Cherry MX Speed Silver vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the TTC Venus mechanical keyboard switches, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and intended use. The MX Speed Silver excels in rapid response times, making it a favorite among gamers looking for that competitive edge. Its linear action and low spring resistance provide an instant trigger, perfect for those moments where split-second decisions can make all the difference. On the other hand, the TTC Venus offers a unique internal design that provides a smooth and engaging typing experience. With its light actuation and muted sound signature, it caters to those seeking a more polished and subdued typing sensation. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 Cherry MX Speed Silver and the TTC Venus switches both use different materials for their top and bottom housings, resulting in unique sound profiles. The MX Speed Silver utilizes a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. In comparison, the Venus features a POM top housing that creates a pleasing and muted sound with a deeper tone. While both provide a unique typing experience, the nylon top housing in the MX Speed Silver offers a rounder sound profile, whereas the POM top housing in the Venus delivers a more muted and deeper sound.
In terms of bottom housings, the MX Speed Silver incorporates a nylon material that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile during bottom-out. This is due to nylon's softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Venus uses a polycarbonate bottom housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when bottoming out. Polycarbonate's stiffness leads to a more clear and resonant sound profile, providing a different typing experience compared to the MX Speed Silver. Aesthetically, the polycarbonate bottom housing allows for clear housings that are ideal for RGB lighting effects, adding a visually appealing element to the switch.
While the top and bottom housings of the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the TTC Venus switches offer distinct qualities, they both play a significant role in the overall sound and feel of the switch. The bottom housing material impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing a key, with nylon providing a deeper and fuller sound in the MX Speed Silver, and polycarbonate producing a sharper and crisper sound in the Venus. Conversely, the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key, with nylon creating a rounder sound in the MX Speed Silver, and POM delivering a muted and deeper sound in the Venus. Overall, both switches provide a unique typing experience based on the combination of their top and bottom housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, it is evident that they have significant differences. The MX Speed Silver has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams, making it easier to type for extended periods without fatigue. In contrast, the TTC Venus has a higher actuation force of 45 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Venus is 52 grams, making it slightly heavier than the MX Speed Silver, which has an unknown bottom out force. In terms of weight, the MX Speed Silver would be the lighter option compared to the TTC Venus, making it a suitable choice for users looking for a lighter typing experience. However, both switches offer their distinct advantages based on individual preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on the user's preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the TTC Venus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the MX Speed Silver has a shorter travel distance compared to the Venus switch. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers who value faster response times. However, individuals who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the Venus switch with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for keypress depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Speed Silver 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 Speed Silver 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
In terms of sound, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch is known for its low-pitched and thocky sound profile, producing a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. On the other hand, the TTC Venus switch offers a muted and subdued sound signature, giving a softer and quieter typing experience. Both switches provide a unique auditory experience, with the MX Speed Silver leaning towards a bass-heavy tone while the Venus switch offers a more gentle and subtle sound. Depending on personal preference and the accompanying keyboard setup, users can expect a distinct sound characteristic from each switch.
Moving on to the feel aspect, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch is described as having a textured feel, adding a noticeable friction when pressed. On the contrary, the TTC Venus switch offers a buttery and frictionless typing experience, providing a smooth and effortless keystroke sensation. With additional descriptors like gummy and polished for the Venus switch, users can expect a unique and refined tactile feedback while typing. Whether one prefers a textured response or a buttery smooth feel, both switches deliver a satisfying tactile experience tailored to individual preferences and typing styles.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Speed Silver and TTC Venus switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the MX Speed Silver excels in providing a thocky and textured sound with low spring resistance, the TTC Venus stands out with its muted sound signature and buttery, frictionless feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference, with the MX Speed Silver catering to those who prioritize speed and responsiveness in gaming, while the TTC Venus appeals to users seeking a smooth and engaging typing experience. Whichever switch you choose, you can expect a high level of quality and performance tailored to your specific needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch or the TTC Venus linear switch, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you prioritize speed and quick response time, especially for gaming where every millisecond counts, the MX Speed Silver with its instant triggering and low spring resistance may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a unique typing experience with a smooth and engaging feel, coupled with a muted and pleasant sound profile, the TTC Venus switch with its balance of frictionless glide and "Q-texture" may be more appealing. Both switches have their own strengths and characteristics, so it's important to consider what aspects are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch before making your decision. Ultimately, whether you choose the MX Speed Silver or the TTC Venus, you can rest assured that you're getting a high-quality linear switch that will enhance your typing or gaming experience.
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