HMX EVA vs. TTC Venus

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the nuances between options can significantly impact your typing experience. The HMX EVA switch, inspired by the iconic Evangelion Unit-01, offers a resonant sound signature and a silky smooth feel, making it a delightful choice for those who appreciate a feathery touch combined with a clacky feedback. This switch caters to users who thrive on a more expressive and tactile typing experience, often ideal for both gaming and typing enthusiasts looking for a balance of performance and a lively auditory experience. In contrast, the TTC Venus switch presents a polished, frictionless glide akin to the sensation of biting into chewy mochi or tapioca pearls, with a light actuation that facilitates rapid and effortless typing. Its muted sound signature ensures a more subdued typing experience, which can be particularly appealing for those in shared spaces or who prioritize a quieter environment. Both switches have their own unique appeal, whether one prefers the vibrant character of the EVA or the refined subtleties 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 EVA Linear

TTC Venus Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$7.99

$5.09 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX EVA and the TTC Venus employ different materials for their respective switch housings, which significantly influences their acoustic and tactile characteristics. The EVA utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings. As a classic material in switch design, nylon promotes a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a muted and dampened auditory experience when typing. This means that the EVA would deliver a more subdued and rounded sound make-up, making it appealing for users seeking a quieter typing experience.

In contrast, the TTC Venus features a combination of POM for its top housing and polycarbonate for the bottom housing. While POM also contributes to a muted sound profile similar to nylon, its characteristics provide a unique tonal quality that stands out in its own right. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing creates sharper and more resonant sounds due to its stiffness. This split between a softer top housing and a harder bottom housing in the Venus serves to enhance the sound clarity, particularly when the keys are released, creating a more dynamic auditory feedback compared to the consistently softer sound of the EVA.

Ultimately, both the HMX EVA and TTC Venus are designed to produce distinct auditory experiences in their tactile interfaces. While the EVA’s nylon construction ensures a consistently deep, rounded sound throughout its operation, the Venus combines contrasting materials that allow for a varied sound profile based on whether the key is pressed or released. For users who prioritize unique acoustics and are interested in RGB lighting, the Venus offers additional benefits due to its polycarbonate housing's translucency and crisp sound. However, due to the inherent qualities of the materials used in both switches, users can expect enjoyable, yet different, typing experiences tailored to their preferences.

Weight

When comparing the HMX EVA linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, distinct differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The EVA features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, requiring less effort to trigger a keystroke, alongside a bottom out force of 48 grams. In contrast, the Venus has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams. This means that users of the EVA can type more effortlessly and comfortably for extended periods, making it a great option for long gaming sessions or work environments. Meanwhile, the Venus, with its medium-light force, offers a more substantial typing experience without being overly taxing, appealing to users who enjoy a firmer push feel. Overall, the HMX EVA is the lighter switch, while the TTC Venus is the heavier option, catering to different preferences in typing sensation.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX EVA linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, there is a notable difference between the two. The EVA has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Venus offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that users of the EVA will benefit from a shorter travel, providing a more responsive experience that is often favored by gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the Venus, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, allowing for a less abrupt typing experience. Therefore, if a user prioritizes quick responsiveness, the HMX EVA would be the better choice, while those who enjoy the perception of deeper keystrokes may lean toward the TTC Venus.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the HMX EVA switch offers a lively, clacky auditory profile, producing a sharp and snappy sound with each keystroke. This crisp and bright sound signature can be quite engaging, appealing to users who enjoy the acoustic feedback of their typing experience. In contrast, the TTC Venus switch presents a much more subdued sound, characterized by its muted quality. It minimizes the clattering typically associated with mechanical keyboards, creating a softer, more neutral ambient sound. While the EVA may provide an invigorating typing soundtrack, the Venus opts for a more discreet approach, making it suitable for quieter environments where noise reduction is a priority.

In terms of feel, the HMX EVA is designed to be exceptionally smooth and responsive, featuring a silky touch that enhances the typing experience. Its feathery actuation requires minimal effort, leading to reduced finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The bouncy nature of the EVA provides a delightful elastic feedback that can be satisfying for those who enjoy dynamic keystrokes. Conversely, the TTC Venus aims for an equally impressive tactile experience but with a different approach. It is designed to be frictionless, offering a buttery and seamless typing experience that feels effortless. Users will encounter the unique sensation of a gummy bottoming-out, imparting a playful essence to the actuation. The Venus also provides a polished feel that further enhances smoothness, catering to those seeking a refined typing experience.

Overall, both the HMX EVA and the TTC Venus switches bring unique qualities to the table, particularly in sound and feel. While the EVA appeals to those who relish a more pronounced auditory feedback with clacky sounds and a lively typing feel, the Venus attracts users who prioritize a quieter, more subdued atmosphere alongside a buttery, frictionless keystroke. Depending on your preferences for auditory feedback and tactile response, either switch could enhance your typing experience, though the differences are clear. Opting for one over the other will ultimately come down to whether you seek stimulation or subtlety in your keyboard interactions.

Conclusion

To sum up, the choice between the HMX EVA linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch largely depends on your preferences for typing feel and sound characteristics. If you gravitate toward a lighter switch that offers a clackier sound and a feathery, silky feel, the HMX EVA would be an excellent choice. It’s particularly well-suited for users who enjoy a more noticeable auditory feedback while typing or gaming and appreciate the combination of a light actuation force and a vibrant aesthetic reminiscent of the Evangelion series. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subdued auditory experience, along with a balanced and frictionless feel, the TTC Venus would be your go-to option. Its medium-light bottom-out force combined with a softer sound signature makes it ideal for environments where noise level is a concern, such as shared workspaces or late-night typing sessions at home. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize auditory expressiveness and playfulness with the EVA or smooth, muted efficiency with the Venus.

Mentioned in this article

HMX EVA Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

TTC Venus Linear

$7.99

$5.09 per 10

Learn more