Kailh Plum vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the Kailh Plum and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Plum and the TTC Venus present themselves as intriguing options with unique qualities. The Kailh Plum, a tactile switch, is renowned for its hefty feel without a pronounced tactile bump, setting it apart from other tactile switches. On the other hand, the TTC Venus, a linear switch, boasts a remarkable internal design that combines a smooth, frictionless glide with a distinct "Q-texture" resistance, offering a one-of-a-kind typing experience. While the Plum provides a neutral and enjoyable sound profile, the Venus offers a muted sound signature that envelops each keystroke in a subdued auditory embrace. Both switches have their own strengths and advantages, making them suitable for different preferences and typing styles. 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
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
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 Kailh Plum and the TTC Venus switches, it is evident that they each offer distinct sound profiles due to their different materials. The Plum's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharp, crisp, and higher-pitched sound, ideal for those looking for a translucent housing for RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Venus's POM top housing provides a deeper and more muted sound, offering a unique auditory experience. While the top housings differ in material, both switches boast a polycarbonate bottom housing, which further enhances the clear and resonant sound profile. However, the Plum's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature, creating a rounder and duller sound compared to the Venus's polycarbonate bottom housing.
Despite their differences, both switches showcase the impact that housing materials can have on the overall sound profile of a keyboard switch. The use of various materials such as polycarbonate and POM in the top housings of the Plum and Venus switches highlights how stiffer plastics produce sharper and clearer sounds, while softer plastics absorb more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This diversity in material allows for keyboard enthusiasts to choose switches based on their preferred auditory experience, whether it be a sharper, higher-pitched sound or a deeper, more muted tone. The combination of different housing materials in the Plum and Venus switches creates a dynamic typing experience that caters to a variety of preferences.
When considering the impact of top and bottom housings on the overall sound and feel of a switch, it becomes apparent that the qualities of each material are distributed throughout the switch. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. In the case of the Plum and Venus switches, the unique characteristics of their housing materials combine to create a balanced typing experience that offers both sharpness and depth in sound. Whether one prefers the sharper, crisper sound of polycarbonate or the deeper, more muted sound of POM, both switches provide a range of options for keyboard enthusiasts seeking a customized typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the Kailh Plum tactile switch to the TTC Venus linear switch, it is evident that their actuation and bottom out forces vary significantly. The Plum switch has a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the Venus switch has a bottom out force of 52 grams, rendering it medium-light. The actuation force of the Plum switch is unspecified, while the Venus switch has an actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Venus switch requires a lighter force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Plum switch. When considering weight, some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Venus switch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may lean towards the heavier bottom out force of the Plum switch for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Plum tactile switch is 3.6 mm, while the TTC Venus linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for users who prioritize fast response times. Gamers, in particular, may appreciate the quicker actuation of keys with shorter travel distances. However, those who prefer a more substantial key press may find the 3.8 mm travel distance of the Venus switch to be more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of 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 Kailh Plum comes in at $6.25 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
The Plum tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile, providing a moderate and enjoyable auditory experience suitable for various settings. In contrast, the TTC Venus linear switch presents a low-pitched, muted sound signature that adds a subtle and calming element to each keystroke. Despite their differences in sound, both switches aim to enhance the typing experience through their unique acoustic characteristics.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Plum switch is described as mild and stepped, offering a gentle typing experience with a balanced and approachable feel. On the other hand, the TTC Venus switch provides a buttery, gummy, and frictionless sensation, ensuring a smooth, effortless, and engaging typing experience. The Venus switch's internal configuration contributes to its distinct feel, combining a seamless glide with a captivating texture that sets it apart from other linear switches.
Overall, while the Plum tactile switch focuses on a unique weightiness without a prominent tactile bump, the TTC Venus linear switch stands out for its innovative internal design and light actuation force. Both switches offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles, providing users with a range of options to enhance their mechanical keyboard experience. Whether opting for the Plum for its neutral sound or the Venus for its smooth and engaging feel, users can expect a high-quality and satisfying typing experience from either switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Kailh Plum tactile switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, consider the bottom out force and unique characteristics of each. If you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a unique tactile feel and a neutral sound profile, the Plum may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a smooth and frictionless keystroke, along with a low-pitched, muted sound profile, the Venus may be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these switches comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you value most. Consider your typing style and preferences before making a decision.
Mentioned in this article
