HMX Cloud - 50g vs. TTC Venus

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that often catch the eye of enthusiasts are the HMX Cloud - 50g and the TTC Venus, both of which are linear switches known for their unique characteristics. The HMX Cloud - 50g stands out for its clacky sound profile and lighter actuation force, delivering a bright and delightful typing experience that many users find addictive. Its silky smooth feel enhances every keystroke, making it an appealing choice for those who seek both responsiveness and auditory feedback. In contrast, the TTC Venus makes a name for itself with its innovative internal design, offering a smooth, frictionless glide complemented by a texture that evokes the experience of biting into delightful mochi. With a light actuation that promotes rapid typing and a more muted sound signature, the Venus caters to those who prefer a quieter yet still satisfying typing experience. Both switches have their merits, whether you desire the lively acoustics of the Cloud - 50g or the understated elegance of the Venus. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Cloud - 50g Linear

TTC Venus Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$7.99

$5.09 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 50g and the TTC Venus, notable distinctions arise that significantly influence their sound profiles and user experiences. The Cloud - 50g features a nylon top housing, known for its softer composition, which contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile. This particular material absorbs sound effectively, producing a rounded and muted auditory experience — a quality that many typists and gamers find appealing. In contrast, the TTC Venus employs a POM top housing, which also results in a uniquely gratifying sound but offers a slightly different character. While it, too, leans toward a deeper sound, the POM material tends to create a more muted tone compared to nylon, thus imparting an overall pleasant yet distinct listening experience.

Moving down to the bottom housings, the differences become even more pronounced. The Cloud - 50g incorporates a nylon bottom housing that maintains the same full-bodied, rounded sound profile as its top counterpart. As with the top housing, the nylon's softer nature means it excels at absorbing sound, further enriching the key press experience with a cohesive auditory quality. Conversely, the TTC Venus opts for a polycarbonate bottom housing, which introduces a brighter and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's rigidity can amplify higher frequencies, creating sharper sound notes when a key is bottomed out. This contrast between the nylon in the Cloud - 50g and the polycarbonate in the Venus not only impacts the overall sound produced during use but also showcases how different materials can create distinct typing experiences even within similar switches.

Ultimately, both switches stand to deliver unique auditory experiences, with their differing material compositions affecting how they respond under the same typing conditions. While the nylon materials in both the Cloud - 50g produce a synergistic and enriched sound, the TTC Venus leverages polycarbonate in the bottom to create a pronounced sound experience, especially during bottoming out. Despite these differences, those who appreciate richer auditory feedback will find that each switch offers meaningful performance in their own right. The unique attributes of each housing material show that while the Cloud - 50g and TTC Venus appeal to distinct sound preferences, they can still be utilized to achieve satisfying typing experiences that cater to an array of user needs and aesthetic preferences.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch with the TTC Venus linear switch, we see notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Cloud switch features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, compared to the Venus's 45 grams, making it generally more suitable for long typing sessions or extended gaming, as it requires less effort to register a keystroke. When it comes to bottom out force, the Cloud switch also maintains a lower value at 50 grams, while the Venus has a bottom out force of 52 grams. This difference means that the Cloud switch provides a softer touch, appealing to those who favor a lighter, less straining switching experience. Therefore, for users seeking an easier typing experience, the Cloud - 50g switch is the lighter option, while the Venus, with its slightly heavier forces, caters to those who prefer a more substantial feel in their keystrokes.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, the Cloud - 50g offers a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Venus has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the HMX Cloud - 50g provides a more substantial depth when pressed, which some users may prefer for a more tactile experience. In contrast, the TTC Venus, with its shorter travel distance, may cater better to gamers looking for quicker response times, as it can deliver a more immediate feedback with less travel. If you lean towards a preference for responsiveness, opting for the Venus could be advantageous, but if you value a deeper press, the Cloud - 50g would be the better choice. With travel distances so close, users may find that the difference in feel is minimal, allowing for similar typing or gaming experiences regardless of which switch is chosen.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch is characterized by its clacky sound profile, appealing to those who enjoy a brighter auditory feedback when typing. This sound can lend a lively atmosphere to your typing experience, making it particularly satisfying for enthusiasts who appreciate a more pronounced audio cue with each keystroke. On the other hand, the TTC Venus switch offers a more muted sound signature, described as low-pitched and subdued. This results in a typing experience that is much quieter and more reserved, making it suitable for office settings or shared spaces where noise levels are a consideration. The contrast between the two provides distinct auditory experiences, catering to different preferences in keyboard sound.

When it comes to feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g is recognized for its silky smoothness, providing a fluid typing experience that is very satisfying. This smoothness helps ensure that each keystroke is seamless, which is crucial for long typing sessions. In contrast, the TTC Venus switch excels with its frictionless action, coupled with a “gummy” sensation at bottom-out, reminiscent of a trampoline effect. This unique combination offers a differentiated typing experience that is both smooth and plush, inviting effortless keystrokes and enhancing comfort during extended use. Both switches ultimately deliver a pleasurable typing sensation, but the Venus introduces an extra layer of distinct tactile engagement that appeals to some users.

To summarize, the HMX Cloud - 50g and TTC Venus switches present two different takes on the mechanical keyboard experience. The Cloud - 50g offers a bright, clacky sound with a silky smooth feel, which can be exciting for enthusiasts. In contrast, the Venus switch provides a quieter, subdued auditory profile with a unique, frictionless typing experience that many find comfortable and enjoyable. Ultimately, the choice between these two will depend on personal preference regarding sound and tactile feedback, but either option promises a satisfying typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g and the TTC Venus linear switch will largely depend on your personal preferences and intended use. If you're seeking a lighter feel with a brighter, clacky sound profile that enhances your typing experience, the HMX Cloud - 50g is an excellent option. Its 50g actuation force makes it ideal for fast-paced typing, particularly if you're an enthusiast who enjoys a tactile feedback with a smooth glide. On the other hand, if you prefer a more muted and subdued sound environment, along with a unique and buttery typing experience, the TTC Venus might be the better choice for you. The slight increase in actuation force to 52g provides a bit more resistance, which can be beneficial for users who desire a more grounded typing experience, while its specialized internal design offers a plush feel reminiscent of chewy textures. Ultimately, consider your typical usage scenarios—whether at home or in a professional setting—as well as your sound sensitivity when making your selection, as both switches cater to different typing preferences and environments.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Cloud - 50g Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

TTC Venus Linear

$7.99

$5.09 per 10

Learn more