Huano Acacia vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, choosing the right switch can greatly influence your typing experience, and two notable options to consider are the Huano Acacia and the TTC Venus, both of which are linear switches. The Huano Acacia stands out for its medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication, resulting in an excellent typing feel straight out of the box with minimal stem wobble. This switch is ideal for users who appreciate a smooth, consistent keystroke without the distraction of excessive noise. On the other hand, the TTC Venus offers a unique typing sensation with its innovative internal design that balances a frictionless glide and a springy feel, akin to the delightful texture of chewy mochi. The light actuation of the Venus allows for quick, effortless typing, while its subdued sound signature ensures a quieter experience. While the Acacia may cater to those seeking a reliably smooth and immediate response, the Venus appeals to fans of a more tactile and cushioned feel with a quieter operation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
The Huano Acacia and the TTC Venus switches each utilize distinct materials for their respective top housings, resulting in notably diverging sound profiles. The Acacia's polycarbonate top housing is celebrated for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, primarily due to the stiffness of the polycarbonate material. This characteristic not only enhances clarity in the sound produced but also makes the Acacia particularly suitable for RGB lighting, as its translucent nature allows lights to shine through effectively. In contrast, the Venus features a POM top housing, which generates a deeper and more muted sound profile. The elasticity and softer qualities of POM lead to a unique auditory experience that is less bright but offers a warmer tone, appealing to users who prefer a different acoustic aesthetic when typing.
When examining the bottom housing, the materials used are again different, leading to varied auditory experiences. The Acacia’s nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound that stems from nylon's ability to absorb sound effectively. This results in a rounded typing experience, enhancing the overall tactile feedback. The TTC Venus, however, contrasts with a polycarbonate bottom housing, which introduces characteristics akin to its top housing—creating a sharper and more resonant acoustic quality. The use of two different materials in the Venus switch results in a hybrid sound profile where the high-pitched nuances of the polycarbonate interact with the deeper tones of the bottom housing, leading to a distinctive blend.
Ultimately, while the Acacia and Venus switches incorporate different materials for their top and bottom housings, the influence of each housing type on the sound profile is significant. For switches with different top and bottom materials, the resulting acoustics will reflect a composite sound where each housing's qualities are distinctly felt during a key press. In the case of a hybrid switch like the Venus, you'll experience a balance between the sharpness of the polycarbonate and the warmth of the POM, while the Acacia's nylon bottom and polycarbonate top create a fuller and clearer typing experience. This variation in materials thus enriches the auditory spectrum, offering users a range of sound preferences from crisp clarity to muted warmth.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Acacia and TTC Venus linear switches, both exhibit the same actuation force of 45 grams, which indicates that they require an equal amount of pressure to register a keystroke. This similarity suggests that users will experience comparable responsiveness and ease of typing with both switches, making them suitable for extended use in work or gaming environments. However, the differences in their bottom out forces reveal more about their overall feel. The Acacia's bottom out force is 55 grams, slightly heavier than the Venus's 52 grams. As a result, the Acacia switch provides a slightly more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who prefer a firmer tactile feedback. Consequently, while both switches are medium-light in actuation force, the TTC Venus is the lighter option with a gentler bottoming out, making it potentially more comfortable for those who type for long periods, while the Huano Acacia might satisfy those who prefer a bit more resistance during deep presses.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, it is clear that the Acacia offers a shorter distance of 3.5 mm, while the Venus has a longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This difference may influence user experience significantly; gamers may gravitate toward the Acacia for its more responsive, quicker actuation, which can enhance reaction times. On the other hand, the Venus, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial keypress feel, providing a sense of depth and feedback that some find more satisfying. Therefore, if a user prioritizes speed and responsiveness, the Huano Acacia would be the preferable choice, whereas those who value tactile feedback and a deeper experience may favor the TTC Venus.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Venus has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Venus for $5.09.
The Huano Acacia comes in at $3.39 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 sound profile of the Huano Acacia linear switch is characterized by its muted and neutral qualities, making it suitable for a variety of environments, whether at home or work. The Acacia provides a sound that is less intrusive than louder, more clacky switches, allowing for a pleasant typing experience without drawing attention. In comparison, the TTC Venus linear switch features a low-pitched and subdued audio signature that falls on the more mellow side, minimizing noise and ensuring a discreet typing experience. With its thocky undertone, the Venus can provide a rich auditory feedback that is satisfying yet does not overpower the ambiance, making both switches ideal for those seeking a quieter keyboard.
When it comes to feel, the Acacia switch shines with its medium-light weight and minimal stem wobble, providing an excellent typing experience straight out of the box. Users can expect a smooth and polished experience, attributed in part to the generous factory lubrication. On the other hand, the TTC Venus offers a uniquely smooth typing sensation described as buttery and frictionless, which facilitates a seamless keystroke experience. The Venus also introduces a feel that is gummy at the bottoming out stage, giving a distinctive bounce similar to landing on a trampoline. While both switches offer smooth actuation, the Venus leans towards a more unique tactile experience, creating a delightful contrast with the polished yet straightforward attributes of the Acacia.
In conclusion, both the Huano Acacia and the TTC Venus linear switches cater to users who appreciate a smooth and quiet typing experience, though they each offer distinct subjective qualities. While the Acacia excels in providing a consistent and refined feel with a muted sound profile, the Venus brings a playful characteristic with its unique tactile response and low-pitched auditory feedback. Choosing between the two may come down to personal preference in feel and sound, but either switch will offer a pleasant typing experience that minimizes frustration and maximizes comfort.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and needs. If you value an effortlessly smooth typing experience right out of the box, the Acacia is a fantastic option. Its slightly higher bottom out force of 55 grams provides a balanced feel, suitable for those who appreciate tactile feedback without excessive resistance, making it great for both typing and gaming. Additionally, if you prefer a more pronounced sound profile, the Acacia can deliver a satisfying thock with each keystroke. On the other hand, if you seek a switch that offers a unique and refined tactile sensation, the TTC Venus is ideal. Its low actuation force of 52 grams and intricate design create a buttery, frictionless experience reminiscent of mochi, which can make for rapid and comfortable typing. The Venus is also a better choice if noise levels are a concern; its muted and subdued sound allows for a more discreet typing experience, perfect for shared workspaces or quiet environments. Ultimately, by considering these characteristics, you can select the switch that aligns best with your typing style and personal preferences.
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