Gateron Ink Red vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Red and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Gateron Ink Red and the TTC Venus, both linear switches offering unique features. The Gateron Ink Red is ideal for those with a lighter typing style, boasting a lower actuation force that provides a smooth and effortless typing experience. Known for its satisfyingly crisp and clacky sound profile, this switch is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Silky', 'Chirpy', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the TTC Venus stands out for its internal configuration, offering a seamless and nearly frictionless glide combined with a unique "Q-texture" that gives each keystroke a matte sensation, reminiscent of biting into a chewy mochi. With very light actuation and a muted sound signature, the Venus is categorized as 'Buttery', 'Gummy', 'Frictionless', 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', 'Muted', 'Neutral', 'Polished', 'Subdued', and 'Thocky'. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
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
Gold-plated
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Red and TTC Venus switches both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profile. The Ink Red's proprietary INK blend top housing offers a pointed and high-pitched sound, resulting in a satisfying and clacky typing experience. In contrast, the Venus's POM top housing provides a deeper and more muted sound, creating a different typing sensation. While both switches offer distinct sound profiles due to their top housings, they cater to different preferences in terms of sound.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the differences between the Gateron Ink Red and TTC Venus switches become more apparent. The Ink Red's proprietary INK blend bottom housing contributes to its high-pitched and clacky sound profile, aligning with the characteristics of its top housing. On the other hand, the Venus's polycarbonate bottom housing leads to a sharper, crisper sound, contrasting with the deeper sound produced by its POM top housing. These differences in bottom housing materials further distinguish the typing experience between the two switches.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Ink Red and TTC Venus switches may offer similar typing experiences in terms of their top housings, the differences in their bottom housing materials result in distinct sound profiles. The Ink Red's INK blend bottom housing complements its clacky top housing, creating a cohesive typing experience, while the Venus's polycarbonate bottom housing adds a sharper sound element to its already unique POM top housing. These differences in housing materials make each switch stand out in its own way, catering to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch have similar actuation forces of 45 grams, making them both light in terms of triggering a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Gateron Ink Red is heavier at 60 grams compared to the 52 grams of the TTC Venus, which is considered medium-light. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the TTC Venus due to its lower bottom out force, allowing for smoother typing and potentially longer sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red may appeal to individuals who prefer a more substantial and tactile typing experience with a slightly heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces, as well as the desired typing feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Venus linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Ink Red falling on the longer end. Gamers may prefer the Venus switch for its slightly shorter travel distance, which can lead to faster response times. However, those who enjoy a more substantial key press may prefer the Ink Red for its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key press feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Red has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Red for $7.35.
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, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch offers a crisp and clacky sound profile, while the TTC Venus linear switch provides a muted and low-pitched sound signature. While the Ink Red switch is described as chirpy and neutral, the Venus switch is characterized as thocky, subdued, and neutral. Both switches offer unique sound qualities that cater to different preferences, with the Ink Red being more vibrant and the Venus being more mellow. The choice between the two would depend on whether you prefer a sharper acoustics (Ink Red) or a softer, more subtle sound (Venus).
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch is known for its silky and polished typing experience, offering minimal resistance and a refined finish. On the other hand, the TTC Venus linear switch provides a buttery and frictionless typing sensation, akin to a smooth and gummy keystroke. Both switches are described as mild in feel, offering a gentle typing experience that appeals to a wide range of users. The Ink Red focuses on smoothness and refinement, while the Venus prioritizes fluidity and effortless typing. Depending on whether you value a sleek and smooth typing feel (Ink Red) or a fluid and uniform sensation (Venus), your preference would guide your choice between the two switches.
In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ink Red provides a crispy and clacky sound with a silky and polished typing experience, while the Venus offers a muted and low-pitched sound with a buttery and frictionless feel. Both switches excel in different aspects, catering to individual preferences. Depending on whether you prioritize a vibrant sound and smoothness (Ink Red) or a subtle sound and fluidity (Venus), you can confidently choose either switch knowing you'll get satisfying results tailored to your specific typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, consider your typing style and preferences. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and a crispy, clacky sound profile, the Gateron Ink Red may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you appreciate a unique "Q-texture" feel with a nearly frictionless glide and a muted sound signature, the TTC Venus could be the switch for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prefer a smoother, lighter typing experience with the Ink Reds or a distinctively engaging feel with the Venus switches.
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