Durock Light Tactile vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the Durock Light Tactile and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Light Tactile and the TTC Venus stand out as unique options to enhance your typing experience. The Light Tactile switch offers a gentle tactility that sets it apart from sharper tactile switches, providing an angelic sensation with a jelly-like sound signature. On the other hand, the TTC Venus boasts an innovative internal design that combines seamless glide with a captivating "Q-texture" for a smooth and engaging typing experience. While the Light Tactile is categorized as "Neutral," "Mild," and "Polished," the Venus switch is described as "Buttery," "Gummy," "Frictionless," "Low-pitched," "Mild," "Muted," "Neutral," "Polished," "Subdued," and "Thocky." Each switch offers its own unique feel and sound, catering to different 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
52g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
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 spring
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Light Tactile and the TTC Venus, we can see that they both utilize polycarbonate in their top housings. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. However, the Light Tactile's polycarbonate top housing is noted for its ability to create a more resonant sound due to its stiffness, while the Venus's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound profile. This contrast highlights the impact that different housing materials can have on the overall sound and feel of a switch, catering to different preferences in terms of typing experience.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Light Tactile features a nylon bottom housing while the Venus employs a polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound profile. This results in a deeper and fuller sound when typing on the Light Tactile. In contrast, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Venus contributes to a sharper and clearer sound profile, similar to its top housing material. These differences in bottom housing materials further showcase how housing materials play a crucial role in shaping the overall sound and tactile feedback of a mechanical switch.
Despite their differences, both switches demonstrate the importance of top and bottom housing materials in influencing the sound and feel of a mechanical switch. The combination of different materials for the top and bottom housings allows for a nuanced typing experience, with each material offering unique qualities that can cater to different preferences. Whether it's the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate or the deeper and fuller sound of nylon, both the Durock Light Tactile and the TTC Venus showcase the impact that housing materials can have on the overall performance of a mechanical switch.
Weight
The Durock Light Tactile tactile switch has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the TTC Venus linear switch. The Light Tactile requires 52 grams of force to actuate and 67 grams to bottom out, making it a medium-heavy option. On the other hand, the TTC Venus only needs 45 grams to actuate and 52 grams to bottom out, making it a medium-light option. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Venus switch would be more suitable, allowing for longer typing sessions without as much finger fatigue. However, those who prefer a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Light Tactile switch for a stronger push. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing experience and weight preference.
Travel distance
The Durock Light Tactile tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Venus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the TTC Venus linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Durock Light Tactile switch. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Light Tactile being slightly longer. Gamers may prefer the Venus switch for its slightly faster response time due to the shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a deeper key press may opt for the Light Tactile switch with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for key feel and response time.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Light Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Tactile for $4.25.
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 Durock Light Tactile offers a neutral sound profile that is suitable for various environments and preferences. On the other hand, the TTC Venus provides a low-pitched, muted, and subdued sound that minimizes noise and wraps each keystroke in a soft auditory embrace. Both switches offer a different auditory experience, with the Light Tactile being more neutral and the Venus leaning towards a quieter, bass-heavy tone.
In terms of feel, the Light Tactile switch provides a mild and polished typing experience that is gentle and refined, making it approachable to most users. Conversely, the TTC Venus offers a buttery, gummy, and frictionless typing sensation that is smooth, effortless, and uniform. Both switches deliver a different tactile experience, with the Light Tactile focusing on a safe, middle-ground zone of tactility while the Venus excelling in providing a uniquely smooth and engaging typing feel.
Overall, the Durock Light Tactile and TTC Venus switches offer distinct experiences in sound and feel. The Light Tactile presents a gentle and angelic tactility with a jelly-like sound signature, while the Venus showcases a seamless glide with a captivating "Q-texture" and a matte sensation. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, these switches cater to different typing styles and environments. Ultimately, both switches guarantee a satisfying typing experience, whether you prefer a more neutral sound and subtle tactility like the Light Tactile or a quieter, buttery feel like the Venus.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a gentle tactile experience with neutral sound and mild feel, the Durock Light Tactile switch is a fantastic choice for you. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter bottom out force, fast typing speed, low-pitched and muted sound, along with a buttery, gummy, frictionless feel, then the TTC Venus linear switch would be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your typing style, sound preference, and tactile experience desired.
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