TTC Brother vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the differences between the TTC Brother and the TTC Yunhai are paramount to consider. The TTC Brother is a prime example of a clicky switch, favored for its lightweight actuation of just 37g and its crisp, crunchy auditory feedback that brings a satisfying tactile experience to every keystroke. Ideal for those who relish the sound and feel of each click while typing, this switch strikes a balance between clear tactile feedback and ease of use. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai, representing the linear switch category, offers a gentle and smooth typing experience, characterized by its deep, rounded sound profile and incredibly light actuation force. This makes it perfect for typists who enjoy an effortless glide without the distraction of tactile bumps or clicks. While both switches cater to different preferences—one for clicky enthusiasts and the other for those seeking a fluid typing experience—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
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The TTC Brother and TTC Yunhai utilize different materials for their top housings, which leads to distinct sound profiles that greatly affect the typing experience. The Brother features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness, which contributes to a sharper and higher-pitched sound. This crisp acoustic signature enhances clarity, especially appealing for users who prefer a more pronounced feedback with each keystroke. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it particularly suited for RGB lighting applications, adding an aesthetic appeal to the switch. In contrast, the Yunhai employs a nylon top housing, a material recognized for its softer texture, resulting in a comparatively deeper and fuller sound profile. This absorption of sound lends a roundness to the auditory response that many typists might find more satisfying.
Interestingly, both the Brother and the Yunhai feature nylon as the material for their bottom housings, sharing a common element that significantly shapes their overall performance. The use of nylon in both models provides a deep, rich sound profile that smothers higher frequencies, making for a more muted bottom-out experience. This interplay between materials means that while the top housing of each switch influences the acoustic feedback during release, the nylon bottom housing contributes to the initial sound and tactile feedback when a key is pressed. Therefore, even though their top housings differ, the fundamental softening effect of nylon on the bottom housing ensures that both switches deliver a rounded and fuller keystroke sensation.
In conclusion, despite the contrasting materials used for their top housings, the TTC Brother and the TTC Yunhai share the same nylon composition in their bottom housings, leading to a consistent underlying sound character across both switches. Users can expect a notable variance in the sound profile due to the differing attributes of polycarbonate and nylon, but the fuller, dampened bottom-out sound will remain a commonality between the two models. Consequently, this shared bottom housing material aids in achieving a balance of sound and feel in both switches, offering typists unique yet complementary experiences based on the variability of the top housing materials employed.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Brother clicky switch to the TTC Yunhai linear switch, there are distinct differences in their actuation forces. The Brother switch has an actuation force of 37 grams, making it lighter than the Yunhai, which requires an actuation force of 42 grams. This lighter actuation force of the Brother switch could appeal to users who type for extended periods, as it requires less effort to register a keystroke. However, the Brother switch's bottom out force is unavailable, making it difficult to compare how it feels when fully pressed down. In contrast, the Yunhai linear switch has a known bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating a firmer overall feel when the key is fully pressed. This heavier bottom out force might be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. In summary, the Brother is lighter in terms of actuation force, while the Yunhai provides a more robust bottom out experience, suitable for users who appreciate firmer resistance during their typing sessions.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Brother clicky switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, we see a slight difference between the two. The Brother switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, whereas the Yunhai switch measures at 3.6 mm. This makes the Brother switch the shorter option, providing a more responsive experience that gamers often prefer for quicker key presses. In contrast, the Yunhai switch, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial feel and depth while typing. Overall, while both switches have relatively close travel distances, their distinctions cater to varying user preferences, with the Brother offering a slight edge in responsiveness and the Yunhai emphasizing a more traditional depth.
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 TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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
The TTC Brother clicky switch delivers a distinct sound that appeals to enthusiasts, characterized by its crunchy auditory feedback. This sound profile adds an engaging dimension to typing, reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves, enhancing the tactile experience while ensuring each keystroke is articulated. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai linear switch lacks an explicit sound profile mentioned, suggesting it may provide a quieter typing experience. The choice of board and keycaps can further influence the overall sound, but the Brother's clear, crisp clicks likely create a more pronounced auditory presence compared to the potentially muted feel of the Yunhai.
When it comes to feel, the Brother switch is designed for an effortless typing experience with its lightweight actuation force of just 37g. This switch combines a tactile bump that is both distinct and controlled, offering a stepped sensation during typing. With its gentle resistance, the Brother minimizes finger fatigue during long sessions, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate feedback without overbearing resistance. The Yunhai, however, is described as having a gentle, effortless feel, implying a smooth keystroke without the pronounced tactile bump. This makes the Yunhai ideal for typists who prefer a more linear, uninterrupted feel that allows for swift and fluid typing.
In summary, while the TTC Brother clicky switch is favored for its crunchy sound and enjoyable tactile feedback, the TTC Yunhai linear switch offers a quieter and smoother experience suited for those who prefer swift and effortless key presses. The differences in sound and feel provide a clear distinction between the two, allowing newcomers to select a switch that aligns with their typing preferences and styles. Both options cater to different typing experiences, ensuring that whether you crave the audible feedback of clicky switches or the serene glide of linear ones, there is a suitable switch to meet your needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you thrive on an engaging typing experience and enjoy the audible feedback of each keystroke, the Brother is an excellent choice. Its light actuation force of just 37 grams allows for effortless typing while delivering that satisfying, crunchy sound that clicky switch lovers adore. In contrast, if you prefer a smoother transition between keys with a more subdued auditory profile, the Yunhai linear switch offers an elegant solution. With its 50-gram bottom-out force and very light actuation, the Yunhai is perfect for those who favor a seamless and silent typing experience, allowing for smooth navigation without the distraction of clicks. Choose the Brother for an interactive and responsive feel that brings character to your typing, or opt for the Yunhai when you want a quiet and effortless keypress that prioritizes fluidity over tactile feedback.
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