TTC Venus vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the TTC Venus and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Venus and Outemu Yellow Silver both stand out as top contenders. The Venus, a linear switch, boasts a unique "matte" sensation with its innovative internal configuration providing a seamless glide and springy resistance for a smooth yet engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver, also a linear switch, offers a light actuation force and a neutral sound profile, making it ideal for gamers and typists seeking speediness and responsiveness. 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
52g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Venus and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences in sound profile and feel. The Venus's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the Yellow Silver's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. This contrast in sound is further emphasized by the Venus's polycarbonate bottom housing, which adds to the sharpness of the overall sound profile, compared to the Yellow Silver's nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound. These differences in housing materials allow for a variety of customization options to suit individual typing preferences.
While the Venus and the Yellow Silver switches use different materials for their top and bottom housings, the choice of material in each component has a significant impact on the overall sound and feel of the switch. The combination of POM and polycarbonate in the Venus results in a unique, harmonious sound profile that is both deep and clear. Conversely, the use of polycarbonate and nylon in the Yellow Silver creates a distinct sound profile that is sharp and full. The split between the top and bottom housing materials allows for a customizable typing experience based on the desired sound and feel preferences of the user.
In terms of aesthetics, the choice of housing material in switches such as the Venus and the Yellow Silver can also impact the overall look of the keyboard. The translucency of polycarbonate in the Yellow Silver's top housing allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the visual appeal of the keyboard. On the other hand, the solid color of the POM top housing in the Venus gives it a more understated appearance. Regardless of the visual differences, both switches offer a high level of customization and performance, allowing users to tailor their typing experience to their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Venus linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light in terms of initial key press. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Venus has a slightly lighter force of 52 grams compared to the Yellow Silver's 55 grams, making the Yellow Silver slightly heavier on the press down. This difference may be subtle, but it can affect the overall typing experience for users who prefer a slightly firmer key press. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Venus may be the preferred choice. In terms of weight, both switches fall into the medium-light category, which is ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the TTC Venus linear switch is 3.8 mm, while the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both are relatively short compared to traditional distances, with the Yellow Silver being slightly longer. Gamers may prefer the Venus for its faster response time due to its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Yellow Silver. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and what feels most comfortable during use.
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 Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40 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 Venus linear switch stands out with its low-pitched and muted profile, offering a subdued and thocky auditory experience that is both satisfying and quiet. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, suitable for a wide range of users who prefer a more moderate and versatile sound. While both switches provide different sound qualities, users can expect a comfortable typing experience with either switch depending on personal preference, keycaps, and keyboard setup.
Moving on to feel, the Venus linear switch offers a buttery, gummy, frictionless typing experience that is smooth, effortless, and uniform. With its unique internal configuration, users can enjoy a mild and polished feel that enhances each keystroke with a refined and sleek touch. Conversely, information on the feel of the Outemu Yellow Silver switch is not provided, indicating that its tactile feedback and overall typing experience may be more standard and expected compared to the distinctive qualities of the Venus switch.
In conclusion, while the TTC Venus linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel, both switches cater to users who value smoothness, responsiveness, and a light actuation force. Whether you prefer the distinct matte sensation and subdued sound of the Venus switch or the neutral profile and speediness of the Yellow Silver switch, both options provide excellent choices for gamers and typists alike. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the TTC Venus linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, your decision will ultimately come down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a unique "matte" sensation with a seamless glide and engaging resistance, along with a low-pitched and muted sound profile, the TTC Venus switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light actuation force with a neutral sound profile, favoring speediness and responsiveness, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch might be more suited to your needs. Consider how these switches align with your typing preferences and choose the one that best enhances your overall typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer quality options that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
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