TTC Brother vs. Bsun Olive
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Bsun Olive switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the BSUN Olive tactile switch both offer unique features and benefits. The TTC Brother stands out for its lightweight nature, easy actuation, and satisfyingly crunchy sound signature, making it a top favorite among clicky switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the BSUN Olive switches are praised for their all-POM housings, deep resonant sound, and pronounced tactile feedback, providing a distinctly satisfying typing experience. While the Brother is known for its crisp precision and easy-to-press keys, the Olive offers a sharp bottom-out and invigorating 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
45g
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
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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
17.5mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Brother and the Bsun Olive, we can see some similarities and differences. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharp and crisp sound profile. However, the Olive's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound compared to the Brother. When it comes to the bottom housing, the Brother's nylon material offers a fuller sound profile, while the Olive's POM bottom creates a similar deep and muted sound profile. Overall, both switches offer unique sound profiles due to their housing materials, with the Brother focusing on sharper tones while the Olive produces a deeper sound.
While the top housings of both the TTC Brother and the Bsun Olive are made of different materials (polycarbonate and POM, respectively), the qualities each material brings to the switch are notable. Polycarbonate provides a stiffer plastic for a more resonant sound profile, while POM creates a more pleasing and deeper sound. On the other hand, the bottom housings, made of nylon for the Brother and POM for the Olive, both offer a fuller sound profile. The split between top and bottom housing materials showcases the impact each has on the overall sound and feel of the switch, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and the top housing impacting the sound upon key release.
In terms of aesthetics and functionality, the polycarbonate top housing of the TTC Brother allows for RGB lighting due to its translucency, while the POM top housing of the Bsun Olive offers a unique sound experience with its deeper and more muted sound profile. The nylon bottom housing of the Brother provides a classic switch feel with a fuller sound profile, while the POM bottom housing of the Olive complements the deeper sound profile created by the top housing. Overall, despite some differences in sound characteristics, both switches offer unique experiences based on their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, it is evident that the Brother has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Olive's 45 grams. However, the bottom out force for the Olive is 65 grams, while it is unknown for the Brother. In terms of weight, the Brother switch would be considered lighter due to its lower actuation force, making it suitable for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Olive switch provides a heavier push feel, ideal for users seeking a more substantial typing experience. Overall, both switches offer different force requirements, catering to individuals with varying preferences for typing and gaming.
Travel distance
The TTC Brother clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Bsun Olive tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for individuals looking for quick response times, especially gamers. The slight difference in travel distance may not be significant in terms of feel, but for those who prefer a more responsive feel, the Brother switch might be the better option. On the other hand, for individuals who enjoy a slightly deeper keypress, the Olive switch with its slightly longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer similar benefits in terms of travel distance, and it comes down to personal preference in terms of the slight variation in distance.
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 Bsun Olive has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Olive for $4.70.
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 sound signature that is synonymous with clicky switches, providing a satisfyingly crisp and precise auditory experience. On the other hand, the BSUN Olive tactile switch is known for delivering a resonant and deep sound, setting it apart from other switches in the market. While the sound of a switch can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, these qualities highlight the distinct auditory profiles of each switch.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Brother clicky switch is easy-to-press with a light actuation force of 37g, offering a gentle resistance and effortless typing experience. Additionally, it features a stepped design that provides a mild tactile feel with distinct pre-travel and post-travel stages. In contrast, the BSUN Olive tactile switch is described as accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, offering a tactile feedback that is pronounced, firm, and immersive. These qualities contribute to a satisfying typing sensation that is neither overpowering nor subtle.
Overall, both the TTC Brother clicky switch and the BSUN Olive tactile switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. While the Brother excels in delivering a crisp and crunchy sound with easy actuation, the Olive stands out for its resonant sound profile and invigorating tactile feedback. Choosing between the two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you are seeking. However, regardless of your choice, you can expect a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience with either switch.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the BSUN Olive tactile switch, consider your preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a light, breezy actuation and a satisfyingly crunchy sound, the Brother switch is the way to go. Its easy-to-press feel and subtle tactile bump offer a unique typing experience that is sure to please. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom-out force and pronounced tactile feedback with a deep, resonant sound, the Olive switch is the better choice. Its accented and invigorating feel, along with its sharp and snappy feedback, provide a distinct and immersive typing sensation. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that best suits your typing needs.
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