TTC Ice vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the TTC Ice and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your needs, the TTC Ice and TTC Venus linear switches offer two distinct yet appealing options. The TTC Ice stands out with its striking crystal-clear transparent design, delivering a smooth and responsive typing experience paired with a satisfying bottom-out sound that's ideal for both gaming and general everyday use. Its visual aesthetic adds an extra layer of appeal for those who appreciate a sleek look. In contrast, the TTC Venus switch excels with its innovative internal design that creates a unique "Q-texture," providing a frictionless glide that feels reminiscent of indulging in chewy mochi or tapioca pearls. Its light actuation allows for quick, effortless typing, complemented by a muted sound profile that results in a quieter, more subtle experience. Each switch has its strengths, catering to different preferences whether you prioritize visual impact and auditory feedback with the Ice or seek a smooth, low-key typing feel with the 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
60g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24mm single-stage spring
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
The TTC Ice and the TTC Venus switch housings offer a fascinating comparison due to their differing materials, which significantly influence their respective sound profiles and overall performance. The Ice utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This stiffness in the polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound, creating an auditory experience that is ideal for users who prefer a more pronounced key press. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes the Ice particularly suitable for setups utilizing RGB lighting, as it allows for effective light diffusion and effects.
In contrast, the Venus features a top housing made from POM (polyoxymethylene), which is known for producing a deeper and more muted sound profile. While both switches benefit from polycarbonate in their bottom housings, rendering a similarly crisp sound for the bottom-out experience, the interaction with POM in the Venus's top housing results in a distinct auditory character. This brings about a layered complexity to the overall sound, as the contrast between the deep tones from the POM top and the bright pitches from the polycarbonate bottom creates a unique auditory environment that's less common in typical mechanical switches.
Despite these contrasting materials, there is an essential harmony when the TTC Ice and Venus are examined together. The polycarbonate bottom housing in both switches ensures a consistent brightness in the acoustics when the keys bottom out. Therefore, while the Ice may lean more towards a sharper sound, and the Venus delivers a deeper tone, the cohesive properties of polycarbonate contribute to familiar results in terms of resonance and clarity that can be appreciated across both designs. This unique blending of materials illustrates how varying top housing compositions—polycarbonate and POM—can lead to a nuanced and rich sound experience, tailored for different user preferences while retaining similarities in overall performance characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Ice linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, both exhibit the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally responsive when it comes to triggering keystrokes. However, the bottom out force differs between the two; the Ice switch has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Venus switch is lighter at 52 grams. This means that while both switches start with the same initial resistance, the Ice switch requires more force to press down completely. For users who favor a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, the TTC Venus would be the preferable option, offering a slightly softer bottoming out experience. In contrast, those who enjoy a heftier key press may find the TTC Ice switch more appealing due to its greater bottom out force. Overall, while both switches share the same actuation force, their differing bottom out forces cater to different user preferences regarding tactile feedback and typing comfort.
Travel distance
The TTC Ice linear switch offers a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Venus linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Ice switch the shorter option, providing a more responsive feel that may appeal to gamers or those who prioritize quicker key presses. In contrast, the Venus switch, with its longer travel distance, caters to users who appreciate a little more depth and a less abrupt key actuation. Consequently, while both switches serve different preferences in typing experience, those seeking a rapid response should gravitate towards the Ice, whereas users desiring a more traditional feel might prefer the Venus.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Ice has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice for $5.99.
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 Ice switch is noted for its satisfying bottom-out sound, which contributes to a premium typing experience that balances auditory feedback without being overpowering. In contrast, the TTC Venus switch is characterized by a low-pitched, muted sound signature. Its design minimizes noise, creating a more subdued auditory experience that appeals to users seeking a quieter environment. While both switches cater to different acoustic preferences, the Ice provides a more pronounced auditory feedback, whereas the Venus ensures a more tranquil typing atmosphere.
In terms of feel, the TTC Ice switch is reported to deliver a smooth and responsive typing experience, ideal for gamers and typists who prefer a consistent keystroke. This aligns with the Venus switch, which offers a special internal design that promotes a buttery, frictionless glide. Users will experience a unique sensation reminiscent of biting into chewy mochi, characterized by a springy and polished feel that enhances the overall typing experience. The Ice provides a straightforward linear response while the Venus offers an added dimension of texture and smoothness, making both switches desirable for those who appreciate fluidity in their keystrokes.
In conclusion, both the TTC Ice and TTC Venus switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel, appealing to various types of users. The Ice's satisfying auditory feedback complements its smooth typing experience, making it suitable for a wide audience, while the Venus’s low-pitched and muted sound, combined with its exceptional glide, offers a unique tactile pleasure. Ultimately, if you're looking for a premium typing experience with pronounced feedback, the Ice is an excellent choice, while the Venus suits those who prefer a quieter and more refined touch. Depending on your priorities, either switch can deliver an enjoyable experience with their respective characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the TTC Ice and the TTC Venus linear switches largely depends on your preferences regarding actuation force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a slightly firmer keypress, the Ice, with its 60 grams bottom-out force, provides a solid typing experience that balances responsiveness with a nice thocky sound when bottomed out, making it great for both gaming and typing tasks. It's ideal for those who enjoy a pronounced auditory feedback combined with a polished and satisfying feel. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter, more effortless typing experience, opting for the TTC Venus with its 52 grams bottom-out force will serve you well. The Venus is characterized by its frictionless glide and subdued sound, offering a buttery and gummy feel that promotes rapid typing without straining your fingers. This makes it an excellent choice for prolonged typing sessions or quieter environments where muted sound is preferred. By considering the unique characteristics of each switch, you can find the perfect match for your typing style and environment.
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