Gazzew LT vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the Gazzew LT and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering two notable linear mechanical keyboard switches, the Gazzew LT and the TTC Venus stand out with their unique characteristics. The Gazzew LT is renowned for its deep, resonant thockiness and seamless glide, providing a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Venus boasts a distinct internal configuration that offers a buttery, gummy feel with a matte sensation and a muted sound signature. While the LT excels in its auditory symphony and low-pitched profile, the Venus shines with its frictionless glide and springy resistance. Ultimately, the choice between these switches boils down to personal preference 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
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.20 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 Gazzew blend
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
The Gazzew LT and the TTC Venus both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The LT's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, known for its "boba plastic" composition, produces a rich and deep sound when typing. In contrast, the Venus's POM top housing results in a deeper and more muted sound. The difference in sound can be attributed to the softness of the Gazzew blend in the LT versus the relatively stiffer nature of POM in the Venus.
In terms of bottom housing, the Gazzew LT uses the same proprietary blend found in its top housing, leading to a consistent rich and deep sound profile throughout. On the other hand, the Venus utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which is known for creating a sharper, crisper sound. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound profile in the Venus compared to the LT. Aesthetically, the use of polycarbonate in bottom housing can be advantageous for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency.
When comparing the sound experience of the two switches, it's important to consider how the qualities of the top and bottom housings interact. While the bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing a key, the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the blend of materials used in the top and bottom housings of each switch plays a crucial role in determining the overall typing experience and sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew LT linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, it is evident that the LT switch has a higher bottom out force of 65 grams compared to the Venus switch's 52 grams. However, the actuation force of the LT switch is not specified, while the Venus switch requires 45 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. This means that the Venus switch is lighter in terms of actuation force, making it easier to type on for longer periods of time without causing fatigue. On the other hand, the LT switch's higher bottom out force can provide a more substantial and satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for typing experience and desired force requirements.
Travel distance
The Gazzew LT linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the TTC Venus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the LT has a shorter travel distance compared to the Venus. The 0.6 mm variance may not seem like much, but it can make a noticeable difference in feel and performance. With a shorter travel distance, the LT switch may provide a quicker response time, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the Venus switch with a longer travel distance may offer a more substantial and tactile feel, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and what feels most comfortable for the user.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Gazzew LT comes in at $6.50 per 10 switches.
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 Gazzew LT linear switch provides a bassy and thocky experience, offering a deep and rich sound profile with each click. On the other hand, the TTC Venus linear switch offers a low-pitched and muted sound, creating a softer and quieter typing experience. Both switches have a thocky quality, producing a satisfying sound when pressed, but the LT leans more towards a deeper tone, while the Venus focuses on a more subdued and neutral sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference in terms of sound, with the LT offering a richer and deeper tone, while the Venus provides a more mellow and muted auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Gazzew LT linear switch is described as providing a seamless glide with every keystroke, but specific descriptors for its tactile feel are not available. On the contrary, the TTC Venus linear switch offers a buttery and frictionless typing experience, with a gummy bottom out sensation that resembles the trampoline-like feel of bottoming out on a gummy bear. This indicates that the Venus switch focuses on a smooth and effortless keystroke, ensuring a uniform and comfortable typing sensation. The LT may offer a similar glide but lacks detailed information on its tactile feedback compared to the Venus switch.
Overall, both the Gazzew LT linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The LT provides a deep and rich sound profile with a seamless glide, while the Venus offers a muted sound with a buttery and frictionless typing experience. If you prefer a bassy and thocky sound with a more subdued feel, the LT may be the switch for you. However, if you enjoy a low-pitched and muted sound paired with a smooth and gummy keystroke, the Venus switch would be the ideal choice. Ultimately, experimenting with both switches in different setups with varying keycaps and boards will help you determine which one aligns most with your preferences as a newcomer in the world of mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
In concluding, when considering whether to choose the Gazzew LT linear switch or the TTC Venus linear switch, you should take into account your preference for bottom out force and sound profile. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a deep, resonant "thocky" sound, then the Gazzew LT may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation and a muted, low-pitched sound with a unique matte sensation, then the TTC Venus could be the more suitable choice. Additionally, if you prioritize a buttery, gummy typing experience with minimal friction, the Venus switch may be more appealing to you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and actuation force to ensure a satisfying keyboard experience.