KTT Mallo vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the KTT Mallo and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Mallo and the TTC Venus present distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The KTT Mallo switch is renowned for its gentle tactility and medium-light typing feel, offering a balanced experience for typists who appreciate subtle feedback without an overpowering sensation. In contrast, the TTC Venus switch stands out with its ingenious internal design, providing a seamless glide paired with a unique "Q-texture" that delivers a smooth yet engaging typing experience. While the Mallo excels in subtlety and neutrality, the Venus offers a buttery and frictionless feel, perfect for those who enjoy a polished and low-pitched sound profile. 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
55g
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
No
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
The KTT Mallo and TTC Venus both utilize different housing materials for their top and bottom components, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Mallo's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharp and high-pitched sound, ideal for enthusiasts looking for a crisper typing experience. In contrast, the Venus's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound, catering to those who prefer a softer typing feel. This difference in sound is directly influenced by the stiffness of polycarbonate versus the softer nature of POM, showcasing how housing materials can significantly impact the overall typing experience.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of the Mallo and Venus offer contrasting properties as well. The Mallo's nylon bottom housing contributes to a fuller and deeper sound, perfect for users who enjoy a more mellow typing experience. Conversely, the Venus's polycarbonate bottom housing provides a sharper and clearer sound, appealing to individuals who prefer a more resonant typing feel. The choice between nylon and polycarbonate bottom housings ultimately boils down to personal preference, with nylon offering a softer feel and polycarbonate delivering a crisper sound profile.
Overall, the combination of top and bottom housing materials in both the Mallo and Venus switches results in a unique typing experience for users. While the Mallo focuses on a sharper sound profile with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, the Venus emphasizes a deeper and more muted sound with its POM top housing and polycarbonate bottom housing. Despite their differences, both switches showcase how housing materials play a crucial role in shaping the overall typing feel and sound, offering a variety of options for keyboard enthusiasts to choose from based on their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, it is clear that the Mallo has a lighter actuation force compared to the Venus. The Mallo has an actuation force of None grams, while the Venus has an actuation force of 45 grams. Both switches have a medium-light bottom out force, with the Mallo at 55 grams and the Venus at 52 grams. The lighter actuation force of the Mallo may be preferred by those who want a more effortless typing experience, while the Venus may appeal to those looking for a slightly stronger push feel. Overall, both switches offer a similar medium-light bottom out force, so users can expect comparable results in terms of typing comfort and feedback.
Travel distance
The KTT Mallo tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it slightly longer than the TTC Venus linear switch with a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches offer a traditional travel distance that provides a good balance between responsiveness and depth. Gamers seeking faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Venus switch, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Mallo switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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 KTT Mallo switch offers a neutral and subdued experience, making it suitable for most environments whether at home or in an office setting. On the other hand, the TTC Venus switch provides a low-pitched and muted sound, creating a bass-heavy and mellow tone that minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Both switches offer a more subtle sound signature, with the Mallo being slightly more neutral and the Venus having a unique low-pitched quality.
In terms of feel, the KTT Mallo switch is known for its feathery and mild typing experience, making it comfortable for extended use without causing finger fatigue. It provides a gentle tactility that strikes a balanced chord for typists. On the other hand, the TTC Venus switch offers a buttery and frictionless typing sensation, with a unique "matte" feel that ensures every press is smooth and engaging. Both switches offer a light typing feel, with the Mallo having a feathery resistance and the Venus providing a frictionless glide.
Overall, the KTT Mallo and TTC Venus switches both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Mallo excels in providing a balanced and versatile typing experience with its gentle tactility and medium-light feel, while the Venus stands out with its innovative internal configuration that offers a smooth and engaging typing experience. Whether you prefer a more neutral and subtle sound profile or a low-pitched and muted tone, both switches deliver on their promises of quality and performance. Ultimately, choosing between the two would come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the KTT Mallo tactile switch or the TTC Venus linear switch, it ultimately boils down to your preference in typing experience. If you value a subtle tactility with a medium-light typing feel and a neutral sound signature, the Mallo may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you appreciate a nearly frictionless glide combined with a unique "Q-texture" sensation, extremely light actuation, and a low-pitched, muted sound signature, the Venus could be more suitable for your typing needs. Consider your typing preferences and environment to make an informed decision between these two innovative switch options.
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