Dareu Master vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the Dareu Master and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Master and the TTC Venus mechanical keyboard switches, both linear in nature, distinct differences emerge. The Master switch by Dareu boasts a medium weight, providing a classic clacky sound signature and smooth operation. On the other hand, the TTC Venus stands out with its unique internal design, offering a seamless glide and a matte sensation with a springy resistance. The Master switch is categorized as 'Clacky', 'Mild', and 'Polished', while the Venus switch is described as 'Buttery', 'Gummy', 'Frictionless', 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', 'Muted', 'Neutral', 'Polished', 'Subdued', and 'Thocky'. When considering which switch to choose, the Master may appeal to those who prefer a more traditional feel, while the Venus could be ideal for users seeking a smooth and engaging typing experience. However, let's delve deeper into the nuances of each switch to help you make the best decision for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Master and the TTC Venus both feature POM top housings, which create a pleasing and unique sound with a deeper tone and muted profile. This similarity means that users can expect a consistent sound experience between the two keyboards when typing. However, when it comes to the bottom housing, they differ significantly. The Master utilizes POM for its bottom housing, which contributes to a similar sound profile as the top housing, emphasizing a deeper and muted sound. In contrast, the Venus features a polycarbonate bottom housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This difference in material results in a noticeable variation in the typing experience between the two keyboards.
In terms of sound profile, the Dareu Master's use of POM for both the top and bottom housing ensures that the sound remains consistent and coherent throughout the typing process. The deeper and muted sound created by POM gives the keyboard a distinct and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Venus's combination of POM top housing and polycarbonate bottom housing provides a more dynamic sound experience. The sharp and crisp sound from the polycarbonate bottom housing complements the deeper tone of the POM top housing, offering users a versatile and engaging typing experience.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Dareu Master and the TTC Venus significantly impacts the sound profile and typing feel of each keyboard. While both keyboards utilize POM for the top housing, the difference in bottom housing material between the two keyboards creates a unique typing experience for each. The Master's consistent use of POM throughout maintains a constant sound profile, while the Venus's combination of POM and polycarbonate delivers a more dynamic and varied sound experience. Users can choose between the keyboards based on their preference for a deeper, muted sound (Master) or a sharper, crisper sound (Venus).
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Master linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the bottom out force differs between the two. The Master switch does not provide information on its bottom out force, while the Venus switch has a bottom out force of 52 grams, which is considered medium-light. This means that the Venus switch may have a slightly heavier feel when fully pressed compared to the Master switch, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, users who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions may find the Master switch more suitable for their needs. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Dareu Master linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the TTC Venus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Venus has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Master. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular for their faster response times, especially among gamers. However, some users may find the shorter travel distance of the Master to be too abrupt, while others may appreciate the slightly longer travel distance of the Venus for a more substantial feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and desired key responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Master has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Master for $4.76.
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 Dareu Master linear switch is known for its clacky sound signature, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the TTC Venus linear switch offers a low-pitched, muted sound that wraps each keystroke in a subdued auditory embrace. The Venus switch also provides a unique "matte" sensation with a springy resistance that adds to the typing experience. While the Master switch leans towards a brighter and more percussive sound, the Venus switch offers a more mellow and bass-heavy tone with a quieter overall profile. Both switches provide distinct sound qualities that cater to different preferences, with the Master offering a classic clacky sound and the Venus delivering a more subdued and engaging experience.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Master linear switch is described as offering a mild and polished typing experience, providing a gentle and refined feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the TTC Venus linear switch is characterized by a buttery, gummy, and frictionless typing sensation. The Venus switch promises a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing experience with extremely smooth key travel, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, with the Master switch falling in the safe, middle-ground zone of typing characteristics and the Venus switch delivering a more fluid and engaging feel.
Overall, the Dareu Master linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. The Master switch is best known for its clacky sound and mild, polished feel, providing a classic typing experience with a medium weight. In contrast, the Venus switch stands out for its low-pitched, muted sound and buttery, gummy, and frictionless feel, offering a unique and engaging typing experience with light actuation and smooth key travel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches present compelling options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking a distinctive typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Dareu Master linear switch or the TTC Venus linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium weight switch with a classic clacky sound and exceptional smoothness, the Dareu Master may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a very light actuation force, a unique "matte" sensation, and a more subdued auditory experience, the TTC Venus switch would be the way to go. Both switches offer their own distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel, so it's important to consider what you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch when making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between the Dareu Master and TTC Venus switches will depend on what suits your typing needs and preferences best.
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