KTT Ash Gray vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Ash Gray and the TTC Venus stand out for their unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Ash Gray is a tactile switch designed to provide a substantial yet unobtrusive tactile response, offering a perfect balance between light touch and crisp actuation. This switch excels for those who appreciate a tactile sensation without being overwhelmed, ideal for typists who thrive on feedback without excessive noise. In contrast, the TTC Venus is a linear switch that emphasizes a smooth and frictionless glide, akin to the pleasurable experience of biting into chewy mochi. With its light actuation and subdued sound signature, the Venus is excellent for users seeking rapid, effortless typing, perfect for gaming or long writing sessions where noise is a concern. While both switches offer a mild and neutral typing experience, the Ash Gray appeals to tactile enthusiasts, whereas the Venus caters to those who prefer a soft and polished feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the KTT Ash Gray and the TTC Venus switches, one of the most striking contrasts lies in their choice of materials for the top housing. The Ash Gray features a polycarbonate top housing, which is well-known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This characteristic is attributed to polycarbonate's stiffness, allowing it to resonate sound more clearly, particularly when illuminated with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Venus opts for a POM top housing, which yields a deeper and more muted sound profile. The unique attributes of POM create a fundamentally different auditory experience, favoring those who prefer a rounder sound as opposed to the brightness associated with polycarbonate materials. The distinct differences in sound profiles due to the choice of top housing material will significantly affect the overall user experience when typing or gaming.
The bottom housings also showcase a different material pairing, further influencing the performance of each switch. The Ash Gray utilizes a nylon bottom housing, renowned for its ability to absorb sound and create a fuller and deeper auditory experience. This softness contributes to a more rounded sound, making for an enjoyable typing experience. Meanwhile, the Venus incorporates a polycarbonate bottom housing, which, like its top counterpart, enhances the clarity and sharpness of sound. This combination results in a markedly different tactile and auditory feedback system: the nylon bottom of the Ash Gray offers a muted resonance that contrasts sharply with the crispness provided by the polycarbonate in the Venus. Consequently, the materials used for both top and bottom housings make a fundamental difference in the overall sound profiles of these two switches.
When considering both top and bottom housings, the interactions of their materials further underscore the overall characteristics of each switch. The Ash Gray presents a more conventional yet harmonious experience with its combination of a sharp-sounding polycarbonate top and a rounded nylon bottom, effectively balancing brightness and depth. Conversely, the TTC Venus achieves a more consistent tonal quality with a polycarbonate bottom pairing, reinforcing the deeper and more muted sound of the POM top. In essence, while the combination of materials will lead to different auditory experiences, one can achieve tailored and distinct sound profiles from each switch depending on one's typing preferences. Therefore, understanding how each housing material interacts is crucial for enthusiasts seeking a specific sound signature or tactile response in their keyboard switches.
Weight
The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the TTC Venus linear switch both fall into the medium-light category, but they exhibit differences in actuation force. The Ash Gray features an actuation force of 38 grams, while the Venus requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Ash Gray has a force of 53 grams, which is comparable to the Venus's bottom out force of 52 grams; this indicates that while both switches allow for a similar experience when pressed to their maximum, the Ash Gray is more forgiving upon actuation. Consequently, users seeking a lighter typing experience may prefer the KTT Ash Gray, as its lower actuation force may lessen fatigue during extended use. In contrast, the TTC Venus's higher actuation force may appeal to those who desire a more substantial push feel when typing, making it the heavier option overall.
Travel distance
The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the TTC Venus linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This difference may seem minimal, but it can affect the overall typing experience significantly. If you favor responsiveness, the shorter 3.5 mm travel distance of the Ash Gray switch may be more appealing, offering quicker actuation for fast-paced tasks like gaming. In contrast, the 3.8 mm travel distance of the Venus switch provides a deeper feel, which might be preferred by those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback and a less abrupt typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for depth versus speed in key actuation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Ash Gray has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ash Gray for $2.55.
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.
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
When it comes to sound, the KTT Ash Gray switch offers a neutral profile that provides a moderate actuation force combined with a balanced sound. This versatility makes it suitable for various environments, whether at home or in a professional setting. In contrast, the TTC Venus switch is characterized by a low-pitched and muted sound signature, producing a softer and quieter auditory experience. While the Venus tends to evoke a deeper, thocky sound, the Ash Gray manages to maintain a balance that ensures you won't be overly distracted by your typing. Overall, while the Ash Gray may resonate with a wider audience due to its neutral quality, the Venus will appeal to those who prefer a subdued and bass-heavy typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Ash Gray switch presents an easy-to-press nature, meaning it requires minimal effort when activating keys, resulting in a comfortable, low-fatigue typing experience for extended use. This is complemented by its mild tactile feedback, creating a gentle interaction with the keys that remains engaging without being overwhelming. Meanwhile, the Venus switch prioritizes a frictionless and buttery typing experience, allowing for smooth key travel and virtually no resistance. Moreover, its unique "gummy" sensation when bottoming out offers a distinctive tactile feedback that some users might find delightful. Both switches share a mild characteristic in feel, making them approachable for all types of users, but their texture and feedback will differ, catering to different preferences.
Overall, both the KTT Ash Gray and the TTC Venus switches exhibit qualities that can enhance the typing experience, albeit in different ways. While the Ash Gray stands out with its balanced tactile feedback and neutral sound, the Venus provides a unique, quiet experience with its deeper tones and smooth actuation. If you appreciate a more traditional yet satisfying key feel, the Ash Gray may be the ideal choice. For those who prefer a unique, frictionless experience with softer sounds, the Venus might be better suited. Ultimately, selecting between them will depend on your personal preferences in terms of sound and tactile feedback, but either option will deliver a pleasant typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, the choice between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the TTC Venus linear switch largely depends on your typing style and the experience you seek. If you appreciate tactile feedback that provides a clear indicator of actuation without being too overpowering, the Ash Gray is an excellent option. Its balanced tactile response, coupled with a neutral sound profile, makes it ideal for users who split their time between work and play, especially if you're looking for a switch that ensures comfortable and relatively quiet keystrokes over extended periods. Conversely, if you prefer a smoother, frictionless typing experience that enables rapid key presses with a delightful, muted sound, then the TTC Venus is your best bet. Its unique design simulates that buoyant sensation, perfect for those who enjoy a lighter touch and a whisper-quiet typing environment. Ultimately, you should consider your personal preferences for tactile feedback versus smoothness, as well as the noise level that best suits your workspace or gaming setup, to make the most informed choice between these two exceptional switches.
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