Outemu Purple vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the Outemu Purple and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Purple, a tactile switch, to the TTC Venus, a linear switch, some key differences stand out. The Purple is best known for its tactile feedback, providing a bump upon actuation for a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Venus is renowned for its smooth and nearly frictionless glide, accompanied by a unique "Q-texture" that adds a springy resistance reminiscent of chewing into a chewy mochi. The Purple switch falls under the tactile category, while the Venus is categorized as a linear switch. While the Purple offers a tactile bump for those who prefer feedback, the Venus provides a smooth and engaging typing experience with its light actuation and 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
50g
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
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 Purple and the TTC Venus, one noticeable difference is in their top housings. The Purple utilizes polycarbonate, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the Venus features POM, which produces a deeper and more muted sound. This contrast in sound profiles can greatly impact the overall typing experience for users, with the Purple offering a crisper sound and the Venus providing a more soothing tone. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through in the Purple switches, adding an aesthetic element to the typing experience.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of the Purple and Venus switches also differ in material. The Purple incorporates a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. In comparison, the Venus utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, yielding a sharper and more resonant sound profile thanks to the stiffness of polycarbonate. This difference in bottom housing materials can affect the overall sound and feel of the switches, potentially influencing user preferences based on the sound profile they prefer while typing.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Outemu Purple and TTC Venus switches, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. While the Purple's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharp and crisp sound, the Venus's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted tone. Similarly, the Purple's nylon bottom housing offers a fuller sound, contrasting with the Venus's polycarbonate bottom housing, which provides a sharper and clearer sound. Understanding the impact of these housing materials on sound profiles can help users choose the switch that best suits their typing preferences and aesthetic desires.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Purple tactile switch to the TTC Venus linear switch, it is clear that the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in the typing experience. The Purple has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Venus's 45 grams, making it slightly heavier to press. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Purple's force is unknown while the Venus requires 52 grams to bottom out, which is considered medium-light. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Venus may be the better choice due to its lower actuation force. On the other hand, the Purple may appeal to those who enjoy a bit more resistance and tactile feedback while typing. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and the desired weight of key presses during everyday use.
Travel distance
The Outemu Purple tactile 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, with the Purple being slightly longer than the Venus. Gamers may prefer the Venus switch for its slightly shorter travel distance, allowing for faster response times during gameplay. However, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Purple switch with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key feel and responsiveness.
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 Purple 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 Purple switch is known for its undefined sound profile, making it a versatile option for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Venus linear switch is praised for its low-pitched, muted, neutral, subdued, and thocky sound characteristics. This means that the Venus switch offers a more bass-heavy, mellow tone with a softer and quieter sound compared to the Purple switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the overall sound profile you desire in a mechanical keyboard.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Purple switch lacks a specific descriptor, while the TTC Venus linear switch is praised for its buttery, gummy, frictionless, mild, and polished feel. The Venus switch offers a smooth, fluid keystroke experience with a unique sensation akin to bottoming out on a trampoline or a gummy bear. Its frictionless design ensures a seamless and effortless typing experience, while the polished finish adds a touch of refinement to each keystroke. In comparison, the feel of the Purple switch remains more of a mystery without a specified descriptor, making the Venus switch a more defined choice for those seeking specific tactile qualities in their switches.
In conclusion, the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the TTC Venus linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Purple switch provides a more versatile sound profile and an undefined feel, the Venus switch stands out for its low-pitched, muted sound and buttery, gummy feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so exploring each option and considering how they align with your typing style and preferences will lead to a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Purple tactile switch or the TTC Venus linear switch, you should take into account your preference for typing experience. If you are looking for a switch with a unique "Q-texture" feel that offers a smooth and engaging typing experience with a light actuation force, then the TTC Venus linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a bottom out force of None grams and are seeking a typing sensation that is buttery, gummy, frictionless, mild, or polished, then the Outemu Purple tactile switch may be the better option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you desire.
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