Kailh Box White V2 vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Kailh Box White V2 and TTC Venus present two distinct options that cater to different preferences and typing experiences. The Kailh Box White V2 is celebrated for its clicky feedback, offering a sharp tactile response and an audible "click" that many typists find satisfying and useful for improving typing accuracy. This switch is particularly desirable for those who enjoy a more traditional typing feel and seek clear auditory cues with each keystroke. In contrast, the TTC Venus switch provides a completely different experience with its linear design, delivering a smooth and frictionless glide while maintaining a subdued sound signature. This switch is ideal for users who prefer a quieter typing experience and often type at high speeds, as its light actuation forgoes tactile bumps in favor of effortless and rapid keystrokes. Both switches have their own appeals, making them suitable for different types of users; 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box White V2 and the TTC Venus feature differing materials in their top housings, which results in contrasting sound profiles. The Box White V2 utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to its sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This material's relative stiffness enhances sound clarity and resonance, making it an excellent choice for users who favor auditory feedback and vibrant RGB aesthetics, as the translucency allows light to shine through effectively. In contrast, the TTC Venus employs a POM (polyoxymethylene) top housing that produces a deeper, more muted sound profile. While POM's unique acoustic characteristics result in a more subdued auditory experience, this can appeal to users seeking a less jarring keystroke sound. Therefore, the differences in the top housing materials fundamentally affect how each switch will acoustically present itself during use.
When it comes to the bottom housings, the materials take a turn with the Kailh Box White V2 featuring a nylon construction versus the TTC Venus's choice of polycarbonate. The nylon bottom housing of the Box White V2 is described as a classic material that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its softer nature allows for sound absorption, resulting in a more rounded acoustic experience when bottoming out. On the other hand, the Venus's polycarbonate bottom housing aligns with its top counterpart, again promoting a sharper and more resonant sound profile. This interaction creates a contrast where the Kailh Box White V2 enhances auditory feedback and a solid thock sound with its nylon material, while the TTC Venus maintains a consistency in sound sharpness from top to bottom, generating a more cohesive sound experience.
In summary, the combination of different materials used in the top and bottom housings of each switch leads to distinct audio behaviors. The Kailh Box White V2 benefits from the stark contrast between its sharp polycarbonate top and softer nylon bottom, creating a multidimensional auditory profile where bottoming out and releasing the key produce different sound characteristics. Conversely, the TTC Venus's POM top and polycarbonate bottom create a more uniform auditory experience, providing a more muted sound while maintaining clarity. Therefore, while the materials influence individual preferences, both switches can deliver satisfying auditory results: the Box White V2 offering vibrant, sharp sounds while the Venus presents a balanced acoustic profile guided by its consistent material usage.
Weight
The Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the TTC Venus linear switch present an interesting comparison in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches have a similar actuation force of 45 grams, which provides a relatively light touch, making them suitable for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Box White V2 has a slightly lower value at 50 grams compared to the Venus’s 52 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This means that while the initial actuation feels equally effortless, the Box White V2 is generally lighter overall since it reaches a lower force at bottoming out. Users seeking a lighter switch for ease of use might prefer the Kailh Box White V2, while those who appreciate a marginally heavier feel might opt for the TTC Venus. In essence, while both switches have the same actuation force, the Box White V2 offers a softer experience when fully pressed compared to the Venus.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the TTC Venus linear switch differ in their travel distances, with the Box White V2 measuring 3.6 mm while the Venus has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that if you're looking for a more responsive feel, the Kailh Box White V2 may be the better choice for rapid key presses, as its shorter travel distance can facilitate quicker response times. On the other hand, the TTC Venus, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who enjoy a deeper keypress. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference—gamers might gravitate towards the Kailh Box White V2 for its snappy response, while typists favoring a more pronounced tactile feedback may prefer the TTC Venus.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Kailh Box White V2 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Box White V2 for $3.00.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Kailh Box White V2 and the TTC Venus switches, they present a stark contrast. The Box White V2 is notable for its crisp and pronounced click, which provides a satisfying auditory feedback with every keystroke. This clicky noise is particularly appealing to typists who enjoy the tactile confirmation of their actions. In contrast, the TTC Venus opts for a muted sound signature that focuses on a low-pitched and subdued acoustics. While the sound from the Venus is minimal and less intrusive, it accommodates users looking for a quieter typing experience, making it suitable for office environments or shared spaces.
The feel of each switch also diverges significantly. The Box White V2 offers a tactile experience that many find engaging, with a distinct feedback that resonates with each keystroke, ideal for typists who appreciate clear tactile sensations. On the other hand, the TTC Venus is engineered for a buttery and frictionless typing feel that emphasizes smoothness and comfort. With its springy “Q-texture,” it mimics the sensation of biting into chewy textures, resulting in a unique typing experience that feels effortless, almost floating across the keys. This switch is also characterized by its gummy aspect, adding a distinct sensitivity when bottoming out, which contrasts with the more defined engagement of the Box White V2.
In conclusion, while the Kailh Box White V2 and TTC Venus switches provide distinctly different auditory and tactile experiences, both offer unique advantages depending on individual preferences. For those seeking a pronounced and tactile typing experience with satisfying clicks, the Box White V2 excels. Conversely, the TTC Venus is perfect for users who prioritize smooth, quiet, and effortless keystrokes. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you're inclined toward auditory feedback or a more subdued, silky-smooth feel while typing. Each switch caters to different typing styles and environments, ensuring that both can provide a pleasing experience in their own right.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Kailh Box White V2 and the TTC Venus switches heavily depends on your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you plan to use your keyboard. If you enjoy a tactile typing experience with a pronounced clicky feedback, then the Kailh Box White V2 is an excellent choice. Its lighter bottom-out force of 50 grams can provide a more responsive feel, making it ideal for those who value auditory feedback and typists who thrive on the iconic click sound, especially if you enjoy the experience of classic mechanical keyboards. However, if you prefer a smoother, more subdued typing experience with less noise, the TTC Venus is the way to go. Its slightly heavier bottom-out force of 52 grams along with its frictionless glide ensures a fluid keystroke, great for extended typing sessions where comfort and noise levels are paramount—especially in shared or quiet environments. The muted, low-pitched sound of the Venus will keep your typing discreet, making it suitable for professional settings or late-night work. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you prioritize tactile feedback and sound or smoothness and subtlety in your typing experience.
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