TTC Light Cloud V2 vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the TTC Light Cloud V2 and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Light Cloud V2 and the TTC Venus both offer unique and desirable qualities. The Light Cloud V2 is best known for its silent operation and refined typing feel, making it a great choice for those who prefer a delicate and nuanced experience. On the other hand, the Venus stands out for its innovative internal design that provides a smooth yet engaging typing sensation, with a distinctive "Q-texture" that adds a satisfying tactile feedback. While the Light Cloud V2 is described as 'Mild', 'Muted', 'Neutral', 'Easy-to-press', 'Feathery', the Venus is categorized as 'Buttery', 'Gummy', 'Frictionless', 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', 'Muted', 'Neutral', 'Polished', 'Subdued', 'Thocky'. These general pointers can help you determine which switch may be more suitable for your 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated double-staged spring
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Light Cloud V2 and the TTC Venus offer distinct characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Light Cloud V2's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound when compared to the Venus's POM top housing. In contrast, the POM material used in the Venus's top housing produces a unique sound profile that is on the deeper side and more muted, offering a different typing experience for users. While both materials aim to enhance sound quality, their individual properties result in varying tones and textures when typing on the switches.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Light Cloud V2's nylon material continues to contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. On the other hand, the Venus's polycarbonate bottom housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, enhancing the overall clarity and resonance of the switch. The choice of housing material for the bottom of the switch can significantly influence the typing experience, with nylon offering a softer and more absorbing touch, while polycarbonate provides a stiffer and clearer response. These differences in bottom housing material further highlight the unique qualities of each switch and cater to individual preferences in sound and feel.
In conclusion, while the Light Cloud V2 and the Venus boast different top and bottom housing materials, they both seek to enhance the typing experience through distinct sound profiles. The use of nylon in the Light Cloud V2 creates a deeper and fuller sound, while POM in the Venus offers a more muted and unique tone. Additionally, the polycarbonate bottom housing in the Venus provides a sharper and crisper sound compared to the duller and rounder sound produced by the nylon bottom housing in the Light Cloud V2. Overall, the choice of housing materials plays a crucial role in shaping the sound and feel of mechanical switches, allowing users to tailor their typing experience to their preferences.
Weight
Both the TTC Light Cloud V2 and the TTC Venus linear switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning that they will require an equal amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Light Cloud V2 is heavier at 58 grams compared to the Venus at 52 grams. The Light Cloud V2 provides a more substantial and tactile typing experience due to its higher bottom out force, while the Venus offers a lighter touch for those who prefer a smoother typing feel. In terms of weight, the Light Cloud V2 is slightly heavier overall, making it a suitable option for users who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Venus is lighter and may be more suitable for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience for extended periods. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the TTC Venus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Light Cloud V2 offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Venus linear switch. The difference may seem minimal, but for some users, even a fraction of a millimeter can impact their typing experience. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Light Cloud V2, while those who enjoy a deeper keystroke may lean towards the Venus switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Light Cloud V2 has an MSRP of $6.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Cloud V2 for $5.49.
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 Light Cloud V2 offers a muted and neutral typing experience, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, suitable for a variety of environments. On the other hand, the TTC Venus provides a low-pitched, muted, and subdued sound profile, with a thocky element that adds a deep and satisfying auditory feedback to each key press. Both switches excel in providing a quieter typing experience, with the Venus offering a slightly more unique sound profile due to its low-pitched characteristics.
In terms of feel, the TTC Light Cloud V2 offers a mild and easy-to-press typing experience, with feathery switches that provide a light and effortless key press, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Conversely, the TTC Venus provides a buttery and frictionless typing sensation, offering a smooth, gummy, and mild key press that is polished to perfection. Both switches aim to enhance typing comfort, with the Venus providing a slightly more fluid and polished feel due to its unique internal configuration.
Overall, both the TTC Light Cloud V2 and the TTC Venus switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. While the Light Cloud V2 is more suited for those seeking a delicate and nuanced typing experience with a muted sound profile, the Venus stands out with its distinctive Q-texture and low-pitched, gummy sound. Both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, with the Light Cloud V2 leaning towards a lighter touch and the Venus offering a more frictionless and polished feel. Depending on individual preferences, users can expect similar results in terms of a quieter typing experience but may choose one over the other based on the specific sound and feel they are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Light Cloud V2 and the TTC Venus linear switches, consider your preference for typing experience. If you prioritize a delicate and nuanced typing feel with a muted sound profile, the Light Cloud V2 may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you seek a unique matte sensation with a gummy, frictionless, and buttery typing experience accompanied by a low-pitched, subdued sound, the TTC Venus may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer a refined typing experience, but your decision should be based on whether you value a light, smooth typing feel (Venus) or a slightly heavier, more neutral typing experience (Light Cloud V2).