Huano Sakura vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the Huano Sakura and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Huano Sakura and the TTC Venus can greatly influence your typing experience. The Huano Sakura, recognized for its feather-light touch and medium acoustics, is an excellent option for those seeking comfort during long typing sessions, allowing for quick keystrokes without fatigue. In contrast, the TTC Venus switch is celebrated for its unique internal design that delivers a smooth, frictionless glide combined with a springy "Q-texture," reminiscent of enjoying chewy mochi. This switch not only enables rapid typing but also offers a muted sound profile, making it a fitting choice for quieter environments. Both switches offer distinct advantages: the Sakura excels in providing a balanced typing experience, while the Venus is ideal for those who appreciate a more nuanced tactile sensation. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
35g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Sakura and the TTC Venus, notable differences arise, particularly in their top housing constituents. The Sakura utilizes POK, or polyketone, known for its excellent durability and a smooth texture, resulting in clacky yet satisfying feedback during keystrokes. With a lower coefficient of friction than standard options, the POK material not only enhances the tactile experience but also contributes significantly to the overall longevity of the switch. In contrast, the Venus features a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top housing, which is renowned for producing a uniquely deeper and more muted sound profile. While both materials excel in terms of durability—POK offering superior shock resistance and wear characteristics—each provides a distinctive sensory experience tied to the particular acoustic profiles they produce during use.
Delving into the bottom housing, the Sakura opts for nylon, a classic switch housing material celebrated for its softer composition that absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller audio experience. This contributes to a rounded auditory effect that many users find appealing. On the other hand, the Venus incorporates polycarbonate for its bottom housing, which, due to its stiffness, delivers a crisper and sharper sounding profile. This material is often preferred for those seeking clarity and resonance in their keystrokes, as polycarbonate fosters a more defined sound as compared to nylon’s softer tone. The contrasting acoustic characteristics of nylon and polycarbonate highlight the diverse sensory feedback provided by each switch, even when the top housings share durability qualities.
In the synthesis of these materials, the blend of characteristics from both the top and bottom housing contributes to the overall performance and sound profile of each switch. The Sakura brings together the resilience of POK in the top housing with nylon’s soft sound experiment from the bottom to create a well-rounded typing experience. Conversely, the Venus combines the nuanced, muted effect of POM with the sharp, resonant nature of polycarbonate to produce a distinctly brighter sound. Consequently, although the housing materials differ and yield separate auditory results, each switch will evoke a refined experience for users seeking specific tactile and auditory sensations, ultimately showcasing how the choice of materials can sculpt the nuanced sounds and feels of keyboard switches.
Weight
The Huano Sakura linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch exhibit distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Sakura features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams, compared to the Venus's actuation force of 45 grams, making the Sakura more suitable for prolonged typing sessions, as it demands less effort. When it comes to bottom out forces, the Sakura also leads with a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Venus has a marginally heavier bottom out force of 52 grams. This difference indicates that users seeking a more tactile and heavier typing experience may prefer the Venus, which provides a more substantial feel. Ultimately, those who favor lighter switches will likely gravitate toward the Sakura for its reduced effort, whereas the Venus may appeal to individuals who appreciate a firmer push.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Huano Sakura linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, we find that the Sakura has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Venus offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. As a result, the Huano Sakura switch is the shorter option, making it potentially more suitable for gamers who prefer quicker response times. In contrast, the TTC Venus, with its greater travel distance, may appeal to those who favor a more tactile depth in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference, with the Sakura providing a more rapid engagement and the Venus allowing for a more traditional typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Sakura has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura for $3.29.
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.
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 Huano Sakura switch features medium acoustics, which creates a balanced auditory profile that is neither intrusive nor overly quiet. This mid-range sound allows for a pleasant typing experience, particularly during longer sessions, as it doesn't easily become bothersome. In contrast, the TTC Venus switch has a low-pitched, muted sound signature that dampens the typical noises associated with mechanical keyboards. It is designed for a more subdued experience, featuring a "thocky" quality that produces a rich and satisfying sound when pressed. Overall, while both switches are conducive to quieter environments, the Sakura offers a more neutral experience, whereas the Venus leans towards a softer, more bass-heavy sound.
In terms of feel, the Huano Sakura switch is known for its feather-light touch, providing a gentle keystroke that can be ideal for extended typing without causing finger fatigue. However, the specifics of its tactile feedback are not detailed. The TTC Venus, on the other hand, boasts an ingenious internal design that creates a frictionless glide, allowing for a smooth and effortless typing sensation. It incorporates a unique "Q-texture" that gives a chewy, gummy feel akin to biting tapioca pearls. This switch not only feels buttery and polished but also enhances the overall typing experience with a mild travel that appeals to a broad range of users.
In summary, both the Huano Sakura and TTC Venus switches have their distinct qualities, catering to different preferences while still offering comfortable typing experiences. The Sakura emphasizes a balanced sound with a lightweight feel, perfect for long typing sessions, whereas the Venus excels in sound dampening with a unique and smooth tactile experience. Ultimately, for someone looking for a quiet and light-touch keyboard, either switch would serve well, though the personal preference for a richer sound or a more frictionless feel will help in making the decision.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Huano Sakura linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch ultimately depends on your typing needs and preferences. If you find yourself typing for extended periods and prefer a feather-light touch with a muted sound profile, the Sakura might be your best bet. Its 45-gram actuation force allows for quick key presses with minimal resistance, making it ideal for those long work hours or gaming sessions where comfort is key. On the other hand, if you enjoy a smooth and slightly springy typing experience with a firmer feel, you may lean towards the TTC Venus. With its 52-gram bottom-out force and unique "Q-texture" design, the Venus offers a luxurious, frictionless gliding sensation that can enhance both speed and enjoyment. The relatively subdued and low-pitched sound character adds another layer of subtlety, making it suitable for quieter environments. In either case, both switches present distinct advantages: choose the Sakura for its lightness and ease during prolonged use, and opt for the Venus for a rich, buttery feel that marries a little more heft with an engaging noticeability.
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