TKC Tangerine vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the TKC Tangerine and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering the TKC Tangerine and the TTC Venus mechanical keyboard switches, it's essential to note the distinct characteristics that set them apart. The Tangerine switch is renowned for its smooth and buttery typing experience, thanks to its UHWMPE housings, while the high-pitched clack adds a unique tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Venus switch offers a seamless glide with a Q-texture that provides a chewy mochi-like resistance, resulting in a matte sensation that is both smooth and engaging. The light actuation of the Venus switch allows for rapid typing, accompanied by a muted sound signature for a more subdued auditory experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide which switch best suits your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
N/A
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
UHWMPE
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold coated spring
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
The TKC Tangerine and TTC Venus switches both offer unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Tangerine utilizes UHWMPE for both its top and bottom housing, providing a bright and resonant sound when typing. In comparison, the Venus uses POM for its top housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound. This contrast in sound profiles highlights how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience for users.
On the other hand, the bottom housing materials of the Tangerine and Venus switches differ, with the Tangerine featuring UHWMPE and the Venus utilizing polycarbonate. The use of polycarbonate in the Venus's bottom housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile compared to the Tangerine's brighter sound. This difference showcases how even small variations in housing material can have a noticeable impact on the overall sound and feel of a switch. While both switches offer unique sound profiles, the choice between UHWMPE and polycarbonate in the bottom housing can cater to different preferences in typing experience.
Overall, the Tangerine and Venus switches demonstrate how the choice of housing materials can influence the sound signature and feel of mechanical switches. While the Tangerine provides a bright and resonant typing experience with UHWMPE housings, the Venus offers a deeper and more muted sound profile with POM and polycarbonate housings. The differentiation in housing materials between the two switches highlights the versatility and customization options available to mechanical keyboard enthusiasts looking to tailor their typing experience to their preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TKC Tangerine linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, it is evident that the Tangerine switch is heavier in terms of bottom out force at 62 grams compared to the Venus' 52 grams. However, the actuation force of the Venus switch is 45 grams, while the Tangerine switch has an unknown actuation force. This suggests that the Venus switch is lighter in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Venus switch may be the preferred choice, allowing for longer typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Tangerine switch for its heavier bottom out force. Both switches provide a medium to medium-light feel, catering to a variety of preferences.
Travel distance
The TKC Tangerine linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Venus linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Tangerine switch offers a more traditional travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial key press feel. On the other hand, the Venus switch provides a slightly shorter travel distance, which may be favored by gamers seeking quicker response times. Both switches offer relatively similar travel distances, with the Tangerine being slightly longer than the Venus. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key press feel and response time.
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 TKC Tangerine comes in at $6.30 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 TKC Tangerine linear switch is known for its high-pitched clack when typing, providing a sharp and crisp sound profile. On the other hand, the TTC Venus linear switch boasts a low-pitched and muted sound signature, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone that minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. The Venus switch also provides a subdued auditory embrace with a thocky character, creating a satisfying and subtle sound when pressed.
When it comes to feel, the TKC Tangerine switch offers an incredibly smooth and frictionless typing experience, thanks to its UHWMPE housings that minimize resistance and provide a buttery sensation. Similarly, the TTC Venus switch also features a buttery and polished feel, ensuring a seamless and uniform typing sensation with minimal friction and smooth key travel. The Venus switch adds a gummy texture to the typing experience, making bottoming out feel like bouncing on a trampoline or a gummy bear.
Overall, the TKC Tangerine linear switch excels in producing a high-pitched and sharp sound with an incredibly smooth and buttery feel, while the TTC Venus linear switch offers a low-pitched and muted sound with a unique matte sensation and gummy bottom-out feel. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, both switches provide distinct qualities that can enhance the typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the TKC Tangerine and TTC Venus switches will depend on whether you prefer a crisper and smoother typing experience or a mellower and more engaging one.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TKC Tangerine linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a slightly heavier keystroke with a high-pitched sound and enjoy the smooth, buttery feel of a switch with a more polished finish, the TKC Tangerine may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force with a low-pitched, muted sound and appreciate a more gummy, frictionless typing experience, the TTC Venus switch might be more to your liking. Consider how each switch's characteristics align with your typing preferences to make an informed decision that will enhance your overall typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the TKC Tangerine and TTC Venus switches will depend on what attributes are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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