KTT Darling vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the KTT Darling and the TTC Venus mechanical keyboard switches, you are presented with two unique options that cater to different preferences. The KTT Darling, a linear switch, offers a typing experience that is bouncy, clacky, and high-pitched, while also providing substantial feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the TTC Venus, also a linear switch, stands out for its buttery, gummy, and frictionless feel, accompanied by a low-pitched and muted sound profile. These switches appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile and auditory feedback (Darling) and those who prefer a smoother, quieter typing experience (Venus). 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
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Darling and TTC Venus, it is clear that both switches feature unique material combinations in their construction. The Darling utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the Venus features a POM top housing, which produces a deeper and relatively more muted sound. This contrast in sound profiles can cater to different preferences, with the Darling offering a crisper sound and the Venus providing a more subdued tone. However, both switches excel in their ability to create distinct auditory experiences based on their top housing materials.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the Darling incorporates a nylon bottom housing, known for its ability to elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. On the other hand, the Venus utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which mirrors the qualities of the polycarbonate top housing by creating a sharp and clear sound profile. While the Darling focuses on providing a rounder sound with its nylon bottom housing, the Venus maintains consistency in sound characteristics across both top and bottom housings. This difference highlights how the choice of bottom housing material can significantly impact the overall sound profile of a switch.
Overall, the contrasting housing materials of the KTT Darling and TTC Venus offer a diverse range of sound experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Darling's combination of polycarbonate and nylon creates a dynamic sound profile with sharpness and depth, catering to those who appreciate a mix of clarity and fullness in their typing experience. On the other hand, the Venus's POM and polycarbonate housing materials provide a unique sound that leans towards deeper tones and crispness, appealing to users seeking a more muted yet defined typing sound. Despite their differences, both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in influencing the overall sound profile of a keyboard, offering users a choice between distinct auditory experiences.
Weight
Both the KTT Darling linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch have an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Darling requires 53 grams, whereas the Venus requires 52 grams, with the Darling being slightly heavier. The actuation force of both switches being the same means that users can expect similar responsiveness when typing or gaming. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Venus may be more appealing, while the Darling may be a better choice for those who prefer a slightly heavier typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The KTT Darling and TTC Venus linear switches both offer relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0mm. The Darling has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5mm, while the Venus has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8mm. Gamers may lean towards the Darling for its quicker response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Venus with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference based on how you prefer the feel of the key press. Both switches offer a different experience, but ultimately achieve similar results in providing a smooth and linear keystroke.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Darling has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Darling for $3.90.
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 Darling linear switch is known for its high-pitched and resonant characteristics, offering a clacky typing experience with a sharp and percussive sound upon bottoming out. On the other hand, the TTC Venus linear switch is described as having a low-pitched and muted sound profile, creating a quieter and more subdued auditory experience with each keystroke. While the Darling provides a more lively and engaging sound feedback, the Venus offers a smoother and softer sound signature, catering to those who prefer a more subtle typing experience.
In terms of feel, the KTT Darling linear switch is highlighted for its bouncy sensation, providing a springy and elastic feedback that adds a lively feel to each key press. On the contrary, the TTC Venus linear switch is described as offering a buttery and frictionless typing experience, with a seamless and effortless keystroke sensation. Additionally, the Venus switch also presents a gummy feel when bottoming out, reminiscent of pressing down on a trampoline or a gummy bear. These qualities make the Venus switch ideal for those seeking a smooth and fluid typing experience with minimal resistance.
Taking into consideration the subjective qualities of sound and feel, the KTT Darling linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch offer distinct typing experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Darling excels in providing a clacky and bouncy typing sensation with a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, the Venus stands out for its low-pitched and muted sound with a buttery and gummy feel. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Darling emphasizing tactile and auditory feedback, while the Venus prioritizes smoothness and subtlety in typing. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on whether you prefer a more engaging and lively typing experience or a smoother and quieter one.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Darling linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, consider the typing experience you are looking for. If you prefer a keyboard switch that offers a chewy and substantial sensation with a pronounced bounciness, along with a high-pitched, resonant sound upon bottoming out, the KTT Darling may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you seek a switch with a seamless glide, a unique "Q-texture" that provides a matte sensation, and a very light actuation for rapid typing, coupled with a muted sound signature, then the TTC Venus could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the specific tactile and auditory feedback you desire in your typing experience.
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