Gateron CJ vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the Gateron CJ and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two notable options to compare and contrast are the Gateron CJ and the TTC Venus, both linear switches with their own unique characteristics. The CJ is praised for its unique presentation of a linear switch, delivering a higher-pitched clack sound and an incredibly smooth push feel. On the other hand, the Venus stands out for its innovative internal configuration, offering a seamless glide coupled with a "Q-texture" that provides a springy resistance, creating a matte sensation with each press. While the CJ is categorized as 'Chirpy', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Low-pitched', and 'Thocky', the Venus falls under 'Buttery', 'Gummy', 'Frictionless', 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', 'Muted', 'Neutral', 'Polished', 'Subdued', and 'Thocky'. These general pointers highlight the distinct qualities of each switch, but diving deeper into their specifics will ultimately help you make the best choice for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
The Gateron CJ and TTC Venus both offer unique and distinct housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profile and feel. The CJ's proprietary INK blend top housing provides a sharp and clacky sound, while the Venus's POM top housing offers a deeper and more muted sound. In terms of aesthetics, the CJ's POM bottom housing aligns with the pleasing sound profile of the top housing, while the Venus's polycarbonate bottom housing creates a crisper and higher-pitched sound due to its stiffness. Overall, both switches provide a different auditory experience based on their top and bottom housing materials.
Despite their differences, the CJ and Venus switches share some similarities in their housing materials. Both switches utilize POM, a material known for creating a unique sound profile despite the CJ's top housing being INK blend. POM's characteristics contribute to a pleasing and distinct sound quality, whether it's the deep and muted sound of the Venus or the sharp and clacky sound of the CJ. Additionally, the use of clear housing in the Venus's polycarbonate bottom housing allows for RGB lighting, making it visually appealing while also enhancing the overall sound profile of the switch.
In terms of functionality, the housing materials of the CJ and Venus switches play a crucial role in the overall typing experience. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing impacts the sound when a key is released. This means that the combination of POM and polycarbonate in the Venus provides a balance between deep and muted sounds with sharper and crisper tones. On the other hand, the CJ's INK blend top housing creates a more pointed and high-pitched sound profile that complements the impact of the POM bottom housing. Ultimately, both switches offer a unique typing experience based on their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron CJ linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, it is evident that the Gateron CJ has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the TTC Venus's 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Gateron CJ also requires more force at 60 grams, while the TTC Venus is lighter at 52 grams. Both switches fall into the medium actuation force category, but the Gateron CJ leans towards the heavier side while the TTC Venus is on the lighter end. This means that the Gateron CJ may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel, while the TTC Venus may be more suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron CJ linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Venus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the CJ has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Venus. In terms of key feel, the CJ may provide a slightly deeper press than the Venus due to the additional 0.2 mm of travel distance. However, both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances and should provide a comfortable typing experience for users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CJ has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CJ for $5.35.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron CJ linear switch is known for its higher-pitched and chirpy sound, setting it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the TTC Venus linear switch offers a low-pitched and muted sound, providing a quieter typing experience. Both switches have a thocky sound profile, giving a deep and satisfying auditory feedback when pressed. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference in sound profile, with the CJ offering a more unique sound and the Venus providing a more subdued typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron CJ linear switch is described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that falls in a safe middle-ground zone. In contrast, the TTC Venus linear switch is known for its buttery and frictionless feel, providing a smooth and effortless typing sensation. Additionally, the Venus switch is also described as gummy, giving a unique bottoming-out sensation similar to a trampoline or a gummy bear. The polished nature of the Venus switch ensures reduced friction and a sleek typing experience. Depending on whether you prefer a mild feel or a more buttery and frictionless one, the choice between the two switches will be based on personal typing preferences.
In conclusion, the Gateron CJ linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. While the CJ provides a unique and chirpy sound with a mild typing experience, the Venus offers a low-pitched and muted sound with a buttery and frictionless feel. Both switches have a thocky sound profile, but the Venus switch stands out with its gummy sensation when bottoming out. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize sound profile or typing feel in your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when considering whether to choose the Gateron CJ linear switch or the TTC Venus linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium actuation force and enjoy a higher-pitched, chirpy sound with a smooth push feel, the CJ may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force and a unique "matte" sensation with a balanced glide and a muted sound signature, the Venus switch could be the perfect fit. Both switches offer their own distinctive qualities in terms of sound and feel, so it's important to consider what aspects are most important to you in a keyboard switch before making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron CJ and TTC Venus linear switches will depend on what type of typing experience you are looking to achieve.
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