TTC Iron vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the TTC Iron and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The TTC Iron and TTC Venus are two remarkable mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique features for different preferences. The Iron is best known for its pronounced clacky sound signature and light actuation, providing a satisfying typing experience for enthusiasts and daily users alike. On the other hand, the Venus stands out with its innovative internal design, offering a seamless glide and a distinctive "Q-texture" sensation that adds a unique touch to each keystroke. While the Iron is categorized as easy-to-press and clacky, the Venus boasts attributes such as buttery, gummy, 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
41g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Iron and TTC Venus both feature POM in the top housing, creating a pleasing sound with a deeper profile and muted tones. However, the bottom housing of the Iron utilizes POM as well, while the Venus incorporates polycarbonate. The polycarbonate in the Venus's bottom housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. This difference in housing materials between the two switches results in a more distinct sound and feel when typing.
The use of polycarbonate in the bottom housing of the TTC Venus offers a clear and resonant sound profile, while the POM bottom housing of the TTC Iron provides a more muted and deeper tone. The polycarbonate material is favored for switches that feature RGB lighting due to its translucency, enhancing the overall aesthetic. In contrast, the POM material in the Iron's bottom housing contributes to a softer sound when typing. These differences in housing materials showcase how variations in material can impact the overall typing experience and sound output of mechanical switches.
Overall, the combination of POM in the top and bottom housings of the TTC Iron and the POM top and polycarbonate bottom housings of the TTC Venus result in unique sound profiles for each switch. While both switches offer a pleasing and deep sound, the Venus provides a sharper and crisper tone due to the polycarbonate bottom housing. The housing material plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and feel of a switch, highlighting the importance of considering these factors when choosing a mechanical keyboard switch for a specific typing experience.
Weight
The TTC Iron linear switch has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the TTC Venus linear switch. The Iron has an actuation force of 41 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Venus has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams. The Iron switch would be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch when typing or gaming, allowing for longer periods of use without fatigue. On the other hand, the Venus switch provides a slightly stronger push feel, offering a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a bit more resistance. Both switches offer a smooth linear experience, but the choice between the two would depend on the individual user's preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The TTC Iron linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key using either switch, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. This ensures consistent feel and feedback when typing or gaming.Overall, the travel distance of both switches is the same, providing a smooth and uniform typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Iron has an MSRP of $5.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Iron for $4.30.
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
The TTC Iron linear switch is known for its distinctive clacky sound signature, providing a sharp and snappy auditory experience with each press. On the other hand, the TTC Venus linear switch offers a low-pitched and muted sound profile, creating a bass-heavy and softer sound that envelops each keystroke. Both switches fall under the category of neutral sound switches, making them suitable for various users and environments. Depending on personal preference, the Iron switch delivers a more pronounced and crisp sound, while the Venus switch offers a subdued and mellow tone.
Moving on to feel, the TTC Iron linear switch is characterized by its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force for activation and providing a gentle typing experience. In contrast, the TTC Venus linear switch offers a buttery and frictionless typing sensation, ensuring a smooth and effortless keystroke with each press. Both switches are described as mild switches, offering comfortable typing experiences that cater to a wide range of users. While the Iron switch focuses on light actuation and low impact typing, the Venus switch emphasizes a seamless and uniform keystroke without any sense of resistance.
In conclusion, the TTC Iron linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Iron switch provides a clacky sound and easy-to-press feel, ideal for those seeking a pronounced auditory feedback and light actuation. On the other hand, the Venus switch delivers a low-pitched and muted sound along with a buttery and frictionless typing experience, perfect for users looking for a smooth and engaging keystroke. Whether you choose the Iron or Venus switch, you can expect a satisfying typing experience that aligns with your preferences, as both switches offer distinct yet appealing characteristics that enhance every keystroke.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Iron linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prioritize a light actuation force and a pronounced clacky sound, the TTC Iron switch may be the ideal choice for you. Its swift and fatigue-free typing sessions, coupled with buttery smooth travel, make it a popular option for enthusiasts and daily users alike. Conversely, if you seek a nearly frictionless glide with a captivating "Q-texture" feel and a light actuation force for rapid typing, the TTC Venus switch could be the perfect fit. Its unique matte sensation, smooth and engaging keystrokes, and muted sound signature provide a distinctive typing experience. Ultimately, your decision between these two switches should depend on your desired sound profile and typing feel preferences.
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