Outemu Milk Blue vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the Outemu Milk Blue and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Milk Blue and TTC Venus are two popular options with distinct characteristics. The Milk Blue is a clicky switch that provides a satisfying tactile feedback with each keypress. On the other hand, the Venus is a linear switch that offers a smooth and almost frictionless typing experience, enhanced by its unique "Q-texture" for added comfort. While the Milk Blue is known for its audible click sound, the Venus boasts a muted sound signature, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Milk Blue and the TTC Venus, we see significant differences in their top housings. The Milk Blue features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. On the other hand, the Venus boasts a POM top housing, creating a deeper and more muted sound. While the Milk Blue offers a more resonant sound profile, the Venus provides a unique and pleasing sound experience that caters to those who prefer a deeper tone.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Milk Blue utilizes a nylon material that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Venus adopts a polycarbonate bottom housing, once again emphasizing the sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile associated with this material. The difference in bottom housings highlights how the choice of material can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of a switch.
While the top and bottom housings of the Outemu Milk Blue and TTC Venus differ in material composition, the overall impact on sound and feel is clear. The split between the top and bottom housings allows for a varied experience when using these switches. Pressing down on the switch showcases the qualities of the bottom housing, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while releasing a key emphasizes the sound profile of the top housing. Whether opting for the Milk Blue with its polycarbonate and nylon housing combination or the Venus with its POM and polycarbonate dual housing setup, users can expect distinct sound profiles that cater to their preferences.
Weight
The Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the TTC Venus linear switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Milk Blue has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Venus, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Milk Blue does not provide information, while the Venus has a heavier bottom out force of 52 grams. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Venus switch may be more suitable due to its lower actuation force. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Milk Blue switch for its potentially higher bottom out force. Ultimately, the preference between the two switches will depend on the user's specific typing style and preferences.
Travel distance
The Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Venus linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances for mechanical keyboards, with the Milk Blue being slightly longer than the Venus. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Venus switch, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Milk Blue switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Outemu Milk Blue comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
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 Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch is known for its loud and crisp click sound, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the TTC Venus linear switch offers a more muted and subdued sound profile, with a low-pitched and thocky tone that provides a quieter typing experience. Both switches have distinct sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choosing between the two would depend on whether you prefer a louder, more traditional clicky sound or a softer, more subtle typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch offers a tactile and clicky typing experience, with a pronounced bump and click response that some users find satisfying and engaging. Conversely, the TTC Venus linear switch provides a smooth and buttery keystroke experience due to its frictionless glide and "Q-texture" design, offering a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Both switches offer unique tactile feedback, with the Milk Blue emphasizing the clicky feedback and the Venus focusing on a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on whether you prefer a more tactile and clicky typing feel or a smoother and more frictionless keystroke experience.
In conclusion, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the TTC Venus linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Milk Blue is best known for its loud and crisp click sound, with a tactile and clicky typing feel, while the Venus showcases a more muted sound profile with a smooth and buttery keystroke experience. Both switches provide unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference when choosing between the two. Whether you prefer a more traditional clicky sound or a quieter, smoother typing experience, both switches offer high-quality features that can enhance your typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a tactile and clicky typing experience with a light actuation force, the Milk Blue switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and buttery typing experience with a low-pitched and muted sound profile, the TTC Venus linear switch would be the better choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and typing style.
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