Gateron Melodic vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Melodic and the TTC Venus stand out as notable options with unique characteristics. The Gateron Melodic is a clicky switch that boasts a classic clicky sound and tactile feedback, thanks to features like smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems. On the other hand, the TTC Venus is a linear switch known for its internal design that offers a delightful balance between a seamless glide and a distinctive "Q-texture" feel. The Venus provides a smooth and engaging typing experience with very light actuation and a muted sound signature. While the Melodic is described as 'Buttery', 'Resonant', 'Invigorating', and 'Crunchy', the Venus is characterized as 'Buttery', 'Gummy', 'Frictionless', 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', 'Muted', 'Neutral', 'Polished', and 'Thocky'. Each switch offers its own set of advantages, making it important to consider factors such as typing preference and sound profile. 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
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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Melodic and the TTC Venus switches, it is evident that they both utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Melodic features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the Venus utilizes a POM top housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound. This difference in top housing material contributes significantly to the overall sound profile of each switch, catering to different preferences in terms of typing experience and tactile feedback.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Melodic incorporates a nylon bottom housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic properties. On the other hand, the Venus employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, which also leads to a sharper and clearer sound profile. While both switches offer distinct sound profiles, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate for bottom housing contributes to the overall typing experience, providing users with options based on their sound preferences and tactile feedback preferences.
Overall, the housing materials used in the Gateron Melodic and TTC Venus switches play a crucial role in determining the sound profile and tactile feedback of each switch. While the Melodic offers a blend of polycarbonate and nylon for its top and bottom housings respectively, resulting in a mix of sharpness and depth in sound, the Venus combines POM and polycarbonate for its top and bottom housings, producing a more muted yet clear sound profile. Both switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound depth and clarity, showcasing the importance of housing materials in customizing the typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, it is evident that the Venus switch is lighter overall. The Melodic clicky switch has an actuation force of None grams, making it uncertain, while the Venus linear switch has an actuation force of 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Melodic switch requires 60 grams of force, which is slightly heavier than the Venus switch's 52 grams. Both switches fall into the medium category in terms of bottom out force, but the Melodic switch is heavier overall compared to the Venus switch. These differing weights can impact the typing experience, with the lighter Venus switch being more suitable for extended typing sessions and gaming, while the heavier Melodic switch provides a more substantial push feel for those seeking a more tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, the Melodic has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Venus's 3.8 mm. Both fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Melodic being on the longer side and the Venus being on the shorter side. Gamers may prefer the Venus for its quicker response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Melodic. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 Melodic clicky switch offers a resonant and crunchy experience, with a higher-pitched sound profile that provides an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the TTC Venus linear switch is described as having a low-pitched, muted, neutral, subdued, and thocky sound. This means that the Melodic switch will provide a cleaner and sharper sound reminiscent of crisp autumn leaves, while the Venus switch will offer a bass-heavy, mellow tone with a softer and quieter sound. The choice between the two switches would depend on the user's preference for a more resonant and crunchy sound or a muted and thocky sound.
In terms of feel, both the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the TTC Venus linear switch offer a buttery typing experience with smooth and fluid keystrokes. Additionally, the Melodic switch is described as invigorating, offering pronounced feedback and a snappy, reactive feel. In contrast, the Venus switch provides a gummy, frictionless, mild, and polished typing experience with effortless key travel and reduced friction. Both switches aim to provide a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation, with slight nuances in their feel that cater to different preferences.
Overall, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the TTC Venus linear switch offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Melodic switch provides a higher-pitched, resonant sound with an invigorating typing experience, while the Venus switch offers a low-pitched, muted sound with a gummy and polished feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on whether the user prefers a clicky switch with a more pronounced sound and tactile feedback, or a linear switch with a smoother, quieter typing experience. Both switches guarantee a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that users will get similar results in terms of quality and performance.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, it all comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a classic clicky sound with tactile feedback and a medium bottom out force, the Melodic switch is a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and engaging typing experience with a light bottom out force and a unique "matte" sensation, the Venus switch may be more suited to your liking. Consider the sound and feel descriptors provided for each switch to determine which attributes align best with your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between the Gateron Melodic and TTC Venus switches will depend on what you value most in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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