Kailh Sage vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the Kailh Sage and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Sage and TTC Venus offer distinct advantages for different preferences. The Sage is well-known for its clicky typing experience, with a heavy weight and sharp clickiness that provides an invigorating and crunchy feel. On the other hand, the TTC Venus stands out with its innovative internal design, offering a smooth and frictionless glide combined with a unique "Q-texture" for a buttery and gummy sensation. While the Sage offers a more tactile and audible typing experience, the Venus provides a quieter and smoother keystroke. 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 Sage and the TTC Venus, one noticeable difference is in the top housing material. The Sage features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. On the other hand, the Venus utilizes a POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound. This contrast in sound profiles between the two switches can significantly impact the overall typing experience, especially for those who have a preference for either a sharper or deeper sound.
Moving on to the bottom housing material, the Sage incorporates a nylon bottom housing, while the Venus uses a polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound. Conversely, polycarbonate's stiffness results in a clearer and more resonant sound profile. This difference in bottom housing material can affect the overall feel and sound of typing on the switches, with nylon offering a softer and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound produced by polycarbonate.
Overall, the combination of different housing materials in the Kailh Sage and the TTC Venus results in distinct typing experiences. The split between the top and bottom housings allows for a unique blend of sound qualities when pressing down and releasing a key. While the Sage's polycarbonate top and nylon bottom produce a mix of sharpness and depth, the Venus's POM top and polycarbonate bottom offer a balance between muted and resonant sounds. Despite the differences in housing materials, both switches provide users with a variety of sound profiles to cater to their preferences, whether they prefer a sharper, crisper sound or a deeper, more rounded sound.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, it is evident that they offer different experiences to users. The Kailh Sage has a bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a medium-heavy feel, while the actuation force is not specified. On the other hand, the TTC Venus has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, making it a medium-light option. Those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions may find the Venus more suitable, while individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the heavier bottom out force of the Sage. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Kailh Sage clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Venus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those who prioritize faster response times. However, the Venus switch offers slightly more depth with its 3.8 mm travel distance compared to the Sage switch's 3.6 mm. Gamers looking for a more abrupt feel may lean towards the Sage switch, while those who prefer a slightly deeper press may prefer the Venus switch. Ultimately, both switches will provide similar results in terms of travel distance, catering to different preferences based on individual needs and preferences.
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 Sage 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
In terms of sound, the Kailh Sage clicky switch offers a crunchy typing experience, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. On the other hand, the TTC Venus linear switch provides a low-pitched, muted sound profile that wraps each keystroke in a subdued auditory embrace. The Venus switch also offers a thocky sound, producing a deep, rich, and satisfying noise when pressed. Ultimately, while the Sage switch provides a sharper and more distinct clickiness, the Venus switch delivers a smooth, bass-heavy sound that is less intrusive.
Regarding feel, the Kailh Sage switch offers an invigorating typing experience with pronounced feedback and a sharp tactile bump for a snappy and reactive feel. In contrast, the TTC Venus switch provides a buttery and frictionless typing sensation, offering a seamless and effortless keystroke experience. Additionally, the Venus switch has a gummy feel when bottoming out, adding a unique tactile element to each keypress. Overall, the Sage switch leans towards a firmer and more tactile typing experience, while the Venus switch focuses on providing a smoother and more uniform feel.
In conclusion, the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the TTC Venus linear switch offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Sage switch excels in providing a crunchy and sharp clickiness with an invigorating feel, while the Venus switch prioritizes a low-pitched, muted sound profile and a buttery, frictionless typing sensation. Whether you prefer a heavier, tactile typing experience with a distinctive clicky sound or a smoother, more subdued typing feel with a bass-heavy sound, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your overall typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the specific feel and sound that you are seeking in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, consider the typing experience you are looking for. If you enjoy a heavy key press with a sharp clickiness and strong tactile bump, the Sage switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light actuation force with a smooth and buttery typing experience that is nearly frictionless, the Venus switch would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a distinctive clicky typing experience (Sage) or a smooth and engaging linear typing experience (Venus). Choose the switch that aligns with your typing style and preferences for the best overall mechanical keyboard experience.
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