Gateron Smoothie Silver vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the TTC Venus mechanical keyboard switches, both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Smoothie Silver is renowned for its lightning-fast actuation and thocky sound, making it a popular choice for those who prioritize speed and a light touch. On the other hand, the TTC Venus stands out for its unique internal configuration that provides a smooth, nearly frictionless glide combined with a distinctive "Q-texture" for an engaging typing experience. While the Smoothie Silver is ideal for those who prefer a feather-light touch and quick actuation, the Venus is perfect for individuals who enjoy a smooth and engaging typing experience 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
1.20 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
POM
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Smoothie Silver and the TTC Venus both feature POM top housings, creating a similar sound profile that is deep and relatively muted. This means that users can expect a pleasing and unique sound experience with either switch. However, where they differ is in the bottom housing material. The Smoothie Silver utilizes POM for its bottom housing, while the Venus utilizes polycarbonate. The polycarbonate material in the Venus's bottom housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the deeper and more muted sound of the Smoothie Silver's POM bottom housing.
In terms of aesthetics, the Venus's polycarbonate bottom housing offers the advantage of being clear, making it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. This clarity allows for a more vibrant and visually appealing lighting effect compared to the non-translucent POM bottom housing of the Smoothie Silver. While both switches excel in providing a unique sound experience with their POM top housings, the choice between the two may come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and visual appeal.
When it comes to the overall typing experience, the difference in bottom housing material between the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the TTC Venus is significant. The bottom housing material has a direct impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, and with the Venus's polycarbonate bottom housing being stiffer than the POM bottom housing of the Smoothie Silver, users can expect a clearer and more resonant typing experience with the Venus. On the other hand, the top housing material plays a role in the sound when releasing a key, meaning users may notice a difference in sound profile between the two switches when typing. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities based on their housing materials, providing users with options to tailor their typing experience to their preferences.
Weight
Both the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the TTC Venus linear switches have an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light in terms of the force needed to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Smoothie Silver has an unknown bottom out force, while the Venus has a bottom out force of 52 grams, which is considered medium-light. This means that the Venus switch requires slightly more force to fully press the key compared to the Smoothie Silver. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Smoothie Silver may be the better option, as it allows for easier and smoother typing for longer periods. On the other hand, the Venus switch might be more suitable for those who prefer a bit of resistance and a more substantial push feel while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the TTC Venus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Venus switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Smoothie Silver switch. In general, a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying typing experience for some users. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those looking for a more responsive keyboard input. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for the feel and action of the key press.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Smoothie Silver has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie Silver for $2.60.
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 Smoothie Silver linear switch is best described as having a thocky sound profile, offering a deep and satisfying tone when pressed. On the other hand, the TTC Venus linear switch provides a low-pitched and muted sound signature, creating a softer and more subdued auditory experience. While the Smoothie Silver focuses on a rich and pronounced sound, the Venus aims for a more subtle and gentle typing experience.
Moving on to the feel of these switches, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is praised for its smoothness and feather-light touch, providing a seamless keystroke experience. In contrast, the TTC Venus linear switch offers a unique "matte" sensation with a blend of a frictionless glide and a springy resistance reminiscent of biting into chewy mochi. This combination ensures each press is both smooth and engaging, catering to users looking for a more dynamic typing feel.
Overall, when considering the subjective qualities of the Gateron Smoothie Silver and TTC Venus linear switches, it is evident that they offer distinct experiences in terms of sound and feel. While the Smoothie Silver emphasizes a thocky sound and smooth keystroke, the Venus showcases a low-pitched and muted sound with a balance of glide and resistance in its typing feel. Both switches promise rapid and effortless typing with their light actuation, catering to users with different preferences in sound and tactile feedback. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on whether you prefer a richer sound profile or a more subdued and engaging typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose between the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, you should take into account your preference for key feel and sound. If you are looking for a switch with a short travel distance, feather-light touch, and thocky sound, the Smoothie Silver may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a unique "matte" sensation, nearly frictionless glide, and a captivating "Q-texture" feel, the Venus switch would be a great option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal typing preferences and the specific characteristics that appeal to you the most.
Mentioned in this article
