KTT Purple Star vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the KTT Purple Star and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Purple Star and TTC Venus mechanical keyboard switches, it is clear that both offer unique experiences for users. The Purple Star, with its all-POM construction, provides a buttery smooth typing experience and a light 45g bottom-out that is perfect for light typists. On the other hand, the TTC Venus stands out with its internal configuration that offers a seamless glide and a "Q-texture" sensation that makes each press smooth and engaging. While the Purple Star is described as 'Mild', 'Low-pitched', and 'Easy-to-press', the Venus is characterized as 'Buttery', 'Gummy', 'Frictionless', and 'Thocky', among others. Each switch has its own strengths and qualities that appeal to different preferences. 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
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
POM
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials for the KTT Purple Star and TTC Venus switches are quite similar in terms of their top POM housing. Both switches feature POM top housings that create a pleasing and unique sound profile, with a deeper tone and a relatively muted sound. This means that users can expect a consistent sound experience when pressing down on keys for both switches, ensuring a satisfying typing or gaming experience with a similar sound profile.
However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing materials. The Purple Star utilizes a POM bottom housing, while the Venus features a polycarbonate bottom housing. The POM bottom housing of the Purple Star contributes to a similar sound profile to its top housing, focusing on deeper tones and a muted sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Venus creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, due to the stiffness of the material. This results in a more clear and resonant sound when pressing down on keys with the Venus switch.
Overall, the choice between the KTT Purple Star and TTC Venus switches will depend on the user's preference for sound profile. If you enjoy a consistent and muted sound experience, the Purple Star with its POM top and bottom housing would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a sharper and crisper sound with higher pitches, the Venus switch with its polycarbonate bottom housing would provide a different typing or gaming experience. Ultimately, the housing materials play a crucial role in determining the sound profile of a switch, making it an important factor to consider when selecting a keyboard switch for your setup.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Purple Star linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, it is clear that both switches have fairly light actuation and bottom out forces. The Purple Star has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Venus's 45 grams, while both switches have a similar bottom out force with the Purple Star at 50 grams and the Venus at 52 grams. This means that users can expect a lighter typing experience with the Purple Star and a slightly heavier feel with the Venus. Both switches provide a relatively smooth typing experience with minimal resistance, making them ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch when typing for extended periods. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the KTT Purple Star linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, we find that the Purple Star has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Venus has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Venus switch requires a little more distance to fully actuate compared to the Purple Star. If you prefer a quicker response time, the Purple Star may be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, if you enjoy a deeper and more deliberate key press, the Venus switch might be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you desire.
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 KTT Purple Star comes in at $4.88 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 KTT Purple Star linear switch is known for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for various environments. On the other hand, the TTC Venus linear switch provides a muted and subdued sound signature, creating a softer and quieter typing experience that is enveloped in a dampened auditory embrace. Both switches aim to minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, ensuring a more subtle and pleasant sound output overall.
In terms of feel, the KTT Purple Star linear switch is praised for its mild and easy-to-press keystrokes, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. The light 45g bottom-out force adds to the effortless and comfortable typing feel, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Conversely, the TTC Venus linear switch boasts a buttery and frictionless typing experience, providing a seamless and uniform sensation with a touch of gummy resistance that is unique and engaging. With a polished finish, users can expect smooth key travel and reduced friction when using the Venus switch, creating a sleek and refined typing experience.
In conclusion, both the KTT Purple Star and TTC Venus linear switches offer distinct subjective qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. While the Purple Star excels in providing a comfortable and easy-to-press typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the Venus stands out with its buttery smoothness, gummy resistance, and muted sound signature. Whether opting for the Purple Star for a more traditional typing feel or choosing the Venus for a uniquely engaging typing sensation, users can expect similar levels of satisfaction and performance from these high-quality linear switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Purple Star and TTC Venus linear switches, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a very light bottom-out force of 50 grams and a smooth typing experience with a neutral sound signature, the Purple Star may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you appreciate a slightly higher bottom-out force of 52 grams, along with a unique "Q-texture" that provides both a frictionless glide and engaging typing sensation, the Venus switch might better suit your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your typing style, desired tactile feedback, and sound preference. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing needs and preferences to enhance your overall mechanical keyboard experience.
Mentioned in this article
