Keygeek Keygeek Raw vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keygeek Raw and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Keygeek Raw and TTC Venus both stand out for their distinctive qualities. The Keygeek Raw switch is crafted with a blend of Nylon, UMPE, and Silicon, resulting in a creamy yet lightweight feel that is slightly textured straight out of the box. This switch is ideal for enthusiasts who prefer to hand-lube their switches and falls into the categories of 'Textured', 'Mild', 'Neutral', and 'Subtle'. On the other hand, the TTC Venus boasts a unique internal configuration that offers a smooth, nearly frictionless glide combined with a "Q-texture" that provides a springy resistance akin to biting into a chewy mochi. This switch is known for its light actuation and subdued sound signature, falling into categories such as 'Buttery', 'Gummy', 'Frictionless', and 'Thocky'. While both switches have their own strengths and appeal, it is important to delve deeper into their specific characteristics to determine which one best suits individual preferences. 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
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
57.5g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon & UPE blend
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
UMPE & Si blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Keygeek Keygeek Raw and TTC Venus switches have their own unique characteristics that contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switch. The Keygeek Raw's Nylon & UPE blend top housing offers an exclusive blend that likely provides a smooth and consistent typing experience. In contrast, the Venus's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound profile, which may appeal to users looking for a quieter typing experience. While both switches may offer a satisfying typing experience, the difference in top housing materials will influence the overall sound produced.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Keygeek Raw's UMPE & Si blend bottom housing brings its own set of characteristics to the table. This exclusive blend may offer a unique tactile feel and sound profile that sets it apart from other switches on the market. On the other hand, the Venus's polycarbonate bottom housing is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer properties of polycarbonate may provide a more clear and resonant typing experience. The difference in bottom housing materials between the two switches will likely result in distinct typing feels and sound profiles.
In terms of functionality, the top and bottom housing materials play a crucial role in determining the overall sound and feel of the switch. When comparing the Keygeek Raw and TTC Venus switches, the qualities of the bottom housing will impact the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will influence the sound when releasing a key. While the Keygeek Raw and Venus switches may have differing top and bottom housing materials, they both aim to provide users with a satisfying typing experience through a combination of innovative housing materials. Whether it's the Nylon & UPE blend of the Keygeek Raw or the POM and polycarbonate materials of the Venus, each switch offers its own unique characteristics for users to enjoy.
Weight
The comparison between the Keygeek Raw linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch reveals some differences in actuation and bottom out forces. The Keygeek Raw has a bottom out force of 57.5 grams, which is considered medium in terms of weight. In contrast, the TTC Venus has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 52 grams, classifying it as medium-light. While the actuation force of the Keygeek Raw is unknown, the Venus has an actuation force of 45 grams, indicating a lighter touch needed to trigger a keystroke. This suggests that the TTC Venus may provide a slightly lighter typing experience compared to the Keygeek Raw. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces, with some users favoring a lighter feel for extended typing sessions and others preferring a heavier push for a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The Keygeek Raw linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4mm, while the TTC Venus linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8mm. Both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for quicker response times. The slight difference in travel distance may not be noticeable to some users, but for those who prefer a bit more depth in their keystrokes, the Keygeek Raw may provide a more satisfying feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and the feel of the switch when typing or gaming.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keygeek Raw has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keygeek Raw for $3.51.
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
In terms of sound, the Keygeek Raw features a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various uses and preferences. On the other hand, the TTC Venus offers a low-pitched, muted, and subdued sound, creating a more bass-heavy and mellow tone that minimizes the usual mechanical keyboard noise. The Venus also incorporates a thocky sound element, providing a deep, rich, and satisfying auditory experience. Ultimately, both switches offer different sound qualities that cater to different preferences, but both can result in a pleasing typing experience depending on the setup.
Regarding feel, the Keygeek Raw switch provides a textured and slightly frictional typing experience, appealing to users who enjoy a tactile sensation while typing. It also offers a mild and subtle feel with gentle resistance, suitable for shared spaces due to its non-resonant sound signature. On the other hand, the TTC Venus switch is described as buttery, gummy, and frictionless, providing a smooth, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. It also offers a mild typing experience with a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches have their unique tactile qualities, catering to individuals with different preferences for typing feedback and sensation.
In conclusion, the Keygeek Raw and TTC Venus linear switches offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. While the Keygeek Raw provides a neutral sound and textured feel, the TTC Venus showcases a low-pitched, muted sound with a buttery and gummy typing experience. Both switches aim to enhance the overall typing experience through their unique qualities, allowing users to choose based on their preferred sound and tactile feedback. Ultimately, users can expect a satisfactory typing experience from either switch based on their individual preferences and setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Keygeek Raw linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, consider the following guidelines based on your preferences. If you prefer a switch with a slightly textured feel straight out of the box and enjoy hand-lubing your switches for a creamy yet lightweight typing experience, the Keygeek Raw may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a unique "matte" sensation with a springy resistance, a low-pitched and muted sound profile, and a very light actuation for effortless typing, the TTC Venus might better suit your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on whether you value a slightly textured feel and hand-lubing potential (Keygeek Raw) or a unique matte sensation with a low-pitched, muted sound profile (TTC Venus). Consider your typing preferences and sound preferences to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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