TTC Brother vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often comes down to personal preference and typing style, and two notable options in this realm are the TTC Brother and the Gateron Weightlessness. The TTC Brother is a clicky switch that dazzles with its engaging auditory feedback and lightweight actuation force of just 37g, making it a favorite among enthusiasts who relish the satisfying crunch of each keystroke. Its tactile bump provides a distinct yet gentle feedback, ensuring that typists feel connected to their typing experience without it being overwhelming. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness offers a different appeal with its subtle to moderate tactile feel, catering to users who prefer a more understated yet balanced typing sensation. This switch, with its harmonious sound profile, allows for a comfortable, nuanced experience without the pronounced click of its Brother counterpart. Ultimately, both switches have their dedicated fan bases for valid reasons—one thrives on the excitement of audible feedback while the other excels in a more subdued, refined atmosphere. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
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 double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Brother and the Gateron Weightlessness switches, a distinct divergence emerges in their top housing compositions. The Brother employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and translucency. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it especially conducive to showcasing RGB lighting when used in keyboards. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness utilizes a nylon top housing, a softer material that produces a deeper and fuller sound signature by better absorbing vibrations and dampening noise. This fundamental difference in material not only influences the resultant auditory experiences when typing but also affects how users perceive the overall responsiveness of the switches.
Conversely, both switches share a remarkable similarity in their bottom housing, as the TTC Brother and Gateron Weightlessness both utilize nylon. This commonality means that the bottom-out sound and feel produced by both switches will evoke a deeper and rounder auditory experience. Given that the bottom housing tends to have a more significant impact on the tactile feedback experienced when a key is fully pressed down, users can expect a similar sensation and sound profile from both switches in this regard. The use of nylon, a classic in switch design, ensures that this component contributes to an overall satisfaction when engaged, enhancing the typing experience.
In conclusion, the combination of differing materials in the top and bottom housings of the TTC Brother and Gateron Weightlessness allows for a unique playing field in terms of auditory feedback and tactile feeling. The polycarbonate top housing of the Brother adds a high-pitched clarity for key releases, while the nylon top of the Weightlessness provides a warmer tone, capturing the roundness characteristic of its more absorbent structure. However, with both switches featuring nylon in their bottom housings, aficionados can expect a consistent and robust bottom-out experience across both models. Ultimately, this combination of materials illustrates how intricate the nuances of switch design can be, catering to various aesthetic and auditory preferences within the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, the actuation forces are notably different, with the Brother requiring a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Weightlessness's 50 grams. This means that for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Brother switch would be the more suitable choice. However, the Gateron Weightlessness, with its heavier actuation force, caters to those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel, making it ideal for users who appreciate tactile feedback and a firmer push. Unfortunately, both switches have unknown bottom out forces, leaving that aspect of comparison inconclusive. Overall, the TTC Brother offers a lighter actuation force, while the Gateron Weightlessness provides a heavier feel, allowing users to choose based on their individual preferences for typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, we find that the Brother switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Weightlessness switch measures slightly shorter at 3.4 mm. This makes the Brother switch the longer of the two, providing a more substantial depth when pressed, which some users may find enhances their typing experience. Conversely, the Gateron Weightlessness, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to gamers and those seeking quicker response times, while potentially offering a more abrupt feel that might not suit everyone's preferences. Ultimately, those looking for a bit more depth would likely favor the TTC Brother, whereas those seeking speed would benefit from the Gateron Weightlessness.
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 Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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
The TTC Brother clicky switch delivers a highly distinctive auditory experience, characterized by its crunchy sound signature that resonates with clicky switch enthusiasts. Each keystroke produces a delightful, crisp sound reminiscent of stepping on brittle autumn leaves, accentuating the tactile feedback of the switch. This clear, satisfying noise not only enhances the overall enjoyment of typing but also reinforces the clicky nature of the switch, making it a favorite for those who appreciate an audible response. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch offers a balanced sound profile, though specifics regarding its sound characteristics remain unknown. It's essential to note that the sound of any switch can also be influenced by the keyboard's construction and keycap choices.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the TTC Brother stands out with its easy-to-press nature, requiring just 37g of actuation force for a responsive typing experience. This lightweight operation minimizes resistance, allowing for comfortable and effortless key presses that reduce finger fatigue during long typing sessions. The tactile bump is articulated enough to be felt distinctly without overwhelming the overall keystroke, providing a balanced experience. The Weightlessness switch, on the other hand, features a subtle to moderate tactile feel, which, while unknown in its specific characteristics, is designed to complement the typing experience without overwhelming the user.
In summary, both the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Brother's crunchy sound and light actuation make it a joy for those who prioritize auditory feedback and ease of use, while the Weightlessness aims for a more moderated tactile profile that maintains a balance in its overall feel. With these qualities in mind, users seeking distinctive experiences could find satisfaction in either option, keeping individual preferences at the forefront of their selection process.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch largely depends on your specific typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you enjoy a lively typing experience characterized by distinct auditory feedback and light actuation, the Brother switch would be an excellent fit. Its crunchy sound and easy-to-press nature make it ideal for those who appreciate a playful, responsive feel while typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subdued tactile sensation that still provides feedback without overwhelming your senses, the Weightlessness switch may be more suitable. Its balanced sound profile caters to users who may require a quieter environment or simply enjoy a moderate tactile bump without the additional noise. Ultimately, consider what aspects of a switch are most important to you—whether it’s the engaging click of the Brother or the refined subtlety of the Weightlessness—so you can select a switch that enhances your overall typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
