Cherry Nixie vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the Cherry Nixie and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry Nixie and TTC Venus both offer unique qualities for keyboard enthusiasts to consider. The Cherry Nixie is a linear switch that is revered for its substantial heft and textured typing experience, blending tradition with modern innovation through updated materials and springs. On the other hand, the TTC Venus, also a linear switch, stands out with its internal configuration that provides a seamless and nearly frictionless glide, paired with a "Q-texture" that adds a springy resistance reminiscent of biting into a chewy mochi. While the Nixie is known for its 'Thocky' feel and the Venus for its 'Buttery' and 'Gummy' textures, both switches offer low-pitched tones and a muted sound signature. 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
63.5g
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
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
Gold-plated
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
The Cherry Nixie and TTC Venus both utilize different housing materials for their top and bottom housings, resulting in unique sound profiles for each switch. The Nixie's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Venus's POM top housing produces a more muted and pleasing tone. On the other hand, the Nixie's nylon bottom housing contributes to a duller and rounder sound, whereas the Venus's polycarbonate bottom housing offers a sharper and crisper sound profile. Despite these differences, both switches aim to provide users with a satisfying typing experience through the characteristics of their housing materials.
In terms of sound production, the top and bottom housings of the Nixie and Venus switches play distinct roles. The Nixie's nylon bottom housing helps create a deeper sound upon bottoming out a key, while the Venus's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a clearer and resonant sound profile. Conversely, the Nixie's nylon top housing influences the sound when releasing a key, producing a fuller and rounder tone, while the Venus's POM top housing results in a more muted and unique sound. These contrasting characteristics showcase how housing materials can impact the overall typing experience on different switches.
Overall, the Nixie and Venus switches demonstrate how the choice of housing materials can significantly affect the sound and feel of a keyboard switch. While the Nixie's nylon housing materials provide a deeper and fuller sound profile, the Venus's POM and polycarbonate housing materials offer a more muted and sharper sound experience. Despite these differences, both switches aim to deliver a satisfying typing experience through the unique characteristics of their housing materials, showcasing how variations in materials can cater to the diverse preferences of keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, it is evident that the Nixie requires a heavier force both for actuation and bottoming out compared to the Venus. The Nixie has an actuation force of 63.5 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, while the Venus has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams. This makes the Nixie suitable for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, whereas the Venus is lighter and more ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming where a lighter touch is preferred. In this case, the Nixie is heavier, and the Venus is lighter in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches have distinct advantages depending on individual preferences – with the Nixie providing a more robust typing experience and the Venus offering a lighter touch for extended periods of use.
Travel distance
The Cherry Nixie linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Venus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances for mechanical switches, with the Nixie being slightly longer than the Venus. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Venus with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may gravitate towards the Nixie. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the type of typing or gaming experience desired.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie for $4.19.
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 Nixie switch is known for its deep thocky sound and low-pitched profile, providing a satisfying and bass-heavy auditory experience. On the other hand, the TTC Venus switch offers a low-pitched and muted sound signature, with a subdued and neutral tone that minimizes noise. Both switches aim to provide a pleasant typing experience without being overly loud, making them suitable for various environments. Depending on personal preference and the surrounding setup, users can expect a similar level of satisfying sound from either switch.
Moving on to feel, the Cherry Nixie switch is praised for its textured typing experience, offering noticeable friction that some users may find appealing for a more tactile sensation. In contrast, the TTC Venus switch is described as buttery and frictionless, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke that is effortless and gummy-like at the bottom-out. The Venus switch also offers a mild and polished feel, ensuring a gentle and refined typing experience that is approachable to most users. While the Nixie switch focuses on texture, the Venus switch prioritizes smoothness and uniformity, catering to different preferences for tactile feedback during typing sessions.
In conclusion, both the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch bring unique qualities to the table for users seeking a satisfying typing experience. While the Nixie switch offers a more textured and friction-based feel with a deep thocky sound, the Venus switch provides a buttery and frictionless sensation with a muted and neutral sound profile. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for tactile feedback, sound characteristics, and overall typing experience desired. Whether opting for the Nixie or Venus switch, users can expect a high-quality and engaging typing experience with each press of the key.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are looking for a classic and substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force, you may prefer the Cherry Nixie linear switch. On the other hand, if you are seeking a unique and engaging typing sensation with a lighter bottom out force, the TTC Venus linear switch might be the better choice for you. Both switches have their own distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. Whichever switch you choose, you can expect a high-quality mechanical keyboard experience tailored to your needs.
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