HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the TTC Venus can be quite intriguing. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g offers a bright and clacky typing experience with its heavier weight, providing enthusiasts with a satisfyingly smooth feel. On the other hand, the TTC Venus stands out for its unique "matte" sensation, combining a nearly frictionless glide with a springy resistance that makes each keystroke smooth and engaging. While the Cloud - 63.5g is bouncy and high-pitched, the Venus is buttery and gummy, providing a different tactile and auditory 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
56g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
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-staged spring
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the TTC Venus offer different characteristics in terms of sound profile and feel. The Cloud - 63.5g's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller, rounder sound. In contrast, the Venus's POM top housing produces a unique and pleasing sound on the deeper side, albeit more muted. While both materials contribute to a deeper sound profile, the nylon may offer a slightly fuller sound compared to the more muted POM.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Cloud - 63.5g's nylon bottom housing shares similar characteristics with its top housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the Venus's polycarbonate bottom housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature, which leads to a clearer and more resonant sound. This contrast highlights how the choice of bottom housing material can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of a switch. The clear polycarbonate bottom housing of the Venus also allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, adding an aesthetic dimension to the switch design.
In conclusion, while both the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the TTC Venus utilize different housing materials for their top and bottom housings, they each offer distinct sound profiles and tactile feels. The nylon housing of the Cloud - 63.5g provides a deeper and fuller sound, while the POM top housing of the Venus offers a unique and pleasing sound with a more muted quality. Similarly, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Venus enhances the sharpness and clarity of the sound profile, in contrast to the duller and rounder sound produced by the nylon bottom housing of the Cloud - 63.5g. Ultimately, the choice of housing material plays a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience and sound characteristics of a switch.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, it is evident that the Venus switch is lighter in terms of both actuation force and bottom out force. The Cloud - 63.5g has a higher actuation force of 56 grams and a higher bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the Venus switch has a lower actuation force of 45 grams and a lower bottom out force of 52 grams, classifying it as a medium-light switch. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time, the Venus switch would be the ideal choice. However, for individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel with a stronger push, the Cloud - 63.5g switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, slightly longer than the TTC Venus linear switch which has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances which are popular for gamers seeking faster response times. The slight difference in travel distance may not be noticeable to all users, but for those looking for a more responsive feel, the Cloud - 63.5g switch may be the preferred choice. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Venus switch with its slightly shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cloud - 63.5g for $2.99.
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 HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a crisp and bright auditory experience when typing. On the other hand, the TTC Venus switch presents a low-pitched and muted sound signature, creating a softer and quieter typing sound. While the Cloud switch emphasizes a sharper sound, the Venus switch leans towards a more subdued and bass-heavy tone, catering to different preferences in sound profiles.
Moving on to the feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch delivers a bouncy and creamy typing experience, offering a spring-like feedback and a smooth, buttery sensation with each keystroke. In contrast, the TTC Venus switch boasts a buttery and frictionless feel, providing a seamless and fluid typing experience with minimal resistance or friction. While the Cloud switch focuses on a lively and creamy feel, the Venus switch emphasizes a smooth and polished typing sensation, appealing to those who prefer a more refined and effortless keypress.
Overall, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch excels in delivering a vibrant and bright typing experience with its clacky sound profile and bouncy, creamy feel. On the other hand, the TTC Venus switch stands out with its unique internal configuration, offering a muted sound signature and a buttery, frictionless feel that ensures rapid and engaging typing. Ultimately, both switches provide distinct qualities in sound and feel, catering to enthusiasts with different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. Depending on your preference for sound and tactile feedback, choosing between the Cloud - 63.5g and Venus switches will result in a satisfying typing experience tailored to your liking.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering whether to choose the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch or the TTC Venus linear switch, you should take into account your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a brighter and clackier sound profile with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g may be the switch for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a unique "matte" sensation with a lighter actuation force and a more muted sound signature, then the TTC Venus linear switch might be a better fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what type of typing feel and sound you prefer, as each switch offers its own distinct characteristics tailored to different preferences.
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