Gateron Smoothie vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the Gateron Smoothie and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Smoothie and TTC Venus are both linear switches that offer unique characteristics for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Smoothie is praised for its all-POM construction, providing a thocky sound signature, exceptional smoothness, and a light touch while being categorized as ['Buttery', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', 'Creamy', 'Subdued', 'Silky']. On the other hand, the TTC Venus stands out for its innovative internal design, offering a seamless glide paired with a distinctive "Q-texture" sensation, making every keystroke smooth and engaging. It is categorized as ['Buttery', 'Gummy', 'Frictionless', 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', 'Muted', 'Neutral', 'Polished', 'Subdued', 'Thocky']. While both switches have their unique strengths, it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 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 and TTC Venus both feature POM top housings, creating a pleasing and unique sound profile that leans towards the deeper and more muted side. This similarity in housing material results in a consistent auditory experience for users of both switches. However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Smoothie sticks to using POM, while the Venus utilizes polycarbonate. The POM bottom housing of the Smoothie continues the trend of deep and muted sound, providing a cohesive acoustic experience. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Venus offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, adding a different dimension to the overall auditory feedback of the switch.
In terms of aesthetics, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Venus allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the visual appeal of the switch. This feature caters to users who prioritize customization and want their keyboard setup to stand out. On the other hand, the Smoothie's POM top housing may not offer the same level of visual flair, but it still maintains a consistent sound profile that many users appreciate. The choice between these two housing materials ultimately comes down to personal preference and individual priorities - whether it's prioritizing sound quality, visual aesthetics, or a combination of both.
When comparing the impact of the top and bottom housings on the overall typing experience, it becomes clear that the Gateron Smoothie and TTC Venus offer distinct tactile and auditory feedback. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the sound and feel when pressing down on a key, with the Smoothie's POM bottom housing contributing to a more muted and deep sound profile, while the Venus's polycarbonate bottom housing adds a sharper and crisper sound. On the other hand, the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key, giving users a different sensory experience depending on which switch they choose. Whether you prefer the consistent sound of the Smoothie or the customizable RGB lighting of the Venus, both switches offer unique qualities in their housing materials that cater to a variety of user preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Smoothie linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, we see that the Smoothie has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Venus's 45 grams. This means that the Smoothie will require less force to register a keystroke, making it potentially more comfortable for longer typing sessions. Additionally, the Smoothie does not have a specified bottom out force, while the Venus has a bottom out force of 52 grams, which is considered medium-light. This suggests that the Venus may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a bit more resistance when pressing down on the keys. In terms of weight, the Smoothie may be more suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience, while the Venus is better suited for those who prefer a slightly heavier feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Smoothie linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Venus linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for users looking for quicker response times, such as gamers. The 0.2 mm difference may not be significant to most users, but those who prefer a slightly deeper key press may lean towards the Venus switch. Overall, both switches offer relatively similar travel distances, providing a smooth and efficient typing experience for users who prioritize speed and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron 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 Smoothie 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 linear switch offers a thocky and low-pitched sound signature, providing a deep and satisfying feedback when pressed. On the other hand, the TTC Venus linear switch delivers a low-pitched and muted sound profile, with a more subdued and quiet typing experience. Both switches share a subdued sound characteristic, making them suitable for environments where noise is a concern. Overall, while the Smoothie leans towards a deeper thocky sound, the Venus offers a more mellow and gentle auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch is described as providing a buttery, creamy, and silky typing experience, with a smooth and effortless keystroke sensation. In contrast, the TTC Venus linear switch offers a buttery and polished feel, along with unique descriptors like gummy and frictionless, adding a touch of novelty to the typing experience. Both switches prioritize smoothness and fluidity in keystrokes, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable typing session. While the Smoothie focuses on a silky feel, the Venus introduces elements like gummy and polished textures for added variety.
Considering the available information, the Gateron Smoothie and TTC Venus linear switches both excel in offering smooth and quiet typing experiences, with unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Smoothie stands out with its thocky sound and buttery feel, while the Venus impresses with its muted sound and gummy texture. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and the overall typing experience desired. However, rest assured that regardless of the choice, both switches promise a satisfying and engaging typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Gateron Smoothie linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences and typing style. If you are looking for a switch with a lightweight touch and a unique "matte" sensation that guarantees smooth and engaging typing, the TTC Venus might be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a thocky sound signature, remarkable smoothness, and a buttery typing experience, the Gateron Smoothie could be more suited to your liking. Consider the sound profiles, actuation forces, and tactile feel described for each switch to determine which one aligns best with your needs and preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer their own distinct qualities that cater to different typing experiences, so choose wisely based on what matters most to you.
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