HMX Lotus vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two options that stand out are the HMX Lotus and the TTC Venus, both linear switches. The HMX Lotus is praised for its medium weight of 50g bottom out and vibrant sound, offering a bouncy and delightful typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Venus showcases a unique internal structure that provides a seamless glide and a distinctive "Q-texture" feel, resulting in smooth and engaging keystrokes with a light actuation force. While the Lotus offers a more resonant sound and medium weight, the Venus excels in providing a buttery, frictionless typing experience with a muted sound signature. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
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 HMX Lotus and the TTC Venus both feature unique housing materials for their switches. The Lotus's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Venus's POM top housing creates a more muted and pleasing sound that is on the deeper side. While both materials offer distinct sound profiles, they cater to different preferences, with the Lotus offering a rounder sound and the Venus providing a more unique and muted sound experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, the HMX Lotus uses nylon which also contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is softer and absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the TTC Venus's polycarbonate bottom housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate leads to a more clear and resonant sound, which is especially useful for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. While the Lotus offers a more rounded bottom-out sound, the Venus provides a sharper and clearer sound experience.
Overall, the housing materials of the HMX Lotus and the TTC Venus play a crucial role in determining the sound profile of the switches. While both switches feature top and bottom housings made of different materials, they each offer unique qualities that impact the sound and feel of typing. Whether it's the deeper and fuller sound of the Lotus with its nylon housing or the sharper and crisper sound of the Venus with its polycarbonate housing, both switches provide a distinct typing experience that caters to different preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on the desired sound profile and feel that each housing material offers.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Lotus linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, we can see that both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Lotus has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Venus has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 52 grams. The lighter bottom out force of the Lotus may make it more appealing to those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended use, such as in a work setting or during long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the slightly heavier bottom out force of the Venus may provide a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a stronger push when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference regarding the desired typing experience, with the Lotus being the lighter option and the Venus being slightly heavier.
Travel distance
The HMX Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the TTC Venus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Lotus has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Venus. The 3.5 mm travel distance of the Lotus may provide a quicker and more responsive typing or gaming experience, which could be preferred by users looking for speed and efficiency. On the other hand, the 3.8 mm travel distance of the Venus may offer a bit more depth and tactile feedback, which could be favored by those who prefer a more pronounced feel when pressing down on the keys. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference for travel distance and the type of typing or gaming experience desired.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Lotus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus 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 Lotus linear switch offers a bright, resonant sound that adds a lively element to each key press. On the other hand, the TTC Venus linear switch provides a muted sound that envelops each keystroke in a subdued auditory embrace, creating a more calming typing experience. This contrast in sound profiles caters to different preferences, with the Lotus offering a more vibrant and energetic typing sound, while the Venus provides a quieter and more soothing typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Lotus switch offers a super bouncy feeling with a medium weight of 50g bottom out, enhancing the tactile feedback with each key press. Conversely, the TTC Venus switch boasts a seamless, nearly frictionless glide combined with a unique "Q-texture" that delivers a smooth and engaging typing sensation. The Lotus switch provides a more tactile and bouncy typing experience, while the Venus switch offers a smooth and frictionless keystroke that is both effortless and engaging.
Overall, the HMX Lotus linear switch stands out for its bright and resonant sound, coupled with a bouncy and tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Venus linear switch offers a muted sound and a smooth, frictionless typing sensation that is equally engaging. Both switches provide unique qualities that cater to different preferences, with the Lotus offering a more vibrant typing experience and the Venus delivering a quieter and smoother typing feel. Whether you prefer a more lively sound profile or a calming typing experience, both the HMX Lotus and TTC Venus switches provide exceptional options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the HMX Lotus linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you value a lighter bottom out force and a bright, resonant sound, the HMX Lotus switch may be the best option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a unique "matte" sensation with a nearly frictionless glide and a muted sound signature, the TTC Venus switch might be more to your liking. Consider your typing style, sound preference, and desired tactile feedback when making your decision. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct qualities that can enhance your overall typing experience, so choose the one that aligns best with your preferences.
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