TTC Venus vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the TTC Venus and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Venus and HMX Vintage Citrus each offer unique characteristics tailored to different user preferences. The TTC Venus stands out with its innovative design, providing a smooth, frictionless typing experience paired with a springy, "Q-texture" feel that evokes the sensation of chewy mochi. This switch is perfect for those who appreciate a muted sound profile, making it ideal for quiet environments while emphasizing comfort and a mild typing experience. On the other hand, HMX’s Vintage Citrus is a game-changer for competitive gamers, thanks to its incredibly low actuation force of just 1mm, allowing for rapid-fire inputs. Its bright, clacky sound profile complements an exceptionally smooth push feel, catering to those who thrive in fast-paced gaming scenarios. While both switches are linear and offer smooth key presses, they cater to distinctly different user needs—one focused on comfort and subtlety, the other on speed and auditory feedback. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Venus and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches present an interesting contrast in their construction. The TTC Venus features a POM top housing and a polycarbonate bottom housing, while the HMX Vintage Citrus has a nylon top and bottom housing. The TTC Venus’s POM top housing is noted for producing a deeper and more muted sound profile, which is complemented by the polycarbonate bottom’s sharper, crisper, and more resonant character. This combination results in a duality where the muted top allows for a fuller typing experience, while the clearer bottom balances that with a pronounced auditory feedback when the keys bottom out.
On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus’s use of nylon in both the top and bottom housings means that the sound profile of this switch leans toward a deeper and fuller resonance throughout. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb sound more effectively, resulting in a more rounded auditory experience. Because both the top and bottom of the Vintage Citrus switches are constructed from nylon, the overall sound remains consistent and cohesive, with a singular focus on a smoother sound profile. The impact of the top housing on key release is less stark compared to the Venus, where the contrasting materials introduce distinct sound dynamics at different stages of key activation.
Despite the material differences, both switches can yield similar results in terms of typing experience and sound profile when considered overall. The TTC Venus, while varying the dimensions of its sound profile, aligns with the Vintage Citrus in providing a satisfying key feel. The combination of a muted top and a crisp bottom for the Venus offers versatility, while the dual nylon housing of the Vintage Citrus delivers a pronounced auditory signature that many typists may prefer. Ultimately, both switch designs offer their unique experiences, catering to diverse user preferences while highlighting the important roles that housing materials play in overall switch performance.
Weight
The TTC Venus and HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches both offer a medium-light typing experience, but they do have some differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Venus has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, while the Vintage Citrus requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams. This makes the TTC Venus the lighter option, which can appeal to users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, making it suitable for extended work or gaming sessions. Conversely, the Vintage Citrus, with its heavier forces, may provide a more substantial and tactile feedback for those who appreciate a stronger push feel. Despite these distinctions, both switches exhibit relatively close force measurements, indicating that users who prefer one might find a similar experience with the other, though with a slight variation in required effort.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Venus linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, the TTC Venus has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the HMX Vintage Citrus measures 3 mm. This makes the Vintage Citrus the shorter option, catering to those who prefer rapid response times, often favored by gamers. In contrast, the TTC Venus, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to users who appreciate a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes. For individuals who favor a tactile experience and find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt, the Venus could be the preferable choice. Overall, the differences in travel distance indicate varying preferences for responsiveness and depth, making each switch suitable for different types of users.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The HMX Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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
The sound profile of the TTC Venus switch is characterized by a low-pitched, muted tone that is subdued and produces a gentle auditory experience. This design minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical key switches, making it ideal for work or home environments where distraction might be a concern. The Venus provides a soft, almost thocky auditory feedback when engaged, but remains quiet enough to not disrupt others around you. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is tailored for gamers and features an exceptionally bright and clacky sound profile, although specific descriptors for its sound qualities were not provided. Given its focus on rapid actuation, the overall sound might be more aggressive and resonant, appealing to those who enjoy more auditory feedback in their typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Venus switch excels with its smooth and frictionless keystroke, likened to a buttery or gummy sensation that provides a unique touch while typing. This switch's internal design offers a springy texture, reminiscent of biting into chewy mochi, making the actuation feel effortless and enjoyable. It delivers a polished typing experience, perfect for both casual and more intentional typing. On the other hand, specific feel descriptors for the Vintage Citrus switch were not mentioned, which leaves some ambiguity regarding its tactile characteristics. However, its low actuation force suggests a smooth typing experience, likely making it responsive and quick for input-heavy activities like gaming.
In conclusion, while both the TTC Venus and HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches serve different user preferences, they each promise enjoyable typing experiences. The Venus stands out with its muted sound profile and smooth, frictionless feel ideal for both gamers and typists interested in a refined touch. Conversely, the Vintage Citrus, while lacking detailed descriptions for its feel, offers a clacky auditory experience that caters to gamers who prefer responsive switches. If you're leaning towards quieter, smoother operation, the Venus would be a great choice, whereas if you prefer a more vibrant sound and potentially quicker actuation, the Vintage Citrus would work well. Both will serve the user effectively depending on their individual typing style and environment.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the TTC Venus linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, your intended use and personal preferences play a crucial role. If you seek a smooth and effortless typing experience for tasks like writing or programming, the Venus is an excellent choice due to its medium-light bottom-out force and frictionless glide, providing a "gummy" and "buttery" feel with a muted sound profile—perfect for those who want a quieter environment. In contrast, if you're focused on gaming, the Vintage Citrus switch is tailored for rapid-fire action, featuring a notably low actuation point and a bright, clacky sound that can enhance the excitement of gameplay. Its slightly stronger bottom-out force keeps you grounded, while its design prioritizes speed, making it ideal for quick keystrokes and intense gaming sessions. Ultimately, consider whether you prioritize a serene typing environment or quick responsiveness in gaming when making your choice between these two appealing switches.
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