KTT Cream Yellow vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the KTT Cream Yellow and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the Cream Yellow and the TTC Venus, both linear switches. The Cream Yellow is known for its distinctive clacky sound, bouncy typing feel, and shortened bottom-out distance, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a more resonant audio feedback while typing. On the other hand, the TTC Venus stands out for its unique internal configuration, offering a seamless and nearly frictionless glide paired with a satisfying "Q-texture" resistance, providing a smooth and engaging typing experience. While the Cream Yellow is categorized as 'Bouncy' and 'Clacky', the Venus is described as 'Buttery', 'Gummy', 'Frictionless', 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', 'Muted', 'Neutral', 'Polished', and 'Thocky'. 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
1.90 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
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Cream Yellow and the TTC Venus, one notable difference lies in their top housing. The Cream Yellow features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the Venus utilizes a POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound. This contrast in sound profiles allows for a unique typing experience depending on personal preference. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate top housing in the Cream Yellow makes it ideal for RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing element to the switch.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of the Cream Yellow and Venus also exhibit distinct characteristics. The Cream Yellow incorporates a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. In comparison, the Venus utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which leads to a sharper and crisper sound profile. This difference in sound qualities between the two switches' bottom housings further adds to the overall typing experience, catering to a variety of user preferences based on sound preference.
Overall, while the housing materials of the Cream Yellow and Venus differ in their top and bottom components, they both offer unique sound profiles that can enhance the typing experience. The Cream Yellow's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing creates a balance between sharpness and depth in sound, while the Venus provides a distinct sound profile with its POM top housing and polycarbonate bottom housing. Whether you prefer a sharper, more resonant sound or a deeper, more muted sound, both switches offer a range of options for users seeking a specific typing experience.
Weight
The KTT Cream Yellow linear switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the TTC Venus linear switch's 45 grams, making the Venus the lighter option. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Cream Yellow requires 58 grams, while the Venus requires 52 grams, making the Cream Yellow the heavier option in this aspect. Both switches fall within the medium range for actuation force, but the Cream Yellow leans towards the heavier side when it comes to bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Venus may be the better choice, allowing for longer typing sessions with less fatigue. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial push feel may find the Cream Yellow to provide a more satisfying typing experience. Overall, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The KTT Cream Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the TTC Venus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Venus has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Cream Yellow. While both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, the Venus provides a bit more depth for those who prefer a more substantial key press feel. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow may appeal more to gamers or individuals looking for a faster response time due to its slightly shorter travel distance. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key press feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Cream Yellow has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cream Yellow 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
In terms of sound, the Cream Yellow switch offers a distinctively clacky and sharp sound when pressed, providing a crisp and percussive auditory experience. On the other hand, the TTC Venus switch produces a low-pitched and muted sound profile that wraps each key press in a subdued auditory embrace. The Venus switch also offers a unique "Q-texture" that adds a springy resistance akin to biting into a chewy mochi or tapioca pearl. Both switches offer different sound profiles - the Cream Yellow with its clacky tone and the Venus with its low-pitched and muted sound - allowing for customization based on user preference and environment.
When it comes to feel, the Cream Yellow switch is known for its uniquely bouncy typing experience, offering a spring-like and elastic feedback sensation that gives a lively rebound when keys are pressed. In contrast, the TTC Venus switch provides a buttery and frictionless typing experience, with a seamless and effortless keystroke that feels smooth and uniform. Additionally, the Venus switch also features a gummy sensation when bottoming out, giving a unique typing experience akin to bottoming out on a trampoline or gummy bear. Both switches offer different tactile feedback - the Cream Yellow with its bouncy feel and the Venus with its buttery smoothness and gummy sensation - catering to users with varying preferences in typing sensation.
Overall, the Cream Yellow linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cream Yellow delivers a clacky sound and bouncy typing feel, providing a sharp and lively typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Venus showcases a low-pitched and muted sound signature, combined with a buttery smooth and frictionless typing sensation that is both engaging and effortless. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the Cream Yellow for a more percussive and bouncy typing experience, or the Venus for a smoother and quieter typing sensation. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance the overall typing experience for users.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize a distinct clacky sound with a bouncy typing feel, then the Cream Yellow switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a unique "matte" sensation that offers a smooth and engaging typing experience with a light actuation force, then the TTC Venus switch would be more suitable. Additionally, if you prefer a low-pitched, muted, and neutral sound profile, along with a buttery, frictionless, gummy, mild, and polished typing feel, the TTC Venus switch would be a great fit for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience. Choose the one that best meets your specific needs and preferences for an optimal typing experience.
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