Jwick Taro vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the Jwick Taro and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Jwick Taro tactile switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, each offers a unique typing experience that caters to different preferences. The Taro switch provides a cozy and medium-level of tactility with crisp clacks, making it a great option for those who enjoy a satisfying tactile feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Venus switch stands out with its seamless glide, "Q-texture" resistance, and light actuation, ideal for users who prefer a smooth and rapid typing experience with a muted sound signature. 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
67g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Jwick Taro and TTC Venus, it is clear that they both offer unique sound profiles based on their materials. The Taro's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the Venus's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound. This contrast showcases how the choice of housing material can greatly impact the overall sound experience of a switch. While the Taro's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, the Venus's polycarbonate bottom housing provides a sharper and clearer sound. This disparity in sound profiles based on housing materials highlights the importance of selecting the right materials to achieve the desired typing experience.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Jwick Taro and TTC Venus, both switches share similar characteristics when it comes to how the top and bottom housings contribute to the overall sound profile. The Taro's polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing work together to create a unique sound experience, with each material playing a role in shaping the final sound profile. Similarly, the Venus's POM top housing and polycarbonate bottom housing work in tandem to produce a distinct sound that combines the qualities of both materials. This parallel in how the top and bottom housings interact demonstrates the importance of considering all aspects of housing materials when designing switches for specific sound preferences.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Jwick Taro and TTC Venus offer a range of sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The Taro's combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials results in a sharper top-out sound and a fuller bottom-out sound, while the Venus's POM and polycarbonate housings produce a deeper top-out sound and a crisper bottom-out sound. Despite these differences, both switches showcase how the choice of housing materials can impact the overall typing experience by influencing sound quality and tactile feedback. Whether opting for a sharper and higher-pitched sound or a deeper and more muted sound, the housing materials of these switches play a crucial role in shaping the final outcome.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jwick Taro tactile switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, it is evident that there are significant differences between the two. The Taro has no specified actuation force, making it difficult to gauge how much force is needed to trigger a keystroke, while the Venus has an actuation force of 45 grams, providing a light and responsive typing experience. In terms of bottom out force, the Taro requires 67 grams, which is considered medium-heavy, compared to the Venus which only needs 52 grams, making it medium-light. The Taro offers a heavier typing experience, more suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel, while the Venus provides a lighter touch, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Jwick Taro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7mm, while the TTC Venus linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. While the 0.1mm difference may not seem significant, some users may notice a slightly snappier feel with the Taro switch compared to the Venus switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference for those who appreciate a shorter travel distance for quicker key presses or those who prefer a slightly longer travel distance for a more substantial keypress experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jwick Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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 Jwick Taro tactile switch offers a neutral profile suitable for various typing environments, with a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound level. On the other hand, the TTC Venus linear switch provides a low-pitched, muted sound that minimizes the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards, enveloping each keystroke in a subtle auditory embrace. So, while both switches offer different sound profiles, they aim to create a comfortable and less disruptive typing experience for the user.
Moving on to feel, the Taro switch is described as providing a buttery typing sensation, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. It also offers a stepped tactile feel, giving a sense of two stages during the keypress. In contrast, the TTC Venus switch provides a buttery and gummy typing experience, with a unique feeling reminiscent of bottoming out on a trampoline or a gummy bear. Its frictionless and polished design ensures a smooth and effortless typing experience, with a mild overall feel that caters to a wide range of users. Both switches prioritize a comfortable and seamless typing experience, showcasing different tactile qualities to suit individual preferences.
In conclusion, the Jwick Taro tactile switch and the TTC Venus linear switch each bring their unique qualities to the table. The Taro offers a medium-level tactility with a neutral sound profile and a buttery, stepped feel, providing a cozy typing experience. In comparison, the Venus switch boasts a light actuation with a low-pitched, muted sound and a buttery, gummy feel that ensures a smooth and engaging typing experience. Ultimately, both switches focus on delivering comfort and smoothness to the user, albeit through different sound and feel characteristics, catering to a variety of typing preferences. Choosing between the two would largely depend on the individual's preference for sound and feel, as both switches prioritize a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Jwick Taro tactile switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force. If you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force, opt for the Taro switch, which provides a cozy typing experience with medium-level tactility. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, the Venus switch with its smooth and engaging "Q-texture" may be more appealing. Additionally, if you prefer a neutral sound profile with moderate actuation force, the Taro switch is a suitable choice, whereas the Venus switch offers a low-pitched, muted sound. When it comes to feel, both switches offer a buttery typing experience, but the Venus switch provides a unique gummy feel and frictionless travel. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing experience.