Outemu Silver vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silver and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silver and the TTC Venus both offer distinct features worth considering. The Outemu Silver is a linear switch known for its simplicity and reliability. On the other hand, the TTC Venus stands out for its innovative internal design, which provides a unique combination of a smooth glide and a satisfying tactile "Q-texture" feedback. The Silver switch is ideal for those seeking a straightforward typing experience, while the Venus switch appeals to gamers and typists looking for a switch with a special tactile feel. 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
45g
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 Silver and TTC Venus switches differ in their housing materials, with the Silver featuring a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the Venus has a POM top housing and a polycarbonate bottom housing. Both switches make use of polycarbonate in one of their housing components, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. However, the Silver's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Venus's polycarbonate bottom housing, which creates a more clear and resonant sound. This difference in sound profile can affect the overall typing experience for users of these switches.
While the top housing material has a greater impact on the sound when letting go of a key, the bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of a switch. The use of nylon in the Silver's bottom housing leads to a duller and rounder sound, creating a unique typing experience that may be preferred by some users. On the other hand, the Venus's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound that provides a different tactile feedback to users. Despite the differences in their housing materials, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Silver and TTC Venus switches comes down to personal preference when it comes to sound profile and typing feel. The Silver's combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials offers a mix of sharper and deeper sound profiles, while the Venus's POM and polycarbonate housing materials provide a unique and muted sound. Whether you prefer a crisper typing experience with the Silver or a deeper feel with the Venus will depend on your individual preferences and needs for a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Silver and TTC Venus linear switches, it is evident that they both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally responsive in terms of triggering keystrokes. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Silver switch requires 65 grams, while the Venus switch only needs 52 grams. This means that the Silver switch is heavier overall, providing a more substantial typing experience compared to the lighter Venus switch. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming, the Venus switch would be the ideal choice. On the other hand, users who prefer a stronger push feel may opt for the Silver switch for a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option compared to the TTC Venus linear switch which has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Silver offers a slightly longer distance for keypresses, which may provide a more satisfying tactile feedback for some users. On the other hand, the Venus switch with a shorter travel distance could appeal to gamers seeking faster response times. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Silver being slightly longer. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for keypress feedback 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 Silver 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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Silver switch does not have any specific descriptors provided, making it difficult to pinpoint its sound profile. On the other hand, the TTC Venus switch is described as having a low-pitched, muted, neutral, subdued, and thocky sound. This combination of characteristics indicates that the Venus switch produces a softer, bass-heavy sound with a moderate actuation force and a more subdued auditory experience overall. Additionally, the thocky quality suggests a deep and satisfying sound when the key is pressed and released.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the information on the Outemu Silver switch is not available. Meanwhile, the TTC Venus switch is described as buttery, gummy, frictionless, mild, and polished. These descriptors imply that the Venus switch offers a smooth, uniform typing experience with minimal resistance or friction during key presses. The gummy and polished qualities suggest a unique and refined feel, akin to bottoming out on a trampoline or experiencing a sleek, frictionless key travel.
When considering all the available information, it can be concluded that the TTC Venus linear switch offers a distinctive combination of low-pitched, muted sound with a smooth, buttery feel that sets it apart from the Outemu Silver switch. While the subjective qualities of the Silver switch remain unknown, users can expect a unique matte sensation and light actuation with the Venus switch, providing a seamless and engaging typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel profiles.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Outemu Silver linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, it all comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a more traditional linear switch experience with no specific standout feature, the Outemu Silver might be the right choice for you. However, if you desire a unique typing sensation with a lighter actuation force and a distinctive "matte" feeling, the TTC Venus linear switch could be the perfect fit. The Venus offers a buttery, gummy, frictionless typing experience with a low-pitched, muted, subdued sound profile that sets it apart from other switches. Consider your preferences for typing feel, sound, and actuation force when making your decision between these two switches. Each has its own strengths and characteristics that may cater to different typing preferences.
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