TTC Venus vs. Gateron Zero Degree 0°
An in-depth look at the TTC Venus and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Venus and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° both offer unique features and qualities worth considering. The Venus stands out for its innovative internal configuration that provides a seamless, nearly frictionless glide, paired with a satisfying "Q-texture" for a matte sensation with each press. Known for its buttery feel and muted sound signature, the Venus promises rapid typing with minimal effort. On the other hand, the Zero Degree 0° from Gateron boasts a revolutionary self-padding design and dual-rail structure that offers unparalleled smoothness, stability, and a soft, elastic feel. This switch excels at reducing noise for silent typing sessions. 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
52g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Spring
20mm extended spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Venus and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches differ significantly, with the Venus featuring a POM top housing and polycarbonate bottom housing, while the Zero Degree 0° incorporates a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. The POM top housing of the Venus creates a deeper and more muted sound profile compared to the sharper and higher-pitched sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing of the Zero Degree 0°. Additionally, the Venus's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing of the Zero Degree 0° produces a deeper and fuller sound that is more rounded in nature.
In terms of aesthetics, the use of polycarbonate in switch housings is more commonly associated with clear housings, making it ideal for switches designed for RGB lighting effects. This translucency allows the RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the visual appeal of the switch. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Zero Degree 0° provides a classic switch housing material that offers a more absorbent quality, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. While the qualities of each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel and the top housing affecting the sound when releasing a key, the overall sound profile and feel of each switch are determined by the combination of materials used.
Despite their differences in housing materials, both the TTC Venus and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches offer unique sound profiles and aesthetic features that cater to different preferences. Whether you prefer a deeper and more muted sound or a sharper and crisper sound, there is a switch option available for you. Additionally, the choice between polycarbonate and nylon housing materials can impact the overall typing experience, with polycarbonate offering a stiffer and clearer sound profile, while nylon provides a softer and more absorbent sound quality. Ultimately, the selection of a switch will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and aesthetics.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Venus linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch reveals some key differences. Both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, offering a light and responsive typing experience. However, the Venus has a bottom out force of 52 grams, providing a slightly heavier feel when fully pressed. On the other hand, the bottom out force of the Zero Degree 0° switch is unknown, making it difficult to determine how it compares in terms of heaviness. In general, a lighter actuation force is preferred for longer typing sessions or gaming, while a heavier bottom out force is favored by those seeking a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for typing feel and weight.
Travel distance
The TTC Venus linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch both offer relatively short travel distances compared to more traditional switches. The Venus has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Zero Degree 0° has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances preferred by gamers for faster response times. So, while the Venus linear switch offers a tad more depth in travel distance, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch may provide a slightly quicker response. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for the feel and responsiveness of the switch.
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 Zero Degree 0° has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Zero Degree 0° for $5.50.
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 TTC Venus linear switch is known for its low-pitched, muted, neutral, subdued sound with a thocky quality, creating a bass-heavy, mellow, and quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch's sound characteristics are unknown. Both switches promise a reduction in noise and a subdued auditory experience, ensuring a more peaceful typing environment overall.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Venus linear switch is celebrated for its buttery, gummy, frictionless, mild, and polished qualities, offering a smooth, fluid, and effortless typing sensation with minimal resistance and a uniform feel. Conversely, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch's feel attributes are unknown. Despite this, both switches aim to provide a soft, elastic feel that absorbs sound and promotes stability during typing sessions.
In conclusion, the TTC Venus and Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switches each bring their own unique set of qualities to the table. While the Venus switch boasts a distinctive matte sensation with its Q-texture design and light actuation for rapid typing, the Zero Degree 0° switch stands out with its innovative self-padding mechanism and dual-rail structure for unparalleled smoothness and stability. Both switches excel in reducing noise and offering a more subdued typing experience, catering to users who prioritize a quieter and more engaging typing feel. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference and the specific qualities that best suit your typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Venus linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, consider the following guidelines based on your preferences and needs. If you are looking for a switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a unique "matte" sensation that offers smooth and engaging typing experience with a muted sound signature, the TTC Venus switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize silent typing with unparalleled smoothness, stability, and a soft, elastic feel that absorbs sound and reduces noise, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switch would be the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you value the Venus switch's innovative internal configuration and light actuation or the Zero Degree 0° switch's revolutionary self-padding design and silent typing experience. Choose wisely based on your specific preferences and typing needs.
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