Gateron Luciola vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the Gateron Luciola and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Luciola and the TTC Venus mechanical keyboard switches, one immediately notices their distinct characteristics. The Luciola stands out for its glowing design, medium heft, smooth and bouncy typing feel, and unique sound profile resembling a shaken can of spray paint. Known for being 'Snappy', 'Clacky', and 'Chirpy', this switch offers a variety of tactile sensations for users. On the other hand, the TTC Venus boasts an innovative internal structure that sets it apart from the rest. With a seamless glide and a "Q-texture" that provides a chewy mochi-like resistance, the Venus offers a smooth and engaging typing experience. Categorized as 'Buttery', 'Gummy', and 'Thocky', this switch promises effortless typing 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
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
22mm double-staged long spring; black-plated
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Luciola and the TTC Venus both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Luciola's proprietary INK blend top housing offers a thin and higher-pitched sound that is often described as clacky, while the Venus's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound. In contrast, the Luciola's proprietary INK blend bottom housing also provides a pointed and high-pitched sound profile, similar to its top housing, while the Venus's polycarbonate bottom housing produces a sharper, crisper sound due to its stiffness. These differences in housing materials result in contrasting sound experiences for keyboard enthusiasts.
Despite their differences, both the Gateron Luciola and the TTC Venus showcase the importance of housing materials in determining sound profiles. The split design of having different materials for the top and bottom housings allows for a variance in sound when pressing down on a key versus releasing it. For example, the bottom housing has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key. The use of proprietary blends and materials like POM and polycarbonate in these switches highlights how diverse housing materials can create unique auditory experiences for users.
In terms of aesthetics, the choice of housing material also plays a significant role. The translucent nature of polycarbonate, for example, makes it an ideal material for showcasing RGB lighting in switches. Meanwhile, the INK blend used in the Luciola provides a sleek and sophisticated look. Whether it's for the satisfying clacky sound of the Luciola or the deep, muted tones of the Venus, keyboard enthusiasts can appreciate the impact that housing materials have on their overall typing experience.
Weight
A comparison of the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch reveals some notable differences. The Luciola has a higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Venus' 45 grams, making the Luciola the heavier of the two switches. Similarly, the Luciola also has a higher bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Venus bottom out force is 52 grams, indicating that the Luciola is also the heavier switch when it comes to bottoming out. This means that the Luciola provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the Venus offers a lighter touch for those who prefer a smoother typing experience. Both switches fall under the medium category in terms of actuation and bottom out force, providing a balanced typing experience for users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirement.
Travel distance
The Gateron Luciola linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Venus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both of these switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular for gaming due to their faster response times. However, the Venus switch offers slightly more depth with its 3.8 mm travel distance compared to the Luciola's 3.6 mm. For those who prefer a more abrupt feel, the Luciola may be the better choice, while those who enjoy a bit more depth in their keystrokes may prefer the Venus. Overall, both switches offer relatively short travel distances, providing similar results for users looking for quick and responsive key presses.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Luciola has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Luciola for $6.50.
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 Luciola linear switch is described as having a "clacky" and "chirpy" sound profile, producing sharp and snappy sounds with a unique squeak. On the other hand, the TTC Venus linear switch is known for its "muted" and "subdued" sound signature, providing a softer and quieter typing experience. If you prefer a more crisp and percussive sound, the Luciola would be the choice, whereas the Venus offers a more subtle and gentle auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Luciola switch is noted for its "snappy" and "buttery" typing sensation, offering a responsive and smooth keystroke experience. In contrast, the TTC Venus switch provides a variety of feels, including "gummy" and "frictionless," giving a unique tactile feedback that can feel like bottoming out on a trampoline or providing an extremely smooth and fluid key press. Both switches mention a "buttery" typing feel, indicating a seamless and effortless typing sensation that is consistent across both options.
Overall, if you are looking for a switch with a more distinctive sound profile that is sharp and snappy, the Gateron Luciola might be the preferable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter and softer typing experience with a variety of unique tactile sensations, the TTC Venus could be the better option. Both switches offer a smooth and seamless typing feel due to their "buttery" characteristics, ensuring an enjoyable and engaging typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the Gateron Luciola and TTC Venus linear switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel, as both switches provide high-quality performance.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when deciding between the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize a medium heft and a bouncy typing feel with a unique glowing aesthetic, the Luciola may be the switch for you. Additionally, if you appreciate a clacky or chirpy sound profile, the Luciola can offer a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, if you value a light actuation force and a smooth, engaging typing sensation with a distinctive "Q-texture", the Venus might be more suitable for your needs. The Venus also provides a muted sound signature and a frictionless, nearly seamless typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your preferences for weight, feel, sound, and design aesthetic. Assessing these factors will help guide you towards selecting the ideal switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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