Kailh NovelKeys Cream vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the TTC Venus mechanical keyboard switches, it is clear that both switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The NovelKeys Cream is renowned for its heftier linear typing experience with a deep sound profile, providing a textured and invigorating feel. On the other hand, the TTC Venus stands out for its internal configuration that balances a seamless glide with a captivating "Q-texture", offering a smooth and engaging typing experience with a matte sensation. While the Cream switch is categorized as buttery and low-pitched, the Venus switch is described as buttery, gummy, and frictionless. However, to truly determine the best switch for you, a deeper exploration beyond these generalities is necessary.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
POM
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the TTC Venus, one notable difference lies in the bottom housing. The NovelKeys Cream features a POM bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and more muted sound profile. On the other hand, the TTC Venus utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This difference in bottom housing material will result in distinct typing experiences, with the Cream offering a more subdued sound compared to the Venus's more pronounced and clear acoustics.
Moving on to the top housing, both the NovelKeys Cream and the TTC Venus boast POM top housings that produce a pleasing and unique sound profile. However, the Cream's sound is described as relatively more muted, while the Venus's top housing imparts a deeper tone. Despite both switches utilizing the same housing material for the top, the slight variation in sound profile showcases how different manufacturing processes and design choices can affect the overall typing experience. Ultimately, users can expect a similar level of quality in terms of sound and feel when comparing the top housings of these two switches.
In summary, the housing materials of the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the TTC Venus play a crucial role in shaping the sound and feel of each switch. While both switches feature POM top housings, the Cream's overall sound profile tends to be more muted compared to the deeper tones of the Venus. Additionally, the bottom housing materials set these switches apart, with the Cream's POM bottom providing a different tactile experience than the Venus's polycarbonate bottom. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel, as both offer high-quality construction and unique acoustics.
Weight
The Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the TTC Venus linear switches both offer a smooth typing experience, but they differ in actuation and bottom out forces. The NovelKeys Cream has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the TTC Venus has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch. The NovelKeys Cream would be preferred by those who enjoy a stronger push feel, while the TTC Venus would be better suited for users who prefer a lighter typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on the user's preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch is 4 mm, while the TTC Venus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Venus switch has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the NovelKeys Cream switch. In terms of gaming preference, some gamers may prefer the Venus switch for its quicker response time due to the shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the NovelKeys Cream switch with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on the individual's personal preference for keypress depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Kailh NovelKeys Cream has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the NovelKeys Cream for $6.25.
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 Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch offers a low-pitched and resonant sound profile, providing a deep and immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Venus linear switch presents a low-pitched, muted, neutral, subdued, and thocky sound, creating a softer, quieter, and more versatile auditory environment. Both switches cater to different preferences in sound, with the Cream switch emphasizing a deeper tone and the Venus switch offering a more subdued and varied sound signature. Depending on your preference, you can achieve similar results in sound with either switch when paired with the right keyboard and keycaps.
Moving on to the feel aspect, the NovelKeys Cream switch delivers a buttery typing experience, characterized by smooth and effortless keystrokes. Contrastingly, the TTC Venus switch offers a buttery, gummy, frictionless, mild, and polished feel, providing a smooth, unique, and polished typing sensation. While the Cream switch focuses on a seamless and uniform typing experience, the Venus switch introduces elements like gummy bottoming-out and extreme smoothness to enhance the tactile feedback. Both switches offer a different tactile experience, with the Cream switch emphasizing smoothness and uniformity, and the Venus switch incorporating various textures and frictionless travel. Ultimately, the feel of each switch caters to different preferences, allowing users to choose based on their desired typing sensation.
Overall, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and TTC Venus linear switches each possess distinct qualities in sound and feel that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. The Cream switch provides a deeper, resonant sound and a buttery typing experience, while the Venus switch offers a muted, gummy, and polished sound with a unique and frictionless feel. Depending on your sound and feel preferences, both switches offer high-quality options that can be tailored to your personal typing style and preferences. Experimenting with different switches and configurations will ultimately help you find the perfect match for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a deeper sound profile, then the Kailh NovelKeys Cream would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a lighter bottom out force and a unique "matte" sensation that promises smooth and engaging typing, then the TTC Venus linear switch could be the perfect match for you. Both switches offer different experiences in terms of sound and feel, so it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style when selecting between the two.
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