Gateron Ink Box Pink vs. TTC Venus

Overview

When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the TTC Venus mechanical keyboard switches, both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Ink Box Pink is well-loved for its smoothness and lighter typing feel, accompanied by a higher-pitched clack during use. On the other hand, the TTC Venus showcases a distinctive internal design that provides a near-frictionless glide paired with a unique "Q-texture" for an engaging typing experience. While the Ink Box Pink may appeal to those who prefer a clackier and high-pitched switch, the Venus is perfect for those seeking a buttery and gummy feel with a muted sound signature. 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 Ink Box Pink Linear

TTC Venus Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

$7.99

$5.09 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron Ink Box Pink features a proprietary INK blend top housing that provides a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound, described as clacky. In contrast, the TTC Venus has a POM top housing that creates a deeper and relatively more muted sound profile. This difference in sound characteristics can impact the overall typing experience for users, with the Ink Box Pink offering a more distinct and sharp sound compared to the Venus.

In terms of bottom housing, the Gateron Ink Box Pink's proprietary INK blend bottom housing also contributes to the pointed and high-pitched sound profile of the switch. On the other hand, the TTC Venus's polycarbonate bottom housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This difference in material can affect the overall acoustics of the switch, with the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Venus likely providing a more clear and resonant sound compared to the INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Box Pink.

Overall, the choice of housing materials for switches like the Gateron Ink Box Pink and TTC Venus can significantly impact the sound profile and typing experience for users. While both switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound, with the Ink Box Pink providing a clacky and high-pitched sound and the Venus offering a deeper and more muted sound, the differences in top and bottom housing materials can further influence the overall acoustics of the switches. Users looking for a more distinct and sharp sound may prefer the Ink Box Pink, while those seeking a clearer and resonant sound profile may lean towards the Venus.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, it is clear that the Ink Box Pink has a slightly heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Venus. The Ink Box Pink has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Venus has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams. Both switches fall into the medium category in terms of force required, with the Venus being slightly lighter than the Ink Box Pink.

Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the TTC Venus switch, as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out. This makes it ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions where fatigue may be a factor. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink may be preferred by those who prefer a slightly heavier push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.

Travel distance

The Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Venus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Ink Box Pink has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Venus switch. While the 0.2 mm may not seem like a significant difference, it can affect the overall feel and responsiveness of the switch when typing or gaming. Gamers who prioritize quick response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Ink Box Pink, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Venus switch with a slightly longer travel distance. Both switches offer a balance between traditional and shallow travel distances, catering to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Ink Box Pink switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched characteristics, offering a sharp and bright sound profile that some users find crisp and percussive. On the other hand, the TTC Venus switch provides a more muted and low-pitched sound, enveloping each keystroke in a subdued auditory embrace that minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. The Venus switch also offers a thocky sound profile, producing a deep and satisfying sound when pressed and released. Ultimately, if you prefer a more high-pitched and clacky sound, the Ink Box Pink may be the way to go, while the TTC Venus switch offers a quieter and more muted typing experience.

In terms of feel, the Ink Box Pink switch is described as silky and polished, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Conversely, the TTC Venus switch is characterized by its buttery and frictionless feel, offering a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. The Venus switch also has elements of gummy and mild characteristics, providing a unique typing experience that feels like bottoming out on a trampoline or a gummy bear, along with a gentle typing experience that most users will find approachable. Both switches offer a smooth and refined typing experience, but the Venus switch may appeal more to those seeking a buttery and frictionless feel.

In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch offer distinct sound and feel profiles for users to consider based on their preferences. The Ink Box Pink excels in producing a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky and polished feel, while the TTC Venus provides a more muted and low-pitched sound along with a buttery and frictionless typing experience. Depending on whether you prioritize sound or feel in your typing experience, you can choose between the sharper and crisper sound of the Ink Box Pink or the quieter and smoother feel of the TTC Venus. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, ensuring that users will achieve satisfying results regardless of their choice.

Conclusion

Therefore, when choosing between the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences. If you prefer a higher-pitched, clacky sound and a smoother, lighter typing feel, then the Gateron Ink Box Pink may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a low-pitched, muted sound with a buttery, frictionless typing experience, then the TTC Venus may be more suitable. Consider your sound and feel preferences, as well as the actuation force, when making your decision. Both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience, so choose the one that aligns best with your preferences and typing style. Ultimately, the choice is yours to make based on what feels and sounds right to you.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Box Pink Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn more

TTC Venus Linear

$7.99

$5.09 per 10

Learn more