KTT Laurel vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the KTT Laurel and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Laurel and the TTC Venus mechanical keyboard switches, both of which are linear switches, there are some key differences to consider. The Laurel is praised for its medium-light feel and short travel, offering a responsive yet comfortable typing experience with a subtly low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Venus stands out for its unique internal configuration, providing a smooth and frictionless glide with a "Q-texture" that adds a matte sensation to each key press. While the Laurel is snappy and low-pitched, the Venus is described as buttery, gummy, and thocky. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your preference for feel and sound. 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
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
1.80 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
POM
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22m spring
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
The KTT Laurel and TTC Venus both feature POM top housings, which are known for creating a pleasing and unique sound profile that is deeper and more muted compared to other materials. This means that users can expect a similar auditory experience when typing on either keyboard. However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Laurel utilizes POM material while the Venus opts for polycarbonate. The use of polycarbonate in the Venus's bottom housing results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This contrast in materials will likely lead to a noticeable difference in typing feel and sound between the two keyboards.
Despite having different bottom housings, both the KTT Laurel and TTC Venus share the qualities of POM top housings, meaning they will produce a similar sound when keys are pressed down. However, the difference in materials for the bottom housing will impact the overall typing experience. The stiffer polycarbonate material in the Venus's bottom housing will likely result in a clearer and more resonant sound profile compared to the Laurel's POM bottom housing. This difference in material composition highlights the importance of considering both top and bottom housing materials when evaluating keyboard sound and feel.
In practical terms, the housing materials of the KTT Laurel and TTC Venus play a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of each keystroke. While both keyboards feature POM top housings that create a pleasingly deep and muted sound, the choice of polycarbonate for the Venus's bottom housing leads to a sharper and crisper sound profile. This distinction underscores the impact that housing materials can have on the overall typing experience, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing affecting the sound when releasing a key. Ultimately, users looking for a keyboard with a specific sound profile may prefer one over the other based on their preferences for housing materials.
Weight
The KTT Laurel linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the TTC Venus linear switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. Both switches have relatively light actuation forces, making them suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Laurel requires 50 grams of force compared to the Venus which requires 52 grams. This means that the Venus has a slightly heavier bottom out force, providing a bit more resistance during typing. Overall, both switches offer a similar typing experience with light actuation forces but differ slightly in their bottom out force, with the Laurel being the lighter option and the Venus being slightly heavier. Users who prefer a softer typing experience may lean towards the Laurel, while those who prefer a bit more resistance may gravitate towards the Venus.
Travel distance
The KTT Laurel linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the TTC Venus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Laurel has a shorter travel distance compared to the Venus. A shorter travel distance is often preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer more depth. Both switches offer different tactile experiences due to their varying travel distances, so choosing between the two would depend on individual preferences. Overall, the Laurel would provide a slightly quicker key press compared to the Venus due to its shorter travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Laurel has an MSRP of $4.42 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Laurel for $3.95.
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 KTT Laurel linear switch is known for its low-pitched sound profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone with each keystroke. On the other hand, the TTC Venus linear switch also offers a low-pitched sound, but with additional characteristics such as being muted, subdued, and thocky, delivering a softer and quieter sound overall. While both switches share a low-pitched sound, the Venus switch offers a more varied and nuanced auditory experience, catering to users who prefer a quieter typing environment.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Laurel linear switch is described as snappy, providing a super responsive typing experience that feels lively and reactive. On the other hand, the TTC Venus linear switch offers a buttery, gummy, frictionless, mild, and polished feel, ensuring a smooth and fluid keystroke with minimal resistance or friction. The Venus switch presents a more diverse range of tactile sensations, appealing to users who value a seamless and effortless typing experience.
Overall, while both the KTT Laurel and TTC Venus linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, they cater to slightly different preferences. The Laurel switch provides a low-pitched sound and a snappy feel, ideal for those seeking a balanced and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Venus switch offers a more varied sound profile with muted and thocky characteristics, as well as a buttery and polished feel, suited for users looking for a smooth and engaging typing sensation. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, albeit with distinct qualities.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Laurel linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, consider your preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-light switch with a low-pitched sound profile and a snappy feel, the Laurel may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a very light actuation force, a unique "Q-texture" feel, and a smooth, frictionless typing experience with a muted sound profile, the Venus switch might be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns with your typing preferences and overall typing experience.
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