Gateron Silent Ink Black vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two standout options are the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the TTC Venus, both linear switches offering unique characteristics. The Silent Ink Black is favored for its quiet operation, ideal for environments where noise levels need to be minimized. It provides a soft and cushioned typing experience with minimal feedback, categorized as 'Silky', 'Muted', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the TTC Venus stands out for its innovative internal design, offering a smooth and frictionless glide combined with a unique 'Q-texture' for a matte sensation. It boasts a very light actuation for quick typing and a muted sound signature categorized as 'Buttery', 'Gummy', 'Frictionless', 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', 'Muted', 'Neutral', 'Polished', 'Subdued', and 'Thocky'. Each switch has its own strengths and appeals, but diving deeper into their specifics will help in determining which one suits your preferences best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
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
Color coated
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the TTC Venus switches offer distinct sound profiles due to their different composition. The INK blend top housing of the Silent Ink Black provides a thin, high-pitched and clacky sound, while the POM top housing of the Venus offers a deeper, more muted sound. This contrast in sound can significantly impact the typing experience for users, with the Silent Ink Black delivering a sharper, more defined sound compared to the Venus.
In terms of the bottom housing, the INK blend bottom housing of the Silent Ink Black shares similarities with its top housing, offering a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Venus provides a sharper, higher-pitched and crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile, making it a popular choice for switches with clear housing designed for RGB lighting. The difference in sound between the bottom materials of the two switches can influence the overall typing experience and satisfaction for users.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for a switch plays a crucial role in determining its sound profile and tactile feedback. While the Gateron Silent Ink Black and TTC Venus switches differ in their housing materials, each offers unique qualities that cater to different preferences. Whether one prefers a clacky, higher-pitched sound or a deeper, more muted sound, both switches provide distinct typing experiences that can enhance the overall enjoyment of using mechanical keyboards. Regardless of the differences in housing materials, users can expect a satisfying and responsive typing experience from both switches.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, it is evident that there is a difference in actuation force and bottom out force. The Silent Ink Black has a higher actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Venus, which has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it lighter in this aspect. Additionally, the Silent Ink Black has a higher bottom out force of 70 grams compared to the Venus, which has a bottom out force of 52 grams, making it heavier when fully pressed down. This means that the Silent Ink Black provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the Venus offers a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding weight and typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Venus linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the traditional travel distance range, but the Venus offers a slightly shallower feel compared to the Silent Ink Black. Gamers may lean towards the Venus for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial press may opt for the Silent Ink Black with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 Silent Ink Black and the TTC Venus switches are quite similar as they both fall under the category of producing a muted sound. This means that both switches offer a softer and quieter typing experience compared to more traditional mechanical switches, making them ideal for environments where noise may be a concern. The Venus switch also adds a low-pitched element to its sound profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Ultimately, both switches excel in creating a subdued auditory experience that is pleasant and unobtrusive.
When it comes to feel, the Silent Ink Black switch is described as providing a silky and polished typing experience, emphasizing smoothness and refined key travel. On the other hand, the TTC Venus switch offers a buttery, gummy, and frictionless sensation with a mild quality that is approachable to most users. Both switches prioritize a seamless and effortless typing experience, with the Venus switch incorporating a unique "matte" sensation that combines smoothness with engaging resistance. Overall, whether you prefer a cushiony bottom-out feel like the Silent Ink Black or a springy resistance akin to biting into a chewy mochi with the Venus, both switches deliver a satisfying tactile experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the TTC Venus linear switches offer distinct yet equally appealing qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Silent Ink Black focuses on providing a cushiony and polished typing experience with muted sound, the TTC Venus showcases a unique matte sensation with a balanced blend of smoothness and engagement, complemented by a low-pitched and muted sound profile. Whether you choose the Silent Ink Black for its cushy feel or the Venus for its innovative internal design, both switches promise a tactile and auditory experience that is sure to enhance your typing enjoyment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, consider the environment you will be typing in and the typing experience you prefer. If you require a quieter typing experience, opt for the Silent Ink Black with its cushiony bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback. On the other hand, if you prioritize a unique tactile sensation and very light actuation for rapid typing, the Venus switch with its "Q-texture" and smooth, engaging keystrokes may be the better choice for you. Ultimately, both switches offer distinctive characteristics in sound and feel, so choose based on your personal preferences and typing needs.
Mentioned in this article
