Zuoce Lavender vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Lavender and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Zuoce Lavender and the TTC Venus mechanical keyboard switches, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. The Lavender switch stands out for its exceptional smoothness and satisfyingly clacky sound, making it perfect for those who enjoy a tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Venus switch offers a unique "matte" sensation with a buttery and gummy feel, combined with a light actuation for rapid typing and a muted sound profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
48g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Z1 (Ly blend)
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm double-staged spring
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
The Zuoce Lavender and TTC Venus both utilize POM material for their top housing, which results in a pleasing and unique sound that leans towards the deeper and more muted side. This similar choice in housing material means that users can expect a consistent sound profile when typing on either keyboard. However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Lavender's POM material contrasts with the Venus's polycarbonate material. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Venus creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature. This difference in material can significantly impact the typing experience and overall sound of the keyboard.
In terms of aesthetics, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the TTC Venus allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the keyboard. On the other hand, the Zuoce Lavender may not offer the same level of translucency and light diffusion due to its POM top housing. Additionally, the qualities brought by the housing materials are split between the top and bottom of the switch, affecting the typing experience in different ways. The bottom housing's impact on the bottom-out sound and feel contrasts with the top housing's influence on the sound when releasing a key.
While both the Zuoce Lavender and TTC Venus share the use of POM for their top housing, the differentiation in their bottom housing materials brings about distinct sound profiles and typing experiences. The stiffer polycarbonate material in the Venus's bottom housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, while the POM material in the Lavender's bottom housing leads to a more muted sound. This difference showcases how the choice of housing material can greatly impact the overall auditory and tactile experience of typing on a mechanical keyboard. Whether one prefers a sharper sound or a deeper tone, both keyboards offer unique qualities based on their housing material choices.
Weight
The Zuoce Lavender linear switch and TTC Venus linear switch both fall into the medium-light category when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces. The Lavender has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams compared to the Venus's 45 grams, but when it comes to bottoming out, the Lavender requires 53 grams while the Venus requires 52 grams. This means that the Venus is slightly lighter in terms of actuation force, while the Lavender is slightly heavier when it comes to bottoming out. Both switches offer a similar typing experience with a moderate amount of force required for key presses. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Venus, while those who enjoy a bit more resistance might opt for the Lavender. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Zuoce Lavender linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the TTC Venus linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches have shorter travel distances compared to the more traditional 4.0 mm, making them popular choices for those who prioritize faster response times. Gamers, in particular, may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Lavender switch for quick key presses during gameplay. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial key press might lean towards the Venus switch with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing or gaming needs of the user.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Zuoce Lavender has an MSRP of $2.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lavender for $1.99.
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
In terms of sound, the Zuoce Lavender switch offers a crisp and clacky sound signature, giving each keystroke a distinctly satisfying experience. On the other hand, the TTC Venus switch provides a low-pitched and muted sound profile that wraps each keystroke in a subdued auditory embrace. The Lavender switch is more on the sharp and percussive side of the sound spectrum, while the Venus switch leans towards a bass-heavy and mellow tone with a quieter sound profile. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Lavender being more lively and the Venus being more subdued.
When it comes to feel, the Zuoce Lavender switch provides an easy-to-press typing experience with minimal force required for key activation. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the TTC Venus switch offers a buttery and frictionless typing sensation, providing a smooth and effortless keystroke experience. The Venus switch also has a gummy feel when bottoming out, offering a unique typing sensation akin to bottoming out on a trampoline or a gummy bear. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience but with slightly different tactile characteristics, where the Lavender is easier to press while the Venus provides a more fluid and seamless typing experience.
Overall, the Zuoce Lavender and TTC Venus switches each bring their own unique qualities to the table in terms of sound and feel. The Lavender excels in its crisp and clacky sound signature along with its easy-to-press typing feel, providing a lively and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Venus stands out with its low-pitched and muted sound profile, along with its buttery and frictionless typing sensation that offers a smooth and engaging typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer a delightful typing experience that caters to different tastes. Ultimately, whether you choose the Lavender or Venus switch, you can expect a high-quality typing experience with distinct characteristics that make each press satisfying in its own way.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch for your mechanical keyboard, you'll want to choose the Lavender if you prioritize exceptional smoothness and a crisp, clacky sound signature. The medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams offers a satisfying typing experience with a bit of tactile feedback. On the other hand, opt for the TTC Venus if you prefer a switch with a unique "matte" sensation, smooth frictionless glide, and a light actuation force of 52 grams for rapid typing. The Venus provides a muted, low-pitched sound profile that is perfect for quieter environments. Ultimately, the Lavender is ideal for those who enjoy a clacky sound and medium-light actuation force, while the Venus caters to those seeking a buttery, frictionless typing experience with a lighter touch. Choose based on your preference for sound, feel, and typing style to enhance your overall mechanical keyboard experience.
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