Gateron Ink Box Black vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Black and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Ink Box Black and the TTC Venus mechanical keyboard switches, it is evident that both offer unique features and characteristics. The Gateron Ink Box Black is praised for its smooth and creamy typing experience, with a sound signature resembling a shaken spray paint can. In contrast, the TTC Venus boasts a unique "Q-texture" that provides a smooth yet engaging typing sensation, along with a very light actuation for rapid typing. While the Ink Box Black is categorized as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Silky', and 'Polished', the Venus is labeled as 'Buttery', 'Gummy', 'Frictionless', 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', 'Muted', 'Neutral', 'Polished', 'Subdued', and 'Thocky'. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences and typing style; 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
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Box Black and TTC Venus both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Ink Box Black's proprietary INK blend top housing creates a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, while the POM top housing of the Venus produces a deeper and more muted sound. In terms of aesthetics, the translucent nature of polycarbonate used in the Venus's bottom housing makes it ideal for switches intended for RGB lighting.
While the top housing of both switches offers different sound profiles, the bottom housing plays a crucial role in the overall feel and sound of the switch. The INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Box Black contributes to its satisfying clacky sound, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Venus creates a sharper and crisper sound. This split in housing materials allows for a more nuanced sound experience when typing on either switch.
Overall, both the Gateron Ink Box Black and TTC Venus showcase the importance of housing materials in determining the sound of a mechanical keyboard switch. Whether it's the pointed and high-pitched sound of the INK blend top housing or the deeper and more muted sound of the POM top housing, each switch offers a unique typing experience. By understanding how different materials in the housing affect sound and feel, keyboard enthusiasts can choose a switch that best suits their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, it's clear that the Venus is the lighter option. The Ink Box Black has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the Venus has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, placing it in the medium-light category. For those who prefer a lighter feel, the Venus would be the better choice, allowing for longer typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the heavier actuation and bottom out force of the Ink Box Black would provide a more substantial typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In cases where both switches are equal in terms of force, users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Venus linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. The difference in travel distance between the two switches is minimal, so users can expect similar results in terms of key feel and actuation. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference regarding the slight variance in travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Box Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Box Black for $7.65.
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 Ink Box Black linear switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. On the other hand, the TTC Venus linear switch offers a unique sound experience with its low-pitched, muted, subdued, and thocky qualities, providing a softer and quieter typing experience with a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. Both switches offer different sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Ink Box Black providing a sharper sound and the Venus offering a more mellow and muted sound.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Box Black switch is described as silky and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Conversely, the TTC Venus linear switch provides a buttery, gummy, frictionless, mild, and polished feel, giving users a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with minimal friction and effortless key travel. Both switches excel in providing a seamless typing sensation, with the Ink Box Black focusing on smoothness and the Venus emphasizing a balanced and engaging typing feel.
Overall, while the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and TTC Venus linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities, they both provide users with a premium typing experience. The Ink Box Black excels in providing a clacky and high-pitched sound along with a silky and polished feel, ideal for those who prefer a sharper sound profile and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Venus stands out with its low-pitched, muted, and thocky sound attributes, coupled with a buttery, gummy, and frictionless feel, making it a suitable choice for those seeking a unique and engaging typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer top-tier performance, and users can expect similar levels of quality and satisfaction with either choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, consider the differences in bottom out force, sound profile, and feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a clacky, high-pitched sound with a silky and polished typing feel, the Gateron Ink Box Black might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force, a low-pitched, muted sound, and a buttery or frictionless typing feel, the TTC Venus could be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall feel you desire from your mechanical keyboard switches.
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