TTC Gold Silver vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Silver and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Gold Silver and the TTC Venus mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that they both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Gold Silver stands out for its rapid responsiveness, providing a satisfying bottom-out with each keystroke and a resonant sound that complements its swift action. On the other hand, the Venus boasts a special internal configuration that combines a smooth glide with a "Q-texture" resistance, resulting in a matte sensation that is both smooth and engaging. While the Gold Silver focuses on speed, sound, and fluidity, the Venus emphasizes smoothness, light actuation, and a muted sound signature. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you determine the best switch for your particular needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
NPI
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
18mm spring
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Gold Silver and TTC Venus switches offer distinct characteristics that affect the sound and feel of typing. The Gold Silver features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, especially when paired with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Venus utilizes a POM top housing that produces a deeper and more muted sound. While both materials offer unique sound profiles, the polycarbonate of the Gold Silver provides a brighter tone compared to the POM of the Venus.
Moving on to the bottom housing of these switches, the Gold Silver boasts a nylon bottom housing that results in a deeper and fuller sound when typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound profile. On the other hand, the Venus features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which also contributes to a sharper and clearer sound when compared to the more muffled sound of the nylon used in the Gold Silver. The choice of bottom housing material significantly impacts the overall sound experience of the switches.
In summary, while the Gold Silver and the Venus switches share the use of polycarbonate, each switch showcases a unique combination of housing materials that influence the sound profile. The Gold Silver offers a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, while the Venus provides a deeper and more muted sound with its POM top housing and polycarbonate bottom housing. Whether looking for a brighter tone or a deeper sound, both switches offer distinct typing experiences based on their housing materials.
Weight
The TTC Gold Silver and TTC Venus linear switches both have an actuation force of 45 grams, meaning they will require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Gold Silver does not provide data while the Venus has a bottom out force of 52 grams, making it a slightly heavier option. This means that while both switches will feel the same when initiating a keystroke, the Venus will provide a slightly stronger resistance when fully pressed down. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, the Gold Silver may be the preferred choice. On the other hand, for those who enjoy a more substantial and tactile typing feel, the Venus with its heavier bottom out force may be the better option. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing experience and desired weight of keypresses.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the TTC Venus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Gold Silver offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Venus, making it ideal for those who prefer a faster response time, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Venus switch provides a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial depth when pressing on the keys. Both switches offer variations in travel distance that cater to different preferences, allowing users to choose based on their individual needs and preferences. In this case, the Gold Silver switch would be considered the shorter option while the Venus switch would be the longer option.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Silver has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Silver for $2.90.
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 characteristics, the Gold Silver switch is described as thocky, low-pitched, and neutral, providing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound profile suitable for most intents and purposes. On the other hand, the Venus switch offers a low-pitched, muted, and subdued sound signature, ensuring a quieter typing experience with a more subtle sound profile overall. While both switches have a low-pitched quality, the Gold Silver switch leans towards a more resonant and traditional mechanical keyboard sound, while the Venus switch focuses on a softer and quieter typing experience.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Gold Silver is polished, silky, mild, and subtle, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and a gentle typing feel. In contrast, the Venus switch is buttery, gummy, frictionless, mild, and also polished, providing an exceptionally smooth and fluid keystroke experience with minimal resistance and a uniform typing sensation. While both switches are described as mild and polished, the Gold Silver leans towards a refined and subtle typing feel, while the Venus switch emphasizes a seamless and effortless typing experience with unique tactile characteristics like gummy bottoming-out sensation.
Overall, the TTC Gold Silver linear switch excels in providing a rapid and precise typing experience with a thocky sound profile, polished feel, and fluid keystrokes. On the other hand, the TTC Venus linear switch stands out with its unique internal configuration that offers a nearly frictionless glide, Q-texture resistance, muted sound signature, and buttery, gummy feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different typing styles and preferences. Whether aiming for a more traditional mechanical keyboard experience with the Gold Silver or seeking a quieter and smoother typing experience with the Venus, users can expect reliable performance and durability from these TTC linear switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering which TTC switch to choose between the Gold Silver linear switch and the Venus linear switch, it ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize rapid responsiveness and a solid bottom-out with a resonant sound signature, along with a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, then the TTC Gold Silver may be the perfect fit for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a unique internal configuration that offers a nearly frictionless glide paired with a captivating "Q-texture" sensation, resulting in a smooth and engaging typing experience with a very light actuation force, then the TTC Venus could be the switch for you. Both switches have their own distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it's important to consider what aspects are most important to you when making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between the Gold Silver and Venus switches will depend on what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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