Gateron Mini i vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mini i and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Mini i and the TTC Venus offer unique features that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Gateron Mini i is a tactile switch designed for office-centric use, providing a gentle tactility in each keystroke while maintaining a fairly muted sound profile. Ideal for long hours of comfortable typing without the intrusive clack, the Mini i is categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Easy-to-press', 'Mild', 'Neutral', 'Snappy', 'Subtle', and 'Stepped'. In contrast, the TTC Venus stands out for its innovative internal configuration, offering a seamless glide and a "Q-texture" that gives a springy resistance akin to 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
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Mini i and the TTC Venus both utilize unique housing materials for their switches. The Mini i features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Venus boasts a POM top housing that generates a pleasing and unique sound, leaning towards the deeper side with a more muted quality. While both materials produce distinct sound profiles, the nylon top housing of the Mini i may offer a potentially rounder sound compared to the Venus's POM top housing.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Gateron Mini i utilizes a nylon material, while the TTC Venus incorporates a polycarbonate bottom housing. The nylon bottom housing of the Mini i contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to its nylon top housing. Conversely, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Venus creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This difference in bottom housing material may affect how the switch feels when bottoming out, with the Mini i potentially offering a more dull and round impact compared to the Venus's clearer and resonant bottom-out sound.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Mini i and the TTC Venus may come down to personal preference in sound and feel. While both switches excel in delivering unique sound profiles, the Nylon and POM materials used in the Mini i and Venus top housings, respectively, offer different characteristics in terms of sound depth and tone. Similarly, the Nylon and polycarbonate materials used in the bottom housings of the Mini i and Venus provide contrasting impacts on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Ultimately, understanding how each housing material contributes to the overall typing experience can help users make an informed choice based on their preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, it is evident that the Mini i is lighter in both aspects. The Mini i has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Venus has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams. The Mini i offers a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions where fatigue can be a concern. On the other hand, the Venus provides a slightly heavier feel, which some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer a smooth and consistent performance, so regardless of the slight difference in force, users can expect similar results in terms of overall typing feel and performance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, there is a slight difference between the two. The Mini i has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Venus has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are increasingly popular for their quicker response times. Gamers, in particular, may appreciate the shorter travel distance of the Mini i for fast-paced gaming. However, some users may find the shorter travel distance to be too abrupt, in which case the slightly longer travel distance of the Venus could provide a more satisfying key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing or gaming experience.
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 Gateron Mini i comes in at $6.00 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Mini i switch offers a neutral sound profile that strikes a balance between actuation force and noise level, making it versatile for various settings. On the other hand, the TTC Venus switch has a low-pitched, muted sound signature that enhances the typing experience with a softer and quieter tone. Both switches provide different auditory experiences, with the Mini i offering a more neutral sound and the Venus delivering a smoother, subdued sound.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Mini i switch is described as bouncy and easy-to-press, providing a lively yet effortless typing experience. In contrast, the TTC Venus switch offers a buttery, gummy feel that is smooth and frictionless, accentuating the typing sensation with a unique texture reminiscent of biting into a chewy mochi. While the Mini i gives a bouncy and light feel, the Venus switch provides a more fluid and polished typing experience with a gentle yet engaging touch.
Overall, the Gateron Mini i and TTC Venus switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Mini i excels in providing a balanced sound profile and a bouncy, easy-to-press feel, ideal for comfortable and quiet typing in an office environment. On the other hand, the Venus switch stands out with its low-pitched, muted sound and buttery, frictionless feel, offering a smooth and engaging typing experience with a unique texture. Depending on personal preference and typing style, both switches provide satisfying results, ensuring a pleasant typing experience whether you prefer a neutral sound or a smoother, more engaging feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Mini i tactile switch or the TTC Venus linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing environment. If you value a lightweight switch with gentle tactility and a quiet sound profile, the Gateron Mini i may be the ideal choice for you, especially in office settings where a subdued auditory experience is preferred. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a unique internal configuration that offers a smooth, frictionless typing experience and a captivating "matte" sensation, the TTC Venus linear switch could be the perfect fit. Its light actuation and muted sound signature make it suitable for rapid and effortless typing sessions. Ultimately, consider your typing style, desired feel and sound profile, as well as your work or home environment when choosing between these two switches.
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