Outemu Crystal vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Crystal and TTC Venus linear switches both offer unique and distinct typing experiences. The Crystal provides a smooth and medium-light typing feel with a neutral sound profile, making it ideal for those who prefer a linear switch with a bit of elasticity. On the other hand, the Venus boasts a seamless glide and a "Q-texture" that adds a springy resistance, giving each keystroke a buttery and engaging feel. Its light actuation and muted sound signature make it perfect for those seeking a frictionless and quiet typing experience. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
Both the Outemu Crystal and the TTC Venus utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, providing a sharp, higher-pitched sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in both switches creates a clear and resonant sound due to its relatively stiff nature. Aesthetic-wise, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting effects to shine through, making it a popular choice for those who want a visually appealing switch. However, the Crystal offers a crisper sound profile compared to the Venus, which produces a deeper and more muted sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Outemu Crystal sticks with polycarbonate, maintaining its sharp, higher-pitched sound profile. This consistency throughout the housing ensures a cohesive sound and feel when typing on the switch. On the other hand, the TTC Venus opts for a POM bottom housing, which may slightly alter the typing experience by adding a unique sound to the bottom-out key press. The contrast in sound profiles between the Crystal's polycarbonate bottom housing and the Venus's POM bottom housing offers users a choice between a sharper, crisper sound and a deeper, more muted sound, respectively.
When both the top and bottom housings differ in material within a switch, the qualities of each material are distributed throughout the keypress experience. The bottom housing material has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing material affects the sound when releasing a key. This split in housing materials allows for a nuanced typing experience, offering a variety of sound profiles and tactile feedback based on the combination of housing materials used.
Weight
In comparing the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Crystal has a slightly higher bottom out force of 55 grams compared to the Venus's 52 grams. This means that the Crystal switch requires a slightly heavier force to fully press down the key compared to the Venus switch. Both switches fall in the category of medium-light switches, making them suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience. Ultimately, those who enjoy a slightly heavier feel when typing may lean towards the Outemu Crystal, while those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the TTC Venus switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, the Crystal offers a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Venus's 3.8 mm. Although the difference may seem minor, it can have an impact on the overall feel of the keyboard. The Crystal's 4 mm travel distance may provide a more traditional typing experience with a bit more depth, while the Venus's 3.8 mm travel distance offers a slightly shallower feel. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Venus with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Crystal. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
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 Outemu Crystal comes in at $3.40 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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Crystal linear switch has a chirpy and high-pitched profile, setting it apart with a unique acoustic signature. In comparison, the TTC Venus linear switch offers a low-pitched, muted sound that wraps each keystroke in a subdued auditory embrace. The Venus switch provides a more bass-heavy, mellow tone compared to the Crystal's sharper and crisper sound. Ultimately, the sound experience with these switches will depend on factors such as your choice of keyboard and keycaps.
Moving on to the feel of these switches, the Outemu Crystal is described as having a polished finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Meanwhile, the TTC Venus is characterized by a buttery, gummy, frictionless feel, providing a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. The Venus switch offers an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. Overall, both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, with the Crystal focusing on refinement and the Venus on a smooth and engaging feel.
In conclusion, the Outemu Crystal and TTC Venus linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Crystal provides a chirpy, high-pitched sound with a polished feel, the Venus offers a low-pitched, muted sound accompanied by a buttery, gummy, frictionless feel. Depending on your preference for sound and typing experience, both switches can provide a satisfying and unique tactile response. Ultimately, whether you choose the Crystal or the Venus, you can expect a quality linear switch that delivers reliable and enjoyable performance.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium-light bottom out force, the Outemu Crystal linear switch would be a great choice for you. It offers a unique linear typing experience with a neutral sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a slightly lighter actuation force and a distinctive "matte" sensation, the TTC Venus linear switch might be more suitable for you. The Venus provides a smooth and engaging typing experience with a muted sound signature. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches would depend on your personal preference for bottom out force, typing experience, and sound profile.
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