TTC Neptune vs. Outemu Brown
An in-depth look at the TTC Neptune and the Outemu Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Neptune and the Outemu Brown offer distinct typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The TTC Neptune stands out for its innovative internal structure, offering a smooth and almost frictionless glide combined with a springy resistance that evokes the texture of chewy delights like mochi or tapioca pearls. This unique switch provides a matte feel with every keystroke, ensuring a tactile pleasure while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown switch offers a tactile experience without the audible click found in other switches. It provides a slight bump in the keypress, offering a more pronounced tactile feedback for those who prefer a responsive typing experience. Each switch has its own strengths and appeals, but diving deeper into their characteristics will help you make an informed decision on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
41g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Lengthened 21.5mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Neptune and the Outemu Brown, it is evident that both switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Neptune features a POM top housing, which creates a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the Brown utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper and higher-pitched sound. On the other hand, the Neptune's polycarbonate bottom housing also contributes to a sharper sound profile, whereas the Brown's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. This difference in bottom housing material greatly influences the overall sound of the switches.
Although the top housing materials of the Neptune and the Brown are different, both switches prioritize the use of transparent materials for their top housings. While the Neptune's POM top housing creates a unique sound profile, the Brown's polycarbonate top housing contributes to a crisper sound with RGB lighting capabilities. This similarity in aesthetic design allows for consistent visibility and compatibility with RGB setups. However, the choice of different bottom housing materials between the two switches showcases how material composition can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of a key press.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the TTC Neptune and the Outemu Brown play a crucial role in determining the sound profile and tactile feedback of each switch. The use of different materials for the top and bottom housings in each switch highlights the unique qualities that each material brings to the overall typing experience. While the Neptune's POM top housing and polycarbonate bottom housing create a pleasing and resonant sound profile, the Brown's polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing offer a sharper and fuller sound. Ultimately, the choice of housing materials in a switch can greatly affect the user's typing experience and preference for sound and tactile feedback.
Weight
Comparing the TTC Neptune linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, the Neptune has a lighter actuation force of 41 grams compared to the Brown's heavier 53 grams. When it comes to bottom out force, the Neptune also requires less force at 50 grams, while the Brown is heavier at 65 grams. This means that the Neptune switch is lighter overall, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown switch offers a more substantial typing feel due to its higher actuation and bottom out forces, making it a better choice for those who prefer a stronger push when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TTC Neptune linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Outemu Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Outemu Brown slightly longer in terms of travel distance compared to the TTC Neptune. The traditional travel distance is often considered to be 4.0 mm, so both switches are within the range of what is commonly found in mechanical keyboards. Gamers may prefer the TTC Neptune for its slightly shorter travel distance, as it can lead to faster response times. However, those who prefer a more pronounced key press may lean towards the Outemu Brown for its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Neptune has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Neptune for $5.09.
The Outemu Brown comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
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 Neptune linear switch is known for its low-pitched, muted, neutral, subdued, and thocky sound profile, producing a refined and unobtrusive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown tactile switch's sound characteristics are unknown, but it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to the typing feel, the TTC Neptune linear switch offers a buttery, gummy, frictionless, mild, and polished sensation with a smooth, almost frictionless glide and springy resistance similar to chewy delights like mochi or tapioca pearls, providing a textured pleasure with every keystroke. In contrast, the typing feel of the Outemu Brown tactile switch is unknown, yet it is important to consider that the typing experience can be influenced by personal preference and typing style.
Overall, the TTC Neptune linear switch stands out for its innovative internal structure, harmonious balance of smooth glide and springy resistance, ultralight design for swift typing, and muted sound signature for a refined ambiance. While the specific sound and feel qualities of the Outemu Brown tactile switch are not detailed in the provided information, newcomers can expect a tactile switch to offer a noticeable bump in tactility during typing. Ultimately, both switches may provide a satisfying typing experience, and selecting between them would largely depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a light, smooth, and almost frictionless typing experience with a muted and refined sound signature, the TTC Neptune linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. The Neptune's ultralight bottom out force of 50 grams ensures swift and effortless typing, while its unique "matte" feel adds texture to each keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams and are looking for a tactile typing experience with no specific sound characteristics mentioned, the Outemu Brown tactile switch might be the better option for you. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your preference for typing feel, sound, and actuation force, so consider these factors carefully before making your decision.
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