TTC Gold Brown vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Brown and TTC Venus offer distinct experiences for users. The Gold Brown switch is known for its balanced feel, providing a slight bump and moderate weightiness with a softer sound profile. On the other hand, the Venus switch stands out for its unique internal configuration, offering a smooth glide paired with a "Q-texture" resistance for an engaging typing experience. While the Gold Brown is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Buttery', 'Accented', 'Polished', the Venus is categorized as 'Buttery', 'Gummy', 'Frictionless', 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', 'Muted', 'Neutral', 'Polished', 'Subdued', 'Thocky'. Each switch has its own strengths and characteristics that may appeal to different preferences. 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
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63g
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
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown and TTC Venus, it is evident that they offer contrasting sound profiles due to their different compositions. The Gold Brown's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, crisper sound, while the Venus's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. This distinction in sound characteristics can greatly influence the typing experience for users depending on their preference for a more vibrant or subdued typing sound.
Another point of comparison between the two switches lies in their bottom housing materials. The Gold Brown utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which creates a fuller and deeper sound profile due to its softness and sound-absorbing properties. In contrast, the Venus utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, resulting in a sharper and clearer sound profile. This difference in bottom housing material can impact the overall acoustic quality of the switch, affecting both the bottom-out sound and the typing feel for users.
While the housing materials for the Gold Brown and Venus switches are distinct in their sound profiles, it is important to note that both switches leverage the benefits of polycarbonate in their top housing for enhanced clarity and resonance. This shared feature ensures that users can expect a similar level of sound quality when releasing keys, even though the overall sound profiles of the two switches may vary due to the differences in their bottom housing materials. Ultimately, the choice between the Gold Brown and Venus switches may come down to personal preference for either a sharper, crisper sound or a deeper, more muted sound during typing.
Weight
The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the TTC Venus linear switch with an actuation force of 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Gold Brown requires 63 grams while the Venus only requires 52 grams. This makes the TTC Venus linear switch the lighter option in terms of both actuation and bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming may lean towards the Venus, while those looking for a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Gold Brown. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-light range of force, providing a balance between ease of use and tactile feedback.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Venus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Gold Brown being slightly longer than the Venus. For those who prefer a more responsive key press, the Venus with its shorter travel distance may be more suitable, especially for gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Gold Brown may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial key press with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired feel when typing or gaming.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown for $3.28.
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 TTC Gold Brown and Venus switches offer different auditory experiences. The Gold Brown switch provides a more neutral sound profile that is softer than most switches, striking a balanced tone suitable for various settings. On the other hand, the Venus switch has a low-pitched, muted sound that envelops each keystroke in a subdued auditory embrace, creating a unique typing atmosphere. Both switches aim to cater to different preferences, with the Gold Brown offering a moderate sound and the Venus delivering a quieter, more mellow tone.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Brown and Venus switches also showcase distinct tactile sensations. The Gold Brown switch is described as mild and buttery, offering a gentle typing experience with a slight, satisfying bump and a moderate weightiness. It provides a balanced and approachable feel that appeals to a wide range of users. In contrast, the Venus switch offers a buttery, gummy, frictionless sensation that delivers a smooth and engaging typing experience. With a unique "matte" texture and very light actuation, the Venus switch promises rapid and effortless typing without sacrificing on key feel.
Overall, the TTC Gold Brown and Venus switches each bring their own strengths to the table. The Gold Brown switch excels in providing a balanced and satisfying typing experience with a soft sound profile, making it a versatile choice for various applications. On the other hand, the Venus switch offers a unique tactile sensation with its frictionless glide and distinctive "Q-texture," delivering a smooth and engaging typing experience with a muted, low-pitched sound. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer quality options that cater to different typing styles and environments.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the TTC Gold Brown or the TTC Venus switch, it comes down to your personal preference and typing style. If you prioritize a balanced tactile feedback with a moderate weightiness and rounded sound profile, the Gold Brown switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and engaging typing experience with very light actuation and a unique "Q-texture" that provides a matte sensation, the Venus switch could be more suited to your needs. The Gold Brown offers a neutral sound and feel, while the Venus presents a low-pitched, muted, and buttery typing experience. Ultimately, both switches have their own strengths and characteristics, so it's important to carefully consider what factors are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch before making your decision.
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