Cherry MX Black vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Black and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Black and the TTC Venus stand out as popular options. The MX Black is well-loved for its classic textured smoothness and deep sound profile, making it a great choice for those who prefer a low-pitched and stiff typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Venus offers a unique internal design that provides a seamless glide and "Q-texture" resistance, giving each keystroke a matte sensation. With its buttery feel, muted sound signature, and light actuation, the Venus appeals to those looking for a frictionless and engaging typing experience. 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
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
Nylon
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 Cherry MX Black and TTC Venus switches both have unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profile. The MX Black utilizes a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Venus features a POM top housing, creating a pleasing and unique sound that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. While both housing materials offer a different sound profile, they both aim to enhance the typing experience by providing a distinct sound feedback.
In terms of the bottom housing, the MX Black and Venus switches also differ in material. The MX Black utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to the deeper and fuller sound profile characteristic of this switch. On the other hand, the Venus features a polycarbonate bottom housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of different materials for the bottom housing not only affects the sound produced during keystrokes but also determines the overall feel of the switch when pressed down.
Overall, the combination of the top and bottom housing materials in switches like the Cherry MX Black and TTC Venus plays a significant role in determining the sound and feel of the switches. While the Cherry MX Black offers a softer and fuller sound profile with its nylon top and bottom housing, the TTC Venus provides a more unique and muted sound with its POM top and polycarbonate bottom housing. Despite their differences, both switches prioritize sound quality and aim to enhance the typing experience for users seeking a specific sound feedback. Ultimately, the housing materials of these switches are crucial factors in determining the overall feel and sound quality of the typing experience.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch differ significantly. The MX Black has a heavy actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Venus has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, making it more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming. The MX Black is heavier overall, while the Venus is lighter and offers a more medium-light feel. Both switches offer unique advantages depending on individual preferences, with the MX Black being more suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel, and the Venus being ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on the user's preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Venus linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the MX Black being slightly longer. Gamers may prefer the Venus switch for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance. In contrast, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Cherry MX Black switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing or gaming style. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, but the Venus switch may provide a slight edge in speed and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 per 10 switches.
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 Cherry MX Black switch is known for its low-pitched tone, offering a deep and mellow sound profile. On the other hand, the TTC Venus switch also boasts a low-pitched sound but adds a muted and subdued quality to it, resulting in a softer and quieter typing experience. The Venus switch also introduces a thocky element, providing a rich and satisfying sound when pressed. Overall, both switches offer a pleasant auditory experience, with the Venus switch having a slightly more muted and unique sound signature.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the MX Black is characterized by its textured and stiff nature, offering a tactile and firm typing experience. In contrast, the TTC Venus switch provides a buttery and frictionless feel, delivering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Additionally, the Venus switch offers a gummy sensation when bottoming out, adding a unique tactile feedback to each key press. With its mild and polished characteristics, the Venus switch ensures a gentle and refined typing experience that is approachable to most users. Overall, while the MX Black switch offers a more textured and stiff feel, the TTC Venus switch provides a smooth and frictionless typing experience with a touch of uniqueness.
In conclusion, when comparing the Cherry MX Black linear switch to the TTC Venus linear switch, we find that both switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The MX Black switch provides a deep and mellow sound with a textured and stiff feel, while the Venus switch introduces a muted and thocky sound along with a buttery and frictionless feel. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the classic and reliable sound and feel of the MX Black switch or opt for the unique and smooth typing experience of the Venus switch. Ultimately, both switches are capable of delivering a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that users will get similar results based on their individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Cherry MX Black linear switch or the TTC Venus linear switch, you should take into account your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a heavier bottom out force and a classic textured smoothness with a deep sound profile, then the Cherry MX Black switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, a unique matte sensation with a muted sound signature, and a smooth and engaging typing experience, then the TTC Venus switch would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal typing style and the specific characteristics that matter most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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