Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves choosing between two compelling options: the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the TTC Venus, both of which are linear switches designed for a smooth typing experience. The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is celebrated for its medium weight, all-POM construction that delivers an impressive thocky sound profile while ensuring exceptional smoothness in each keystroke. This switch strikes a balance between tactile feel and auditory satisfaction, making it an appealing choice for those who appreciate a richer sound while typing. On the other hand, the TTC Venus offers a unique typing experience with its ingenious internal design that embodies a frictionless, springy glide, reminiscent of indulging in chewy mochi. Its light actuation and muted sound signature cater to users who prefer rapid, quiet typing, benefits that are particularly appealing in shared environments. Both switches bring their own advantages to the table, differing in sound profile and typing feel, yet they share a commitment to quality and performance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
48g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
POM
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the TTC Venus, the top housings exhibit notable similarities. Both switches utilize a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top housing, which is known for its ability to produce a pleasing and unique sound profile. Specifically, both switches have a deeper and relatively muted sound, allowing for a more subdued auditory experience. This shared top housing material contributes similarly to the overall sound quality and feeling of the switch, ensuring that users will enjoy a consistent auditory reward when activating either switch. Consequently, both the Sea Salt Smoothie and the Venus offer an appealing acoustic profile for those seeking a softer sound signature.
In contrast, the bottom housings of these two switches diverge significantly in material composition and acoustic characteristics. The Sea Salt Smoothie features a POM bottom housing, which continues the theme of deeper and more muted sound profiles. In contrast, the TTC Venus employs a polycarbonate bottom housing. This material is comparatively stiffer, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This difference in bottom housing affects the overall auditory experience when pressing the switch, with the Venus delivering a more vibrant sound compared to the muted tones produced by the Sea Salt Smoothie. As such, users may find the tactile response and auditory feedback distinct between the two models due to this variance in bottom housing material.
Overall, while both switches share the same top housing material that enhances their profile towards deeper muted sounds, the differences in the bottom housing create contrasting auditory experiences when engaging with these elements. The Sea Salt Smoothie provides a cohesive sonic experience through its uniform POM construction, while the TTC Venus introduces a sharper clarity due to its polycarbonate bottom housing. This fundamental difference ensures that users will note a disparity in sound quality and feel during actuation, leading to distinct choices depending on individual preferences for auditory feedback and key feel during typing.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch to the TTC Venus linear switch, we notice some interesting differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Sea Salt Smoothie has an actuation force of 48 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Venus's actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Sea Salt Smoothie might feel more substantial for users who prefer a stronger push feel while typing. However, the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie is unknown, which means we can't compare that aspect to the Venus's bottom out force of 52 grams. The Venus switch's bottoming out requires a medium-light force, which may lead to a more comfortable experience for those who type or game for prolonged periods. Overall, while the Sea Salt Smoothie is the heavier option in terms of actuation force, the TTC Venus provides a lighter actuation and a confirmed bottom out force, making it a potentially better choice for users looking for a lighter typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Venus measures slightly longer at 3.8 mm. This difference, although minimal, may impact user experience depending on personal preference. Gamers, who often favor quicker response times, might lean towards the Sea Salt Smoothie for its shorter travel, which can facilitate faster key presses. Conversely, those who appreciate a more substantial depth in their keystrokes may prefer the Venus due to its longer travel distance, providing a more pronounced feedback during typing or gaming. Thus, if responsiveness is a priority, the Sea Salt Smoothie is the better choice, while the Venus caters to those who enjoy a deeper feeling during use.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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 Sea Salt Smoothie is characterized by its thocky sound profile, delivering a deep and satisfying "thud" as the keys are pressed and released. This rich acoustic feedback can enhance the typing experience, making each keystroke feel more gratifying. In contrast, the TTC Venus exhibits a muted and subdued sound signature, characterized by its low-pitched, soft tones that keep noise to a minimum. This combination of a neutral and pleasant acoustic backdrop creates an environment that's easier on the ears, whether in a shared workspace or a quieter home setting. While the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a more pronounced auditory experience, the Venus ensures a quieter typing session overall.
When looking at the feel of these switches, the Sea Salt Smoothie is celebrated for its smoothness, which, though not explicitly detailed, implies a well-engineered keystroke experience. On the other hand, the TTC Venus takes the tactile experience to another level, boasting descriptors such as buttery, gummy, and frictionless. This means that the Venus provides a seamless and effortless typing sensation, with a unique bottoming-out feel that can be likened to bouncing on a trampoline, giving it a distinctive character. The Venus's polished finish ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel, making it approachable and enjoyable for most typists, compared to the Sea Salt Smoothie's implied smoothness.
Overall, both switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel that can influence the typing experience. The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offers a more satisfying auditory feedback with its thocky sound, ideal for users who appreciate the resonance of their keystrokes. In contrast, the TTC Venus provides a smooth and muted experience, perfect for those who prefer a quiet and effortless typing session. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether one prioritizes auditory satisfaction or a frictionless tactile experience, although both maintain high quality and can deliver enjoyable results in their own right.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the TTC Venus linear switch largely hinges on your personal preferences regarding sound, feel, and typing experience. If you value a thocky sound profile and a smooth, polished feel, especially for a satisfying acoustic experience during typing or gaming, the Sea Salt Smoothie is an excellent choice. Its undetermined bottom out force may mean that it caters well to those who prefer a tactile, rich auditory feedback, making it ideal for users who find pleasure in the acoustics of their keyboard. On the other hand, if you’re looking for something that facilitates rapid and effortless typing, the TTC Venus is a strong contender. With a medium-light bottom out force of 52 grams, it offers a frictionless glide and a more muted sound signature, which can be particularly advantageous in quieter environments or for prolonged typing sessions. Ultimately, your decision should rest on whether you prefer an engaging auditory experience with the Sea Salt Smoothie or a lightweight and subdued typing feel with the TTC Venus.
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