Cherry MX Red vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Red and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Cherry MX Red and the TTC Venus are two popular options to consider. The Cherry MX Red is known for its slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, providing a robust typing experience that combines responsiveness with a satisfying auditory depth. On the other hand, the TTC Venus stands out with its unique internal configuration that offers a seamless glide and a distinct "Q-texture" for a smooth and engaging typing experience. While the MX Red is categorized as 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', and 'Textured', the Venus is described as 'Buttery', 'Gummy', 'Frictionless', 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', 'Muted', 'Neutral', 'Polished', 'Subdued', and 'Thocky'. Each switch has its own strengths and appeals, but diving deeper into their characteristics will help you make the best decision for your typing preferences.
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
The housing materials of the Cherry MX Red and TTC Venus switches differ in both their top and bottom components. The MX Red features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Venus switch has a POM top housing that produces a unique and more muted sound, leaning towards the deeper side. This variation in top housing material results in distinct auditory experiences for users of each switch.
In terms of bottom housing, the Cherry MX Red again utilizes nylon, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile upon bottoming out a key. On the other hand, the TTC Venus employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, which leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound, offering a different tactile experience compared to the MX Red's nylon bottom housing. These differences in bottom housing material play a significant role in the overall typing experience and sound feedback of each switch.
While the Cherry MX Red and TTC Venus switches have unique housing materials, the impact of these materials on sound production and tactile response is evident in both switches. The use of nylon in the MX Red results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the POM top housing of the Venus offers a more muted and unique sound experience. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the MX Red creates a specific tactile feel upon key press, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Venus delivers a sharper and crisper sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the user's preference for sound and tactile feedback in their typing experience.
Weight
The Cherry MX Red and TTC Venus linear switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally sensitive in terms of triggering keystrokes. However, the bottom out force differs between the two switches. The MX Red has an unknown bottom out force, whereas the Venus has a bottom out force of 52 grams, making it slightly heavier. The MX Red is likely to provide a lighter typing experience overall, as it lacks a specified bottom out force, while the Venus offers a medium-light feel due to its 52-gram bottom out force. This means that the MX Red may be preferred for longer typing or gaming sessions, where a lighter touch is desired, while the Venus may appeal to those who prefer a slightly firmer typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Red linear 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 Venus switch has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the MX Red switch. Gamers who prioritize speed and quick response times may prefer the Venus switch with its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial keypress and a deeper feeling when typing may lean towards the MX Red switch with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, both switches offer a balance between speed and depth, providing a satisfying typing experience depending on individual preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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 Red switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched sound profile, offering a deep and rich auditory experience. On the other hand, the TTC Venus switch presents a unique combination of low-pitched, muted, and subdued qualities, resulting in a softer and more subtle sound signature with each key press. Both switches offer a pleasing sound experience, with the MX Red providing a deeper tone and the Venus delivering a more muted and gentle sound. Ultimately, the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Red switch is described as having a slightly textured feel, providing a balance between smoothness and friction when pressed. In contrast, the TTC Venus switch offers a buttery, gummy, frictionless, mild, and polished tactile sensation, ensuring a smooth, effortless, and refined typing experience. The Venus switch stands out for its unique matte sensation and springy resistance, making each key press engaging and enjoyable. While the MX Red switch offers a more traditional textured feel, the Venus switch provides a more fluid and polished typing experience, catering to those who prefer a smoother keypress.
Overall, both the Cherry MX Red and TTC Venus switches offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The MX Red switch provides a slightly heftier feel and a deeper sound profile, while the Venus switch boasts a unique matte sensation and a more subdued sound signature. When considering these qualities, users can expect a responsive and satisfying typing experience with the MX Red, and a smooth and engaging typing experience with the Venus. Whether choosing the MX Red or Venus switch, users can expect a high-quality mechanical keyboard switch that meets their preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, it ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a slightly heftier feel with a deeper sound profile and a more traditional typing experience, the Cherry MX Red may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you value a smoother and almost frictionless typing experience with a unique matte sensation and very light actuation, the TTC Venus could be your ideal choice. Consider your preferences for sound, feel, and actuation force when making your decision between these two switches. Both switches offer their own distinct advantages, so it is essential to choose the one that best fits your typing preferences and needs. Ultimately, the decision is yours to make based on what feels most comfortable and enjoyable to you.
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