Gateron CM vs. TTC Venus

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the merits of various options to suit their typing preferences. The Gateron CM and the TTC Venus are both linear switches that offer distinct experiences worth exploring. The Gateron CM stands out with its full nylon housing that not only enhances durability but also produces a richer and deeper sound profile. With a factory lube job that ensures a frictionless glide and a unique dual-staged spring that provides a delightful bounciness, the CM delivers a polished, thocky sensation akin to gliding gracefully across the keys. On the other hand, the TTC Venus introduces a refreshing take on linear switches with its specialized internal design, which combines smoothness with a springy texture that mimics the sensation of biting into chewy tapioca pearls. This switch prioritizes a light actuation and a more muted sound, resulting in a typing experience that is both effortless and subtly enjoyable. While the CM leans towards a richer auditory experience, the Venus excels in providing a softer, more subdued feel. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron CM Linear

TTC Venus Linear

$4.80

$4.25 per 10

$7.99

$5.09 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron CM and TTC Venus switches showcase differing approaches to housing materials, resulting in distinct sound profiles influenced by the specifics of their construction. The Gateron CM utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, which is traditionally known for producing a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon's softer properties allow it to absorb sound effectively, leading to a duller and rounder typing experience. This quality creates a unified auditory experience across both the top and bottom, ensuring consistent acoustic characteristics when the switch is pressed or released. In this case, the material choice contributes to a cohesive sound profile that many users find desirable for its warmth and depth.

In contrast, the TTC Venus employs a combination of POM for the top housing and polycarbonate for the bottom housing, introducing a more varied sound signature. The POM top housing contributes to a pleasant, muted sound that retains a certain depth, while the polycarbonate bottom housing introduces sharper and crisper sound characteristics. Polycarbonate's stiffness allows for clear resonance, creating a more pronounced auditory experience during bottom-out. This dual-material approach means that the TTC Venus can produce a complex sound landscape with differing auditory feedback depending on whether the key is pressed down or released.

While the Gateron CM's nylon housing offers a consistent sound signature throughout, the TTC Venus exhibits a nuanced interaction between its top and bottom materials. Users familiar with the CM's deeper sound will appreciate the Venus's capability to provide a mix of muted and sharper sounds, appealing to those who enjoy subtle variations in auditory feedback. Ultimately, while both switches yield satisfying typing experiences, the uniqueness of the TTC Venus’s sound profile results from the interplay of its differently sourced housing materials, allowing for a richer sound experience compared to the more straightforward acoustic texture of the Gateron CM.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron CM linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces highlight their respective user experiences. The Gateron CM features an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the TTC Venus offers a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, placing it in the medium-light range. This discrepancy suggests that users who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing sessions or gaming may gravitate towards the Venus, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may find the CM more appealing. Therefore, the CM is the heavier option, while the Venus is lighter, making their tactile feedback distinctly different in terms of actuation and overall user experience. While both switches provide unique advantages depending on user preference, they do not share similar actuation or bottom out forces, leading to different tactile sensations and usage experiences.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Gateron CM linear switch measures 3.6 mm, while the TTC Venus linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Gateron CM offers a shorter travel distance compared to the TTC Venus. For users who prefer a more responsive typing experience, the CM's shorter distance may provide a quicker reaction time, which is often favored by gamers. In contrast, the TTC Venus, with its greater travel distance, may appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feel and a deeper keystroke. As such, the choice between these switches ultimately depends on individual preferences for either speed or a more traditional depth in key travel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound characteristics of the Gateron CM and the TTC Venus linear switches, both offer distinctive acoustic profiles. The Gateron CM produces a deeper, richer sound thanks to its full nylon housing, leading to a bassy and thocky auditory experience that can be described as a soft thud or knock with every key press. This can create a satisfying feedback loop during typing, making it feel very engaging. In contrast, the TTC Venus provides a more muted sound signature that leans towards a subdued and low-pitched quality. It offers a softer typing experience that minimizes noise, making it suitable for quiet environments. While both switches produce thocky sounds, the CM tends to emphasize depth more, leading to a richer auditory experience.

When it comes to feel, both switches shine in their own right, yet they also exhibit some similarities. The Gateron CM is celebrated for its buttery, frictionless keystrokes, providing a smooth and polished typing experience, complemented by an impeccable factory lube job. The sensation is refined, allowing users to glide effortlessly from key to key. The TTC Venus embodies a similar buttery feel, offering a frictionless typing experience as well. It also introduces a unique gummy sensation when bottoming out, likened to the feeling of landing on a trampoline. This makes for an interesting and playful typing experience. Both switches exhibit polished characteristics, ensuring smooth key travel and reduced friction.

In conclusion, both the Gateron CM and TTC Venus linear switches offer appealing characteristics suitable for different preferences. The CM’s deeper sound and smooth gliding feel make it ideal for those who revel in a more pronounced feedback, while the Venus provides a quieter, springy typing experience with a unique gummy texture. Both share similarities in smoothness and the polished nature of their actuation, allowing users to experience high-quality typing regardless of their choice. Ultimately, those seeking for a bouncier typing experience may prefer the CM, while those in need of muted sound may lean towards the Venus.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Gateron CM and the TTC Venus linear switches comes down to your specific typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you lean towards a more tactile experience with a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 63.5 grams, the Gateron CM is an excellent choice. Its full nylon housing and rich sound signature create a satisfying auditory experience, making it ideal for environments where you want your keystrokes to be both impactful and pronounced. This switch is particularly suited for those who appreciate a robust, buttery feel and enjoy the thocky sound profile, which can enhance the pleasure of typing, especially during long sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of 52 grams, the TTC Venus may be your best option. Its focus on a smooth, frictionless glide and muted sound profile makes it well-suited for workspaces where noise levels should be kept to a minimum, or if you simply enjoy a gentle, springy feel under your fingers. The Venus is perfect for rapid typing tasks, allowing for quick snappy movements without feeling fatigued. In essence, your choice should reflect your typing style and environment; whether you want a deeper, richer experience with the CM or a lighter, more effortless interaction with the Venus, both switches cater to different facets of the tactile and auditory enjoyment that comes with mechanical keyboards.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron CM Linear

$4.80

$4.25 per 10

Learn more

TTC Venus Linear

$7.99

$5.09 per 10

Learn more