HMX Swift vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the HMX Swift and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Swift and TTC Venus both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Swift is known for its deeper sound profile and silky smooth feel, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a softer typing experience. On the other hand, the Venus showcases a distinctive "Q-texture" and frictionless glide, offering a smooth and engaging typing sensation with its light actuation force. While the Swift is described as 'Clacky', 'Easy-to-press', 'Feathery', 'Bouncy', and 'Creamy', the Venus is categorized as 'Buttery', 'Gummy', 'Frictionless', 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', 'Muted', 'Neutral', 'Polished', 'Subdued', and 'Thocky'. Each switch has its strengths, but diving deeper into their individual characteristics can help you make the best choice for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
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 extended spring
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
The HMX Swift and TTC Venus differ in their housing materials, with the Swift utilizing nylon for both the top and bottom housings, while the Venus features POM for the top and polycarbonate for the bottom. Nylon offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, POM in the Venus provides an incredibly pleasing and unique sound that leans towards the deeper side and is relatively more muted. Additionally, polycarbonate in the Venus's bottom housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffer nature, resulting in a clear and resonant sound.
Although the Swift and Venus have different housing materials for their top and bottom housings, they both showcase how the qualities of each material affect the overall sound profile of the switch. With nylon in the Swift's top and bottom housings, users can experience a consistent deep and fuller sound when typing, as the benefits of nylon are spread across the switch. In contrast, the Venus splits the qualities of POM and polycarbonate between the top and bottom, with POM contributing to the switch's unique sound and polycarbonate adding sharpness and clarity, making the typing experience more dynamic.
Overall, the choice between the HMX Swift and TTC Venus ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. The nylon housing of the Swift offers a consistent and deep typing experience, while the Venus provides a more varied sound with POM and polycarbonate materials. Whether one prefers a duller and rounder sound or a sharper and clearer sound will determine which switch is the better fit. Both switches showcase the impact housing materials can have on sound quality, making them standout options for those looking to customize their typing experience.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Swift linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch have some differences worth noting. The Swift has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch while typing. On the other hand, the Venus has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, providing a more medium-light typing experience. For those who prefer a stronger push feel, the Venus may be the better option. Both switches offer a relatively similar typing experience due to their comparable force requirements, making them suitable choices for users who prefer a lighter touch or a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The HMX Swift linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the TTC Venus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them popular choices for those seeking faster response times, such as gamers. The slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be noticeable to the average user, as they both offer a relatively quick actuation. Ultimately, whether you choose the Swift or Venus switch may depend on personal preference and whether you prefer a slightly shorter or slightly longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift 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 Swift linear switch is known for its deep sound profile and silky smoothness, offering a unique typing experience with a delicate 42g actuation force. On the other hand, the TTC Venus linear switch provides a low-pitched, muted sound with a captivating "Q-texture" that adds to the smooth and engaging feel of each keystroke. While the Swift has a clacky sound, the Venus offers a more subdued and matte sensation, allowing for a quieter typing experience. Both switches provide different auditory experiences, catering to individual preferences for sound feedback during typing sessions.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Swift switch is described as easy-to-press, feathery, and bouncy, providing a gentle resistance and light actuation force for effortless typing. In contrast, the TTC Venus switch offers a buttery, gummy, and frictionless feel, ensuring a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with minimal resistance. While the Swift switch focuses on lightness and bounce during typing, the Venus switch emphasizes a seamless and uniform sensation with its innovative internal design. Both switches aim to enhance the typing comfort and reduce finger fatigue, but through different tactile approaches.
Overall, the HMX Swift linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel, providing users with diverse options based on their preferences. The Swift switch presents a deeper sound profile and easy-to-press feel, while the Venus switch delivers a muted sound with a buttery and frictionless typing experience. Whether you prefer a clacky sound with a feathery feel or a low-pitched sound with a gummy sensation, both switches guarantee a satisfying typing experience tailored to individual preferences and needs. Ultimately, choosing between the HMX Swift and TTC Venus switches depends on personal preferences for sound feedback and tactile sensations during typing sessions.
Conclusion
In sum, when considering whether to choose the HMX Swift linear switch or the TTC Venus linear switch, it is important to prioritize your preferences and typing style. If you prefer a softer and deeper sound profile with a light actuation force, the HMX Swift may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a unique "matte" tactile sensation with a seamless glide and very light actuation force, the TTC Venus could be the ideal option. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel, so choosing between them will depend on your personal typing preferences.
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