HMX Game1989 vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the HMX Game1989 and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can greatly influence your typing and gaming experience. The HMX 1989, hailed for its deep, thocky sound profile and robust feel, offers a unique tactile sensation that many enthusiasts appreciate for its classic sound and richness. On the other hand, the TTC Venus switch provides a modern twist with its innovative internal design, which ensures a smooth, frictionless glide reminiscent of the delightful texture of mochi, delivering a light actuation that makes typing feel effortless. While the HMX 1989 is perfect for users who prioritize an immersive auditory and tactile feedback during their keystrokes, the TTC Venus appeals to those desiring a softer, subdued sound and greater typing speed. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
T5
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX 1989 and the TTC Venus, several key differences and similarities become evident. The HMX 1989 features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its rigidity. This translucence not only enhances the aesthetic appeal, particularly with RGB lighting, but also contributes significantly to the overall acoustic range of the switch. In contrast, the TTC Venus opts for a POM top housing, which offers a deeper and more muted sound profile. The softer characteristics of POM lead to a unique auditory experience that contrasts distinctly with the resonant clarity provided by the polycarbonate of the 1989.
Examining the bottom housings, the HMX 1989 utilizes nylon, a material recognized for its classic properties and ability to create a deeper, fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb sound more effectively, resulting in a more rounded auditory experience. In stark contrast, the TTC Venus employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, which mirrors the traits of its top housing in delivering clearer and resonant sound. This combination of materials creates an interesting dynamic, as the HMX 1989's nylon bottom housing promotes a muted sound profile, while the TTC Venus likely maintains a brighter tone across both the top and bottom.
This combination of materials leads to distinct sonic characteristics during use. The HMX 1989's configuration means that users experience a deeper, fuller typing sound, especially when bottoming out, while the higher-pitched sound from the polycarbonate top housing comes into play during release. Conversely, the TTC Venus, with its polycarbonate top and bottom housings, produces a consistently bright and sharp sound throughout the typing experience. Ultimately, while both switches may use polycarbonate in different capacities, the distinct blend of materials in each leads to contrasting auditory profiles, delivering unique outcomes tailored to different typing preferences.
Weight
Both the HMX 1989 and the TTC Venus linear switches exhibit similar characteristics regarding actuation force; both require 45 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, making them equally suitable for users who desire a lighter touch, ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the HMX 1989 has a slightly higher bottom out force at 53 grams compared to the Venus's 52 grams. This means that while both switches perform similarly during typical use, the HMX 1989 offers a marginally heavier feel at the end of a keystroke. Therefore, for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, the HMX 1989 may be the preferred choice, albeit only by a small margin in terms of bottom out force. Overall, both switches are medium-light, catering to users who appreciate a gentler push when typing or gaming.
Travel distance
The HMX 1989 linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Venus linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the HMX 1989 the option with a longer travel distance, giving it a more pronounced tactile experience that some users may appreciate for its depth during keypresses. On the other hand, the TTC Venus, with its 3.8 mm travel distance, caters to those who favor a quicker and more responsive feel, making it particularly appealing for gamers who prefer faster reaction times. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference: if you enjoy a deeper, more substantial keystroke, the HMX 1989 would be favorable, while the TTC Venus may be better suited for those who appreciate a snappier response.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Game1989 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Game1989 for $3.29.
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
When it comes to sound, the HMX 1989 switch is celebrated for its deep and thocky acoustic profile, which produces a rich, satisfying thud upon actuation. This thockiness creates a more resonant and enjoyable audio experience that many typists and gamers appreciate. In contrast, the TTC Venus switch offers a low-pitched and muted sound signature, which results in a quieter typing experience that many might find less distracting in shared or office environments. The Venus provides a subdued auditory profile, which contrasts with the more pronounced thock of the 1989, allowing users to enjoy typing without drawing too much attention.
In terms of feel, the HMX 1989 switch is known for its satisfying tactile feedback, though specifics were not provided. The TTC Venus switch elevates touch sensitivity with its frictionless glide and springy "Q-texture," enhancing the typing experience. Typists will enjoy the buttery smoothness and gummy sensation it offers, making each keystroke feel effortless and engaging. This frictionless movement allows for rapid typing without the resistance often found in less refined switches. While the HMX 1989 may also provide a pleasant typing experience, the Venus clearly stands out with its unique textural quality and overall smoothness.
In conclusion, while both switches present appealing qualities in sound and feel, they cater to different preferences. The HMX 1989 is ideal for those who cherish a deeper audio feedback with a satisfying thock, making it suitable for a more dramatic typing experience. Conversely, the TTC Venus excels in providing a quiet, smooth, and effortless feel, perfect for environments requiring less noise. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences regarding sound and typing sensation, with each offering a unique mechanical experience for users.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX 1989 linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, consider your typing preferences and the environments in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you are looking for a switch that offers a deeper and thicker sound profile, the HMX 1989 could be ideal for you, especially if you enjoy the satisfying "thock" of a well-built keyboard. Its slightly higher bottom-out force at 53 grams still falls within a medium-light range, providing just enough feedback for a more pronounced typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subdued and smooth typing feel, the TTC Venus is the better choice, thanks to its frictionless glide and low-pitched, muted sound signature that makes it suitable for quieter environments, whether at work or home. The Venus’s "Q-texture" design ensures a unique, gummy feel that many find enjoyable, particularly for rapid typing with minimal effort. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a rich acoustic experience or a whisper-quiet, smooth typing sensation—both of which the 1989 and Venus excel at in their own ways.
Mentioned in this article
