TTC Honey vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the TTC Honey and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Honey and the TTC Venus mechanical keyboard switches, it is evident that both offer unique and desirable characteristics. The Honey switch is known for its smooth and creamy feel, along with a deep and pleasant sound profile, making it a popular choice for those seeking a subdued and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Venus switch stands out with its innovative internal configuration, providing a nearly frictionless glide paired with a chewy mochi-like resistance and a muted sound signature, creating a buttery and gummy typing sensation. While the Honey switch offers a subtle and buttery feel, the Venus switch delivers a unique matte sensation and rapid, effortless 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
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
25.5 mm lengthened spring
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Honey and the TTC Venus, we can see that both switches use polycarbonate for the bottom housing. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The relatively stiffer plastic of polycarbonate leads to a clearer and more resonant sound, making it a popular choice for switches that prioritize sound quality. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous for switches designed to incorporate RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through the housing for a visually appealing effect.
One key point of contrast between the two switches is the material used for the top housing. The TTC Honey features a polycarbonate top housing, while the TTC Venus utilizes a POM top housing. The Honey's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile with a higher pitch, while the Venus's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. This contrast highlights how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall sound profile of a switch, catering to different preferences for sound and feel.
When examining the impact of housing materials on the overall performance of these switches, it becomes evident that the different materials used for the top and bottom housing segments can lead to a split in qualities experienced during key presses. The qualities brought by the bottom housing material will influence the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing material will have a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. This balance of materials in the construction of switches like the TTC Honey and the TTC Venus allows for a nuanced and customizable typing experience based on the preferences of the user.
Weight
The TTC Honey linear switch has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the TTC Venus linear switch. The Honey requires 42 grams of force to actuate and 50 grams to bottom out, while the Venus needs 45 grams to actuate and 52 grams to bottom out. This difference in force makes the Honey feel lighter to type on, which can be preferable for longer typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Venus offers a slightly heavier typing experience, providing a more substantial push feel. Both switches fall within the light to medium-light range of actuation and bottom out forces, so users can expect similar results in terms of typing comfort and responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for a lighter or slightly heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The TTC Honey linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. The similarity in travel distance between the two switches ensures that users will get consistent feedback and feel when typing or gaming with either switch. This makes them ideal options for those looking for a precise and reliable typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Honey has an MSRP of $9.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Honey for $6.78.
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 Honey switch offers a subdued and pleasantly dampened sound profile, which is not completely silent but provides a more subtle auditory experience compared to most switches. On the other hand, the TTC Venus switch is characterized by a low-pitched and muted sound signature, offering a bass-heavy and mellow tone that minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Both switches provide a unique and engaging sound experience that can be further influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the TTC Honey switch is known for its creamy and frictionless typing experience, offering a smooth and buttery sensation that makes typing effortless and enjoyable. In contrast, the TTC Venus switch provides a buttery and gummy typing experience, combining a seamless and uniform keystroke sensation with a unique bottoming-out feeling reminiscent of a trampoline or gummy bear. Both switches offer a polished and refined typing experience, with smooth key travel and reduced friction for a sleek and comfortable feel during use.
Overall, the TTC Honey and TTC Venus switches each offer their own distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Honey switch provides a smooth and creamy feel with a deep and pleasant sound profile, the Venus switch offers a unique balance of frictionless glide and engaging "Q-texture" for rapid and effortless typing with a muted sound signature. Regardless of which switch you choose, both switches promise a satisfying typing experience tailored to different preferences and typing styles. Whether seeking a subtle and smooth feel with a subdued sound or a more engaging typing experience with a low-pitched and mellow tone, both the TTC Honey and TTC Venus switches can deliver similar results in terms of overall quality and performance.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a light and smooth typing experience with a subtle sound profile, the TTC Honey linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier actuation force with a unique "matte" sensation and a muted sound signature, the TTC Venus linear switch would be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, when choosing between these two switches, consider your preference for actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel to determine which switch would best suit your needs and preferences.
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