TTC Brother vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the TTC Venus linear switch stand out as top contenders in their respective categories. The Brother is praised for its lightweight nature and satisfyingly crunchy sound signature, making it a favorite among clicky switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Venus boasts a unique internal configuration that offers a seamless glide combined with a distinctive "Q-texture" resistance, resulting in a smooth and engaging typing experience. While the Brother excels in providing a tactile and audible feedback, the Venus focuses on a matte sensation and muted sound signature. 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
52g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
17.5mm spring
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Brother and the TTC Venus, we see a stark difference in the top housing material used. The Brother features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiff plastic that resonates well. On the other hand, the Venus uses a POM top housing which produces a deep and muted sound profile. The contrast in sound profiles between the two switches shows how the choice of housing material can greatly impact the overall typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials of the two switches, we find another point of comparison and contrast. The Brother utilizes a nylon bottom housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and duller sound. In contrast, the Venus features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which mirrors the properties of the top housing. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in the bottom-out sound.
Overall, while the top and bottom housing materials of the TTC Brother and TTC Venus differ, the impact of each material on the sound profile and typing experience is clear. The Brother's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharp and clear sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing adds depth and fullness to the overall typing experience. In comparison, the Venus's POM top housing produces a unique and muted sound profile, which is complemented by the polycarbonate bottom housing's sharp and crisp sound. Despite the differences in housing materials, both switches offer a distinct typing experience shaped by the choice of materials in their construction.
Weight
The TTC Brother clicky switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the TTC Venus linear switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Brother switch is unknown, while the Venus switch has a bottom out force of 52 grams, which is considered medium-light. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Brother switch may be more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming periods. In contrast, the Venus switch provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier actuation force and bottom out force, appealing to users who enjoy a stronger push feel. Both switches offer different experiences based on the actuation and bottom out force, catering to individuals with varying preferences in keyboard switches.
Travel distance
The TTC Brother clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the TTC Venus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Venus switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Brother switch. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for faster response times. The Brother switch may provide a slightly quicker response due to its slightly shorter travel distance, but the Venus switch may offer a slightly more substantial feel with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and response speed.
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 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 TTC Brother clicky switch offers a crunchy and precise auditory experience that resonates with each key press, resembling the satisfying sound of stepping on piles of crisp leaves. On the other hand, the TTC Venus linear switch provides a more muted and subdued sound profile, with a low-pitched tone that wraps each keystroke in a gentle auditory embrace. Both switches aim to offer a pleasant typing experience in terms of sound, with the Brother appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced clicky sound, while the Venus caters to users seeking a quieter typing environment.
In terms of feel, the TTC Brother clicky switch boasts an easy-to-press design with a lightweight actuation force of just 37g, providing a tactile typing experience that is effortless and comfortable, perfect for reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. On the contrary, the TTC Venus linear switch offers a buttery and frictionless typing sensation, reminiscent of biting into a chewy mochi or sliding across a smooth surface, ensuring every keystroke is both smooth and engaging. While the Brother focuses on a light and easy key press, the Venus emphasizes a seamless and uniform typing experience, catering to different preferences in typing feel.
In conclusion, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the TTC Venus linear switch each offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in the realm of mechanical keyboard switches. The Brother excels in delivering a precise and audible click with a lightweight actuation force, appealing to users who enjoy a clicky tactile experience. On the other hand, the Venus stands out with its smooth and engaging typing sensation, offering a more muted sound profile for a quieter typing environment. Both switches bring something special to the table, allowing users to choose based on their desired sound and feel preferences for an enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the TTC Brother clicky switch or the TTC Venus linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a lightweight, tactile experience with a satisfyingly crunchy sound, the Brother clicky switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a unique matte sensation with a nearly frictionless glide and a light actuation force for rapid typing, the Venus linear switch might be more suited to your liking. Whether you prioritize the sound or the feel of the switch, both the Brother and Venus switches offer distinct advantages that cater to different preferences. Reflect on your typing habits and preferences to select the switch that aligns best with your needs.
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