Cherry MX Purple RGB vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the TTC Venus stand out for their distinct characteristics and the unique typing experiences they offer. The Cherry MX Purple switches are celebrated for their refined tactile feedback, providing a pronounced yet manageable bump that enhances the tactile experience while typing or gaming. Developed alongside keyboard enthusiast Glarses, these switches cater to users who appreciate a tangible response without being too taxing on the fingers. In contrast, the TTC Venus switches present a smooth, frictionless glide, complemented by a "Q-texture" that evokes the delightful sensation of biting into chewy mochi. This linear switch’s light actuation allows for rapid key presses, making it an excellent choice for gamers or typists seeking a quiet, responsive experience. With the Cherry MX Purple leaning towards a more tactile and noticeable feedback, and the TTC Venus emphasizing a smooth, effortless feel, both switches have their own merits depending on your typing preferences. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
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
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
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches and the TTC Venus switches, notable differences arise. The Cherry MX Purple RGB features a nylon top housing that lends it a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is characteristic of nylon, a material that is comparatively soft and effective at absorbing sound, which in turn leads to a more muted acoustic experience. In contrast, the TTC Venus utilizes a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top housing, which, while also producing a deeper sound profile, is noted for its unique tonal qualities that cater to a different auditory experience. Though both materials position themselves on the lower end of the sound spectrum, nylon may offer a slightly warmer and rounder sound compared to POM’s more distinct character.
Examining the bottom housings uncovers further variances. The Cherry MX Purple RGB employs a nylon bottom housing that works in tandem with its top to sustain a similarly deep sound profile, resulting from nylon’s ability to absorb sound effectively. On the other hand, the TTC Venus utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, renowned for its higher stiffness. This results in a sharper and crisper sound profile that contrasts with the warmer tones produced by nylon. The polycarbonate’s resonance leads to a more pronounced auditory experience, especially during the bottom-out phase of key presses, making for a distinct acoustic signature. Therefore, the contrasting materials used in the bottom housings play a critical role in the overall sound experience when typing on each switch.
Ultimately, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB and TTC Venus switches may both provide captivating auditory results, the housing materials significantly shape their sonic identities. The nylon used in both top and bottom housings of the Cherry MX emphasizes a rounded, fuller sound, while the POM and polycarbonate materials in the Venus offer a unique sound experience with a sharper edge. Despite the differences, users seeking a deeper sound profile from both switches will notice some level of acoustic affinity due to the nylon and POM materials. The interplay between the different housing materials, as well as their impact on sound upon bottoming out and releasing the keys, ensures that each switch produces its distinctive sonorous character, offering users various auditory experiences in their typing endeavors.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, both switches feature an identical actuation force of 45 grams, meaning users will experience similar pressure requirements to register a keystroke. This can be beneficial for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for prolonged use, such as in long work sessions or extended gaming marathons. However, the TTC Venus distinguishes itself with a bottom out force of 52 grams, which provides a slightly firmer resistance when the key is fully pressed down, offering a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the bottom out force of the Cherry MX Purple RGB is unknown, making it unclear how it compares in terms of final key travel resistance. Overall, the TTC Venus is the heavier option due to its higher bottom out force, appealing to users who prefer a firmer feedback when bottoming out their keys.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Venus linear switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that when pressed, the Cherry MX Purple RGB provides a deeper keystroke, which some users may prefer for a more substantial tactile feedback, making it suitable for those who enjoy a hearty typing experience. In contrast, the TTC Venus, with its shorter 3.8 mm travel distance, caters to gamers and users who seek quicker actuation and faster response times. For those who favor rapid keystrokes, the Venus switch may feel more responsive, although it may also feel a bit abrupt compared to the deeper feel of the Cherry MX. Thus, the Cherry MX Purple is the longer switch, while the TTC Venus is the shorter option, each appealing to different preferences in keystroke feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
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 Cherry MX Purple RGB switches provide a characteristic auditory feedback that many enthusiasts appreciate. Although the specific sound qualities are not detailed, Cherry's reputation generally leans towards a balanced and moderate sound profile, making them suitable for both home and office environments. On the other hand, the TTC Venus switch is designed to produce a muted and subdued auditory experience, minimizing the typical mechanical noise associated with keyboards. The Venus provides a neutral sound profile, which allows it to blend seamlessly in various settings without being intrusive, making it ideal for quiet workspaces. The sound experience from these two switches will vary, but both will offer a pleasant typing experience based on their respective sound qualities.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch is known for delivering a refined tactile experience. It features a medium-strength bump, which offers just the right amount of feedback without being overly pronounced, making it apt for those who enjoy a tactile sensation during typing. Conversely, the TTC Venus switch offers unique qualities such as a buttery smoothness and a gummy feel, allowing for an effortless gliding motion when typing. The frictionless nature of the Venus enhances the overall experience, producing a seamless interaction as you type. While both switches aim to provide pleasant and efficient typing experiences, the Cherry MX Purple leans more towards a tactile feedback disposition, whereas the TTC Venus excels in offering smooth, soft keystrokes.
In conclusion, while both the Cherry MX Purple RGB and TTC Venus switches cater to distinct typing preferences, they deliver satisfactory results in their unique ways. The MX Purple excels with its refined tactile feedback and moderate sound profile, making it ideal for tactile enthusiasts. In contrast, the TTC Venus beckons those who favor smooth and subdued interactions, providing a quiet yet uniquely enjoyable typing experience. Choosing between them ultimately boils down to whether you prioritize tactile feedback or a smooth, frictionless feel in your mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To wrap up, your choice between the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the TTC Venus linear switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and the type of experience you seek. If you appreciate tactile feedback while typing and prefer a switch that provides a medium-strength bump, the Cherry MX Purple RGB would be an excellent fit for you. This switch's refined tactile experience is great for those who enjoy feeling each keystroke as they work or game, particularly if you enjoy the thrill of typing with a tangible response. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smoother, more fluid typing experience with minimal resistance, the TTC Venus linear switch may be the better choice. Its light actuation force and buttery, frictionless feel make it ideal for rapid typing sessions, allowing for effortless keystrokes. Moreover, the Venus’s muted sound signature makes it suitable for quieter environments where you want to keep noise to a minimum. In essence, choose the MX Purple RGB for tactile feedback and engagement, while the TTC Venus is best for a seamless, quiet typing experience that allows for speed and comfort.
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