TTC Silent Brown vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Brown and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the TTC Silent Brown, a tactile switch, and the TTC Venus, a linear switch. The Silent Brown is loved for its comfortable typing experience, light-medium resistance, and satisfying rounded tactile bump, while also offering a muted sound profile. On the other hand, the Venus stands out for its unique internal configuration, providing a seamless glide and a "Q-texture" that adds a springy resistance similar to biting into a chewy mochi. The Venus boasts very light actuation for rapid typing and a muted sound signature for a subdued auditory experience. 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
63.5g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
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 TTC Silent Brown and the TTC Venus, it is evident that they have distinct characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch. The Silent Brown's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound, while the Venus's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound. This contrast in sound profiles allows for users to choose a switch based on their preference for a higher-pitched or deeper sound.
Additionally, the housing materials of the Silent Brown and Venus also differ in their bottom housings. The Silent Brown features a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer plastic material absorbing more sound. On the other hand, the Venus's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and clearer sound profile. This difference in sound profiles between the bottom housings adds another layer of customization for users looking for a specific typing experience.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the TTC Silent Brown and Venus switches, users can achieve similar results depending on their preferences. The split between the top and bottom housing allows users to feel the impact of each material when pressing down on a key and when releasing it. The distinct qualities of the housing materials contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switch, providing users with options to tailor their typing experience to their liking. Ultimately, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences in typing sound and feel.
Weight
The actuation force of both the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch and the TTC Venus linear switch is 45 grams. This means that the force required to trigger a keystroke is the same for both switches, ensuring a consistent typing experience in terms of initial key press. However, when it comes to bottom out force, there is a difference between the two switches. The TTC Silent Brown has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a heavier option compared to the TTC Venus, which has a bottom out force of 52 grams. The heavier bottom out force of the Silent Brown switch provides a more substantial typing experience, whereas the lighter bottom out force of the Venus switch may be preferred by those who prefer a softer touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference in terms of typing feel and force feedback.
Travel distance
The TTC Silent Brown tactile switch and the TTC Venus linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.8mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same amount of travel from top to bottom. Both switches offer a consistent and uniform typing experience in terms of travel distance. Since they are equal in this aspect, you can expect similar results in terms of key feel and feedback when using either switch. Whether you prefer the tactile feedback of the Silent Brown or the smooth linear action of the Venus, you can be confident that the travel distance of both switches will provide a reliable typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $5.00.
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 TTC Silent Brown tactile switch offers a muted and softer sound profile that minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the TTC Venus linear switch provides a low-pitched, subdued, and thocky sound that is more bass-heavy, mellow, and satisfying. Both switches promise a quieter typing experience compared to others, making them suitable for shared workspaces or environments where noise level is a concern.
In terms of feel, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch offers a buttery typing experience with a light to medium resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump. It provides a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, ensuring a comfortable and uniform typing sensation. Conversely, the TTC Venus linear switch boasts a buttery, gummy, and frictionless feel that delivers a seamless and effortless typing experience. With its unique "matte" sensation and light actuation, the Venus switch promises rapid and engaging typing sessions.
Overall, while the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch and the TTC Venus linear switch differ in sound and feel characteristics, they both offer a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience. Whether you prefer a softer and quieter typing sound with a rounded tactile bump or a low-pitched, thocky sound with a springy resistance, both switches deliver on their promise of smooth and satisfying keystrokes. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on your personal preference for sound and feel, but rest assured that you'll get similar results in terms of overall typing comfort and performance with either switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch or the TTC Venus linear switch, you should take into account your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump, as well as a muted sound profile, then the Silent Brown switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a very light actuation, seamless, nearly frictionless glide, and a unique "matte" sensation with a muted sound signature, then the Venus switch would be the ideal option for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the type of typing feel and sound profile that best suits your preferences and needs.
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