Gateron Beer vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Beer and the TTC Venus mechanical keyboard switches, you are presented with two distinct experiences. The Beer switch offers a refreshingly lightweight tactile experience with a stepped tactility, providing a subtle feel and a characteristic clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the Venus switch boasts a unique internal configuration with a smooth glide and a "Q-texture" resistance that gives it a matte sensation, resulting in a buttery and gummy typing experience. While the Beer switch is easy-to-press and has a distinct clacky sound, the Venus switch promises rapid and effortless typing with a muted, subdued 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
38g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Beer and the TTC Venus, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their bottom housing. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound, making it ideal for users seeking a defined typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the switches.
On the other hand, the top housing materials differ between the Beer and Venus switches. The Beer features a polycarbonate top housing, while the Venus utilizes a POM top housing. The POM housing of the Venus creates a unique and deep sound profile that is relatively more muted compared to the sharper sound of the polycarbonate top housing of the Beer. This contrast in sound profiles can cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, with some preferring a more subdued typing experience offered by POM.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Beer and TTC Venus switches comes down to individual preferences in sound and feel. While both switches share the benefits of a polycarbonate bottom housing, the difference in top housing material allows for a unique typing experience tailored to specific preferences. Whether one seeks a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile with the Beer's polycarbonate top housing, or a deeper and more muted sound with the Venus's POM top housing, both switches offer a quality typing experience with distinct characteristics.
Weight
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the TTC Venus linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams. The Beer switch is lighter overall, making it a good choice for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time. On the other hand, the Venus switch provides a slightly stronger push feel, offering a more substantial typing experience. Both switches provide a different typing experience based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to individual preferences for typing feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the TTC Venus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Beer offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Venus, which may appeal to those prioritizing faster response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Venus provides a bit more depth in its travel distance, which some users may find more comfortable for typing or other tasks that require a gentler touch. Both switches fall within the range of modern travel distances, with neither being extremely shallow nor overly deep. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Beer has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Beer for $4.59.
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 Gateron Beer tactile switch is known for its characteristic clacky sound, which is sharp and percussive. On the other hand, the TTC Venus linear switch offers a more low-pitched and muted sound profile, providing a softer and quieter typing experience. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences, with the Beer switch being more crisp and bright, while the Venus switch leans towards a bass-heavy and mellow tone. Depending on personal preference and the setup of the keyboard, users can achieve either a sharp clack or a subdued thock with these switches.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is praised for being easy-to-press and featuring a stepped tactility that offers a more subtle tactile feedback compared to other switches. On the contrary, the TTC Venus linear switch provides a buttery and frictionless typing experience with a unique "Q-texture" and a matte sensation that is smooth and engaging. Both switches aim to enhance the typing experience by offering low-impact and effortless key presses, with the Beer switch focusing on a lightweight feel and stepped tactility, while the Venus switch provides a seamless and uniform typing sensation.
In conclusion, the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the TTC Venus linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Beer switch provides a clacky sound and easy-to-press feel with stepped tactility, while the Venus switch offers a muted and low-pitched sound alongside a buttery and frictionless typing experience. Depending on individual preference for sound and feel, users can choose between the sharp and light qualities of the Beer switch or the smooth and engaging characteristics of the Venus switch to suit their typing needs and preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique and enjoyable typing experiences that can cater to a variety of users.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, consider your preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a lightweight switch with a unique "clacky" sound and stepped tactility, the Gateron Beer may be the perfect fit for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier switch with a smooth and frictionless typing experience, along with a low-pitched, muted sound, the TTC Venus could be the ideal choice. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what feels most comfortable to you while typing. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing needs and enjoy the satisfying experience it brings to your mechanical keyboard setup.
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