HMX Jelly vs. TTC Venus

Overview

When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Jelly and TTC Venus stand out as exceptional linear options, each offering unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The HMX Jelly is renowned for its low-pitched, thocky sound signature that delivers a satisfying auditory experience, along with a super smooth performance thanks to its excellent factory lube. With a lighter actuation force of 42g, it provides a weightless typing feel that is perfect for those who favor a quick, effortless stroke. On the other hand, the TTC Venus boasts a unique internal design that combines a smooth, frictionless glide with a delightful "Q-texture," reminiscent of chewy mochi, making each keystroke feel springy yet subdued. Its muted sound profile and soft actuation are ideal for those who desire a more discreet typing experience. While both switches offer their own appeals, such as the Jelly's inviting thock and the Venus' gentle feedback, ultimately, the choice lies in personal preference. 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 Jelly 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 Jelly and the TTC Venus switches, it becomes clear that their designs leverage the unique properties of different plastics to achieve distinct sound profiles. The HMX Jelly features a nylon top housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound when typing. This is due to nylon's softer nature, allowing it to absorb sound waves more effectively than harder plastics. In contrast, the TTC Venus utilizes a POM top housing, which is also designed to elicit a pleasing and muted sound. While both switches share the characteristic of producing a relatively deeper sound profile, the Jelly benefits from the sound-absorbing properties of nylon, whereas the Venus's POM construction offers a different layer of muted richness without the same level of dampening.

Turning our attention to the bottom housings, we see a stark contrast between the HMX Jelly’s nylon bottom and the TTC Venus’s polycarbonate bottom. The Jelly's nylon bottom continues the trend of deeper sound absorption, reinforcing the overall auditory experience of the switch with its softer material. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Venus leads to a higher-pitched and crisper sound profile, primarily because of the material’s rigidity that enhances resonance. While both switches can achieve satisfying sound profiles, their differing bottom housings provide divergent auditory experiences, with the Jelly focusing on warmth and fullness, while the Venus emphasizes clarity and crispness.

Ultimately, despite the differences in materials, users can achieve similar results in terms of overall sound quality and typing experience due to the interplay of the materials used in both the top and bottom housings. The HMX Jelly’s nylon components excel in creating a rich, deeper sound, ideal for those seeking a more rounded acoustic profile, while the TTC Venus, with its carefully chosen POM and polycarbonate combination, focuses on providing a distinct and articulate experience. The presence of nylon in both the Jelly's top and bottom housings contrasts with the Venus's mixed materials, suggesting that a user's choice of switch will heavily influence the sound characteristics during use. However, both selections are likely to deliver enjoyable and satisfying results reflective of their carefully considered designs.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Jelly linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, there are notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces that can influence user experience. The HMX Jelly boasts a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom-out force of 48 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, especially during long sessions of work or gaming. In contrast, the TTC Venus requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and has a bottom-out force of 52 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This difference means that while both switches are relatively light, the Jelly offers an even more relaxed typing experience, whereas the Venus provides a bit more resistance, appealing to those who favor a firmer feel. Consequently, the Jelly is the lighter switch, while the Venus is the heavier option, offering users distinct advantages based on their preferred typing style.

Travel distance

Both the HMX Jelly linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch have a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making them equal in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. This consistent travel distance means that users can expect similar results in terms of key feel and actuation when pressing down on keys equipped with either switch. As a result, both switches offer a comparable typing experience, ensuring that whether a user chooses the Jelly or the Venus, the actuation will feel the same due to their identical travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When considering the sound characteristics of the HMX Jelly linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, the Jelly stands out with its low-pitched, thocky sound profile. This deep, thudding noise provides a satisfying auditory feedback that many typists and gamers often appreciate, reminiscent of a soft knock rather than a sharp click, which can create a more immersive typing experience. In contrast, the TTC Venus features a muted sound signature that is both subdued and neutral. Its lower volume results in a softer typing sound, making it more suitable for quieter environments or office settings. While both switches deliver a pleasant auditory experience, the Jelly offers a richer, deeper tone, whereas the Venus prioritizes a more discreet and less obtrusive sound.

In terms of feel, the HMX Jelly switch is noted for its super smooth action, significantly enhanced by excellent factory lubing. The lightweight actuation force of 42g ensures that keys are pressed effortlessly, creating a smooth experience throughout each keystroke. On the other hand, the TTC Venus provides a unique tactile sensation due to its "Q-texture" design, which combines a frictionless glide with the springy feeling of gummy or mochi-like textures. This switch promotes an effortlessly smooth travel, offering a buttery experience that feels both light and responsive. While the Jelly emphasizes a polished, seamless typing experience, the Venus adds an element of chewiness to the tactile feedback, catering to users who enjoy a distinctive texture during their typing.

Overall, both the HMX Jelly and TTC Venus linear switches deliver excellent performance with their sound and feel characteristics, appealing to different preferences within the typing community. The Jelly is perfect for those who appreciate a satisfying auditory response combined with a very smooth keystroke, while the Venus caters to users who favor a more muted sound and a unique tactile sensation. Ultimately, whether you prefer the deep thocky sound and smoothness of the Jelly or the subtlety and springy texture of the Venus, both options are likely to provide a satisfying typing experience, albeit in distinct ways.

Conclusion

To summarize, when deciding between the HMX Jelly linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, your choice should hinge on your typing preferences and your intended use for the keyboard. If you favor a lighter touch and enjoy a sound profile that gives a satisfying thocky feedback, the Jelly switch would be ideal for you. Its 48-gram bottom-out force and remarkably smooth keystrokes make it perfect for extended typing sessions, especially if you appreciate a lively, audible response. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly firmer key feel with a muted, understated sound signature, the TTC Venus might be your best bet. With its 52-gram bottom-out force and a delightful "Q-texture," it offers a more refined typing experience that's both smooth and springy, akin to the sensation of biting into mochi. This makes it a solid choice if you're looking for a balance between responsiveness and a quiet workspace, particularly in office environments. Ultimately, your selection should reflect your personal tactile preferences and the context in which you plan to use your keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Jelly Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

TTC Venus Linear

$7.99

$5.09 per 10

Learn more