile bump, clicky switch enthusiasts will find the Brother to be a top favorite. On the other hand, the HMX Swift linear switch stands out for its deep sound profile and silky smoothness, thanks to its full nylon housing. With a delicate 42g actuation force, the Swift offers a feathery and creamy typing experience that is sure to please. While both switches boast easy-to-press qualities, they differ in their sound profiles and actuation forces. 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
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
17.5mm spring
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Brother and the HMX Swift, one noticeable difference is that the Brother features a polycarbonate top housing while the Swift has a nylon top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Brother creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, ideal for those looking for a clear and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Swift provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. While both materials offer unique sound qualities, it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of the sound profile desired.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the TTC Brother and the HMX Swift feature nylon bottom housings. This commonality means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel when typing on switches from either keyboard. The nylon bottom housing of both keyboards elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. This consistency in bottom housing material ensures that users will get a consistent typing experience regardless of whether they are using the Brother or the Swift.
When considering the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the overall typing experience, it's important to note that the qualities each material brings will be split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. This means that users may notice a difference in sound profile and feel depending on whether they are pressing down on a key or releasing it. Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Brother and the HMX Swift will come down to individual preferences in terms of sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Brother clicky switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, it's evident that the actuation and bottom out forces differ between the two. The Brother has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Swift's 42 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes on the Brother switch. However, the bottom out force of the Swift at 50 grams provides a more substantial typing experience compared to the Brother, whose bottom out force is unknown. For those who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, the Brother switch may be the better option. On the other hand, the Swift switch is more suitable for individuals wanting a stronger push feel for a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the TTC Brother clicky switch is 3.5 mm, while the HMX Swift linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.9 mm. In this case, the Swift has a longer travel distance compared to the Brother. A shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer 3.9 mm travel distance of the Swift may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial key press. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, so it ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style to determine which switch would be the best fit for you.
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 HMX Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift for $2.99.
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 is characterized by a crunchy sound signature that resonates with each key press, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. In contrast, the HMX Swift linear switch offers a clacky sound profile with a sharp and snappy tone that adds a bright and percussive element to the typing experience. While the Brother provides a more traditional clicky switch sound, the Swift introduces a unique depth to its sound due to its full nylon housings, catering to those who prefer a slightly mellower typing noise.
In terms of feel, both the Brother and Swift switches offer an easy-to-press sensation with gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force contributes to a comfortable typing experience that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The Brother switch is also noted for its stepped feel, providing a two-stage tactile response that offers a more subdued typing experience compared to hyper-tactile switches. The Swift switch, on the other hand, introduces descriptors such as feathery, bouncy, and creamy, highlighting its exceptionally light press, lively rebound, and smooth buttery typing experience, respectively.
Considering the subjective qualities of the TTC Brother clicky switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, it's evident that each switch offers a unique typing experience tailored to different preferences. While the Brother excels in delivering a classic clicky sound with a lightweight actuation force and subtle tactile bump, the Swift stands out for its deep sound profile, light actuation force, and smooth keystrokes. Whether you prefer the crunchy click of the Brother or the clacky depth of the Swift, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience that caters to a variety of user preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value a lightweight, tactile, and audibly satisfying typing experience with a crunchy sound signature, then the TTC Brother clicky switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, lighter, and deeper sound profile with a feathery feel, then the HMX Swift linear switch might be more suitable for your typing needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches boils down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
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