Huano Elf vs. TTC Venus

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Elf and TTC Venus offer distinct experiences largely shaped by their design and acoustic profiles. The Huano Elf is celebrated for its POK top housing, which enhances acoustics to deliver a deep sound signature, coupled with a medium-light feel that many typists find satisfying. This linear switch is ideal for users seeking a strong, richly resonant typing experience that adds character to each keystroke. On the other hand, the TTC Venus distinguishes itself with its unique "Q-texture" design that creates a smooth, frictionless glide reminiscent of the delightful sensation of biting into chewy mochi or tapioca pearls. Its light actuation allows for rapid typing with minimal effort, making it an excellent choice for fast-paced environments. Additionally, the Venus features a muted sound profile, perfect for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. While both switches cater to linear switch enthusiasts, their differing tactile sensations and acoustic qualities offer unique advantages depending on your typing style and preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.

By the numbers

Huano Elf Linear

TTC Venus Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$7.99

$5.09 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Huano Elf and the TTC Venus reflect distinct design philosophies, particularly evident in their top housing materials. The Elf utilizes POK (polyketone), which boasts a notably low coefficient of friction at 0.04, rendering it one of the most efficient materials for switch mechanisms. Its exceptional durability and wear resistance, estimated at 14 times stronger than POM, highlight its premium quality, while its shock resistance significantly outstrips that of Nylon and POM. This combination not only ensures longevity but also contributes to a smooth, clacky typing experience. In contrast, the Venus employs POM for its top housing. Though it has a slightly higher coefficient of friction at 0.03, POM is celebrated for producing a deeper, more muted sound profile during typing. Consequently, while both materials contribute positively to the switch performance, the Elf's POK provides a distinctively smoother experience, whereas the Venus’s POM focuses more on tonal quality.

The bottom housing materials for the two switches diverge even further in their sound profiles and textural feedback. The Elf's nylon bottom housing is designed for a softer touch, yielding a rounder and fuller sound due to its ability to absorb more sound waves. This characteristic allows for a more pleasant typing experience, particularly for users who prefer a deeper resonance. Conversely, the Venus features a polycarbonate bottom housing that enhances its auditory profile with a sharper and crisper sound. This rigidity contributes to a more resonant typing experience, creating a clear auditory distinction with each keystroke. While both materials deliver unique auditory experiences, they serve different user preferences: nylon’s soft qualities versus polycarbonate's sharp articulation.

Ultimately, when considering the overall performance of the switches, the interplay between the top and bottom housing materials must be recognized. In switches where these materials differ, the top housing predominantly influences the sound when releasing a key, while the bottom housing shapes the bottom-out feel and sound. For the Huano Elf, the combination of POK and nylon results in a smooth typing experience with a warm sound profile. In contrast, the TTC Venus, with its POM and polycarbonate pairing, emphasizes a sharper sound complemented by more distinct acoustic clarity. Although they utilize different materials, each switch achieves a well-rounded performance suited to differing typists' preferences, effectively showcasing how material characteristics can lead to varied, yet satisfactory, outcomes.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch to the TTC Venus linear switch, there's a noticeable difference in their actuation forces. The Huano Elf requires an actuation force of 42 grams, which makes it slightly lighter than the TTC Venus, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. This difference means that users who prefer a lighter touch might gravitate towards the Elf, particularly for long typing sessions or gaming marathons, as it can reduce fatigue. The TTC Venus also features a bottom out force of 52 grams; however, the bottom out force for the Huano Elf is not available. While the absence of a bottom out specification for the Elf prevents a direct comparison of the overall force experienced when fully pressing the key, the known values suggest that users of the Venus will experience a more substantial feel due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Overall, those seeking a lighter switch may favor the Huano Elf, while users desiring a more robust typing experience might opt for the TTC Venus.

Travel distance

The Huano Elf linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Venus linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key, the Elf switch will feel more responsive due to its shorter travel distance, making it an appealing option for gamers who prioritize quick response times. In contrast, the Venus switch offers a deeper feel, which some users may prefer for typing, as it provides a more satisfying bottom-out experience. Consequently, those who enjoy a more pronounced keypress may lean toward the Venus switch, while those seeking rapid actuation may favor the Elf. Overall, the shorter Huano Elf offers a quicker response, whereas the longer TTC Venus caters to those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound profiles of the Huano Elf and TTC Venus linear switches, the Elf stands out for its deep sound signature, which can be characterized as satisfying and thocky. It provides a rich acoustic experience reminiscent of a soft thud or knock when the keys are pressed. In contrast, the TTC Venus features a muted and subdued sound that prioritizes a low-pitched and neutral tone, producing minimal noise during typing. While the Elf's sound can be more pronounced and engaging, the Venus leans toward a quieter typing environment, making it suitable for those who prefer a less distracting atmosphere.

In terms of feel, the Elf is known for its medium-light actuation force, offering a typing experience that some may find more satisfying as it balances ease of press with feedback. The TTC Venus, on the other hand, excels in providing a buttery, frictionless typing experience, which feels effortless and fluid, like gliding over the keys. The Venus's unique "Q-texture" adds a springy sensation that resembles the enjoyable feel of biting into chewy candies, creating a playful yet efficient typing environment. While the Elf has a more moderate feel, the Venus is designed for a smoother and slightly more effortless engagement.

Overall, both switches cater to distinct preferences in sound and feel. The Huano Elf offers a deeper, thocky sound signature accompanied by a medium-light feel, appealing to those who appreciate pronounced acoustic feedback. The TTC Venus emphasizes a quiet, muted sound profile that fosters a serene typing experience, alongside a notably smooth and frictionless feel. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize acoustic richness or subdued typing in conjunction with the seamless performance of the Venus. Both can provide satisfying results, depending on your personal preferences for typing satisfaction.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Elf linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, your choice will largely depend on your personal preferences regarding sound profile and typing experience. If you prioritize a richer, deeper sound and a satisfying tactile feedback from your typing, the Elf switch may be the better option for you. Its unique POK top housing enhances acoustics, providing a thocky sound signature that many users find immersive and enjoyable, perfect for those who appreciate auditory feedback in their typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter and more subdued experience, especially in shared workspaces or situations where noise levels are a concern, the TTC Venus switch stands out with its muted sound profile. The light actuation force and frictionless glide make it a breeze for rapid typing, while the gummy feel adds a unique touch that could be appealing if you enjoy a softer landing when bottoming out. Ultimately, consider the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard and your personal typing style to make the best choice between these two excellent linear switches.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Elf Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

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TTC Venus Linear

$7.99

$5.09 per 10

Learn more