KTT Strawberry vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the KTT Strawberry and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Strawberry and TTC Venus are two popular choices to consider. The KTT Strawberry is praised for its smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance, making it a great option for those looking for a linear switch with a low-pitched and frictionless typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Venus stands out for its unique internal configuration that offers a seamless glide and a captivating "Q-texture" resistance, providing a buttery and engaging typing sensation accompanied by a muted sound signature. While the Strawberry offers a polished and silky feel, the Venus provides a gummy and matte sensation. 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
62g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Strawberry and the TTC Venus, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their bottom housing. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting effects to shine through, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the switch. However, while the Venus also uses polycarbonate for its top housing, the Strawberry features a POM top housing instead. POM housings create a deeper and more muted sound, offering a unique auditory experience compared to the sharper sound profile of polycarbonate.
The difference in top housing material between the KTT Strawberry and the TTC Venus leads to distinct sound profiles for each switch. The Strawberry's POM top housing results in a sound that is deeper and more subdued, offering a different auditory experience compared to the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing of the Venus. Despite this difference, both switches share a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile when typing. The impact of the bottom housing is felt more when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing material plays a greater role in the sound when releasing a key.
In essence, while the KTT Strawberry and TTC Venus share a polycarbonate bottom housing that provides a sharp and clear sound profile, their top housing materials offer contrasting auditory experiences. The Strawberry's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Venus's polycarbonate top housing results in a sharper sound profile. Despite these differences, the use of polycarbonate in the bottom housing ensures a consistent level of clarity and resonance in the overall sound produced by both switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for sound aesthetics and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Strawberry linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, we can see that the Strawberry has a slightly lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Venus, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Strawberry is heavier at 62 grams compared to the Venus at 52 grams. This means that while the Strawberry requires less force to start a keystroke, it requires more force to fully press down compared to the Venus. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Venus may be the better option, while those who prefer a more substantial feel may lean towards the Strawberry. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on whether a lighter or heavier typing experience is desired.
Travel distance
The KTT Strawberry linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it slightly longer than the TTC Venus linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Strawberry offering a bit more depth compared to the Venus. Gamers seeking faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Venus, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may opt for the longer travel distance of the Strawberry. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Strawberry comes in at $4.91 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, both the KTT Strawberry and the TTC Venus linear switches are described as having a low-pitched sound profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. However, the Venus switch offers additional qualities such as being muted, neutral, subdued, and thocky, creating a softer, quieter, and more subtle auditory experience. The choice of board and keycaps may also influence the overall sound produced by these switches.
In terms of feel, the KTT Strawberry switch is highlighted for its frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished characteristics, offering an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience with reduced resistance and friction. On the other hand, the TTC Venus switch provides a buttery, gummy, frictionless, mild, and polished feel, combining smooth and fluid keystrokes with a unique typing sensation reminiscent of bottoming out on a trampoline or a gummy bear. Both switches promise a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience, with slight variations in their tactile feedback.
In conclusion, both the KTT Strawberry and TTC Venus linear switches offer a smooth and engaging typing experience with their unique qualities in sound and feel. While the Strawberry switch may excel in providing a comfortable feel with its frictionless and silky properties, the Venus switch stands out for its inventive internal design and distinct "matte" sensation. Depending on personal preferences in sound and feel, users can choose between the two switches to achieve similar satisfactory results in their mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Strawberry linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a smooth actuation with a comfortable feel, opt for the Strawberry. This switch is known for its medium bottom out force and low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force for rapid typing and a unique "Q-texture" matte sensation, the Venus might be more suitable for you. This switch offers a medium-light bottom out force and a muted sound signature with a buttery and frictionless feel. Ultimately, your preference for typing experience and sound profile will determine which switch is the best fit for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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