TTC Brother vs. Gateron Oil King
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Gateron Oil King switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The TTC Brother clicky switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch are both standout options in the mechanical keyboard world, each with its own unique features and benefits. The Brother is loved for its lightweight actuation of 37g, delivering a tactile experience that is crisp and satisfying for clicky switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Oil King is praised for its buttery smoothness and dark chocolate snapping sound profile, offering a luxurious typing experience for linear switch fans. While the Brother is known for its crunchy sound and easy-to-press keys, the Oil King stands out for its creamy and silky feel. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
17.5mm spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The TTC Brother and the Gateron Oil King both feature unique housing materials that contribute to the sound profile of the switches. The Brother's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharp, high-pitched sound profile, while the Oil King's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. Both materials have their advantages - polycarbonate is stiffer, leading to a clearer and more resonant sound, while nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Despite these differences, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, albeit with distinct sound profiles.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Brother and the Oil King once again use different materials - nylon for the Brother and Gateron's proprietary INK blend for the Oil King. The nylon bottom housing of the Brother produces a deeper and fuller sound, while the INK blend bottom housing of the Oil King creates a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound. This difference in materials once again showcases the unique characteristics of each switch, with the Brother offering a softer, more absorbent typing experience, while the Oil King provides a satisfyingly clacky sound.
Overall, while the housing materials of the TTC Brother and the Gateron Oil King may differ, both switches excel in providing a pleasing typing experience. The split between the top and bottom housing materials allows for a balance of qualities in the sound profile of each switch. Whether you prefer a sharper, higher-pitched sound from polycarbonate or a deeper, fuller sound from nylon, both switches offer a unique typing experience that will cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the Brother and the Oil King will come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
The TTC Brother clicky switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Gateron Oil King linear switch's 55 grams. Both switches have an unknown bottom out force, making it difficult to compare in that aspect. The Brother switch would provide a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for those looking to type for longer periods without experiencing fatigue. In contrast, the Oil King switch would offer a more substantial typing experience due to its higher actuation force, which some users prefer for a more tactile feel. Both switches have their advantages depending on personal preference, with the Brother being the lighter option and the Oil King being the heavier option. Ultimately, the choice between the two would come down to individual typing preferences and the typing experience desired.
Travel distance
The TTC Brother clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it a shorter option compared to the Gateron Oil King linear switch with a 4 mm travel distance. The Brother switch offers a faster response time preferred by gamers due to its shorter travel distance, while the Oil King switch provides a deeper keystroke feel. Both switches have different travel distances, catering to different preferences for typing or gaming experiences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on whether you prioritize faster response times or prefer a more substantial keystroke 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 Gateron Oil King comes in at $6.50 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
In terms of sound, the TTC Brother clicky switch offers a crunchy and satisfying clicking sound that is crisp and precise, perfect for those who enjoy the auditory feedback of each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King linear switch provides a low-pitched and bassy sound profile that is smooth and reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping. While the Brother switch is more on the crisp and crunchy side, the Oil King switch offers a deeper and richer sound experience. The choice between the two switches will ultimately depend on personal preference and the overall sound profile you are looking to achieve in your typing experience.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the TTC Brother clicky switch is described as easy-to-press with a light actuation force of just 37g, making typing effortless and comfortable while providing a tactile bump that strikes a perfect balance between being present and subdued. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King linear switch offers a creamy and buttery typing experience, due to the lubricant applied in the switch at the factory, making each keystroke feel smooth and effortless. Both switches provide a unique typing experience, with the Brother switch offering a more tactile feel and the Oil King switch providing a smoother and silkier sensation.
Overall, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Brother switch caters to those who enjoy a satisfyingly crunchy click and a tactile bump, the Oil King switch appeals to individuals seeking a smooth and buttery typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile. Both switches have their own strengths and characteristics that can enhance the overall typing experience, so choosing between the two will depend on personal preference and the specific typing feel and sound you are looking to achieve. Ultimately, regardless of the switch chosen, you can expect a high-quality and enjoyable typing experience with either option.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are someone who values a crisp and tactile typing experience with a satisfying clicky sound, the TTC Brother clicky switch would be an excellent choice for you. Its lightweight actuation force and balanced tactile bump make it a standout in the clicky switch category. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and quieter linear typing experience with a medium-heavy actuation force, the Gateron Oil King linear switch would suit your preferences better. With a buttery smooth feel and a sound profile akin to a dark chocolate bar snapping, the Oil King offers a different but equally enjoyable typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize the tactile feedback and audible click of the Brother or the smoothness and quietness of the Oil King. Choose the switch that best aligns with your typing preferences and enjoy the satisfying feel and sound of your mechanical keyboard.
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