Outemu Silent Grey vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Grey and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Silent Grey and the TTC Venus offer distinct experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The Silent Grey is renowned for its tactile feedback, providing a pronounced bump that enhances the satisfaction of each keystroke while maintaining a quiet profile—making it an ideal choice for users who value discretion during their typing sessions. On the other hand, the TTC Venus showcases a unique internal design characterized by a frictionless glide and a light actuation, allowing for rapid typing with minimal effort. Its "Q-texture" feel adds an extra layer of enjoyment, reminiscent of indulging in soft, chewy treats. While both switches deliver a muted sound signature for a less intrusive experience, their tactile and linear mechanisms cater to different typing styles. The Silent Grey is perfect for those who appreciate tactile cues, whereas the Venus attracts typists who prefer a smooth and speedy motion. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
1.60 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
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
The Outemu Silent Grey and TTC Venus switches each utilize distinct materials for their top and bottom housings, leading to notable differences in their sound profiles. The Silent Grey features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its ability to produce a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound due to the material's stiffness. This quality makes it an excellent choice for gamers or typists who prefer a pronounced auditory response during use, especially in setups where RGB lighting is involved. Conversely, the TTC Venus features a POM top housing, which results in a deeper and more muted sound profile. The softer nature of POM contributes to this unique auditory experience, making it ideal for those who favor a more subdued keypress sound without the sharpness inherent in polycarbonate.
When examining the bottom housings, the differences between the two switches become even more pronounced. The Silent Grey utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which is characterized by its softer composition that absorbs sound, resulting in a fuller, rounder sound profile. This can enhance the overall typing experience, offering a satisfying, deeper feedback. On the other hand, the Venus employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, similar to its top housing, which leads to a resonance that aligns with the sharper qualitative aspects common in switches equipped with polycarbonate. This combination results in a crisp bottom-out sound that contrasts markedly with the muted quality of the Silent Grey's nylon.
In conclusion, the combination of housing materials in both the Outemu Silent Grey and TTC Venus switches leads to a fascinating interplay of sound characteristics. While the Silent Grey's polycarbonate top and nylon bottom work together to create a crisp yet rounded auditory experience, the Venus offers a unique sound that is entirely deeper and more focused due to its POM top and polycarbonate bottom. Users can anticipate varying auditory sensations depending on the material combinations, ultimately shaping their typing or gaming experience. Despite these differences, both switches will provide unique sound profiles that meet varied preferences in auditory feedback, making them suitable for a range of preferences in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch with the TTC Venus linear switch, notable differences arise in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Silent Grey has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the TTC Venus boasts a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, placing it in the medium-light range. This difference indicates that the Venus switch would be easier to press, making it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter feel for longer typing sessions or extended gaming. Conversely, the Silent Grey’s heavier force might appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial and resistant typing experience. Overall, if you opt for the TTC Venus, you'll find it lighter in both actuation and bottom out, while the Outemu Silent Grey requires a bit more effort, appealing to a different typing preference.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, we find distinct measurements that reflect their design preferences. The Silent Grey features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the traditional depth many typists and gamers appreciate for its satisfying feedback. In contrast, the TTC Venus has a shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm, catering to those who favor quicker response times, often preferred in gaming scenarios. While the difference may seem minor, it highlights a trend towards shorter distances for increased efficiency. Therefore, for users seeking a deeper and potentially more tactile experience, the Outemu Silent Grey is the superior choice, whereas those prioritizing a snappier action may prefer the TTC Venus. Overall, if users are after a more pronounced keystroke, the Silent Grey's longer travel distance will provide that experience, while the Venus is designed for those who appreciate a swift action.
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 Silent Grey 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 Silent Grey switch is designed to provide a quiet typing experience while delivering a notable tactile feedback. Its focus on a subdued sound profile makes it an excellent choice for users who want to type without disturbing those around them. In contrast, the TTC Venus switch offers a unique auditory quality characterized as low-pitched, muted, and thocky. While the Venus is also designed to be quieter, its sound profile adds a deeper resonance and richness that contrasts with Silent Grey's more subtle presentation. Both switches aim to minimize noise, making them suitable options for office environments or shared spaces, but the specific auditory experience of the TTC Venus caters more to those who enjoy a deeper thock when typing.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Silent Grey presents a tactile experience with a pronounced bump that guides the user through each keystroke. This tactile feedback is satisfying for those who prefer a switch that confirms their action without requiring a loud audible cue. On the other hand, the TTC Venus switch excels with its buttery-smooth operation and frictionless travel. Descriptions like "gummy" and "polished" denote a unique tactile feel that combines softness with fluidity, allowing for rapid, responsive typing that's less jarring than a pronounced tactile experience. While the Silent Grey is likely to be more engaging for those who crave tactile feedback, the Venus provides a more seamless and effortless experience with less resistance.
In conclusion, both the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the TTC Venus linear switch are designed to offer quiet typing experiences, although they have distinct auditory and tactile characteristics. The Silent Grey focuses on a pronounced bump and subtle sound, making it ideal for users who appreciate tactile feedback in a quieter setting. The TTC Venus, with its deeper sound profile and smooth operation, caters to those who enjoy a softer, fluid typing sensation while still maintaining a low noise level. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference—whether one prefers the tactile confirmation of the Silent Grey or the silky smoothness of the TTC Venus.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the TTC Venus linear switch will largely depend on your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you plan to use your keyboard. If you value a tactile feedback and prefer a medium-heavy feel with a pronounced bump that enhances your typing experience, then the Silent Grey is an excellent choice, particularly in quieter settings where you need a subdued typing sound; its low-pitched and thocky nature makes it well-suited for both work and home. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a smoother, more effortless typing experience with a lighter actuation force, the Venus is ideal for fast-paced typing, whether for gaming or typing long documents. Its frictionless glide and muted sound profile allow you to enjoy rapid keystrokes without disturbing others around you. Ultimately, consider your typing style, whether you prioritize tactile feedback or frictionless motion, and the acoustic environment to guide your decision between these two distinct yet appealing switches.
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