TTC Venus vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the TTC Venus and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Venus and the HMX Xinhai stand out as intriguing options, each appealing to different typing preferences. The TTC Venus, celebrated for its remarkable internal design, offers a remarkably smooth and frictionless glide, making it ideal for users who value a light touch and subdued auditory feedback. With its springy "Q-texture" sensation likened to the delight of mochi, it promises effortless typing with a muted sound profile that doesn't disturb others in a shared workspace. Conversely, the HMX Xinhai showcases a unique PA12 top housing and POM stem that combine to deliver a crisp, higher-pitched sound, appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience. The Xinhai boasts a bouncy, clacky feel that offers a lively response, making it suitable for typists seeking both performance and sophistication. While both switches provide a linear feel, their distinct characteristics cater to varied preferences in typing style and auditory experience. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 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-stage spring
Housing materials
The TTC Venus and HMX Xinhai switches utilize different materials for their top housings, which impacts the overall sound profile and typing experience. The Venus features a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top housing, known for producing a unique and pleasing sound that is deeper and more muted. In contrast, the Xinhai employs a nylon top housing, a material celebrated for its classic switch properties that also create a deeper and fuller sound profile. While both materials contribute to a similar auditory experience of warmth and fullness, the POM is likely to produce a slightly more refined and less pronounced sound compared to the nylon. This distinction in top housing materials suggests that while both can elicit low tones, the richness may vary, with the Venus providing a more distinct character in its muted output.
Regarding the bottom housing, both switches feature nylon, which impacts the sound and feel of the switches in a unified way. The Venus utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, while the Xinhai incorporates nylon for this component. The polycarbonate material is known for its rigidity, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile that contrasts with the fuller and rounder output of the nylon used in the Xinhai. As such, the Venus may offer a more crystalline sound when bottoming out, while the Xinhai’s nylon bottom adds a touch of softness that makes for a smoother auditory experience. This difference well illustrates how the materials can affect the typing feel and sound in distinct ways while still achieving a complementary result when assessing the overall performance of each switch.
Ultimately, the choice of housing materials in both the TTC Venus and HMX Xinhai impacts the overall experience of using these switches, with each type offering its unique character. The Venus’s combination of a POM top and polycarbonate bottom creates a contrast between the softer, muted upper sounds and the sharper lower tones, leading to a rich typing experience. Meanwhile, the Xinhai's nylon configuration across both top and bottom promotes a more consistent sound profile that is deeper and fuller overall. Despite their differences, both switches can achieve similar auditory satisfaction through their respective materials; hence, users can expect a range of experiences that cater to preferences for muted warmth or deeper fullness in sound when typing.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Venus linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Venus features a medium-light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, providing a decent push-back that some may find comfortable for extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Xinhai offers a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, catering to users who prefer a gentler keypress experience. This means that the Xinhai is overall lighter than the Venus, which may suit typists looking for less strain during long periods of use. The varying actuation forces indicate that the Xinhai will require less effort to trigger keystrokes, while the heavier feel of the Venus may appeal to those seeking a more substantial typing experience. Overall, if users favor a lightweight switch, the Xinhai would be the better choice, while those who prefer a slightly heftier feel would likely gravitate towards the Venus.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Venus linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, the TTC Venus stands out with a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the HMX Xinhai features a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference in distance can significantly affect user experience, especially for those who prioritize responsiveness; gamers often gravitate towards switches with shorter travel distances for quicker key actuation. Conversely, the TTC Venus, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to users who prefer a deeper, more deliberate keypress, offering a more substantial tactile experience. Ultimately, if you prioritize rapid feedback, the Xinhai is the more suitable choice, whereas the Venus caters to those seeking a more pronounced feel with its greater travel distance.
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 Xinhai has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai for $2.99.
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
When comparing the sound profile of the TTC Venus and the HMX Xinhai linear switches, the differences are quite pronounced. The Venus switch is characterized by a low-pitched, muted, and subdued sound signature, offering a typing experience that is quiet and unobtrusive. This provides a soft auditory backdrop that is particularly appealing for office environments or shared spaces. In contrast, the Xinhai switch produces a more clacky sound, which is sharp, bright, and percussive, making it a choice for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. Thus, if you prefer a noisier typing experience, the Xinhai will suit you, while the Venus caters to those who favor a quieter ambiance.
In terms of feel, the TTC Venus offers a remarkably smooth and frictionless experience, often described as buttery and polished. The unique Q-texture design provides a springy yet seamless keystroke, allowing for rapid and effortless typing that feels refined and sophisticated. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai is noted for its bouncy and creamy feedback. This gives users a spring-like sensation with each keystroke, which can enhance the joy of typing for those who appreciate tactile feedback. While both switches promise a satisfying experience, the Venus leans towards a fluid and soft touch, whereas the Xinhai contributes a more playful and lively dynamics to your typing.
In summary, the TTC Venus and HMX Xinhai linear switches cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The Venus excels in providing a muted, low-pitched sound with a smooth and buttery feel, making it ideal for quieter environments, while the Xinhai offers a crisp, clacky sound and a bouncy feel for those who enjoy pronounced feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on whether you prioritize a subdued auditory environment or crave a lively, engaging typing experience. Each switch has its own unique qualities, and the best pick hinges on your personal typing style and environment.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the TTC Venus linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch really depends on your personal preferences and the intended use case. If you prefer a medium-light typing experience with a smooth, frictionless action, the Venus switch might be your best bet. Its 52-gram bottom-out force offers a balance between responsiveness and comfort, making it ideal for rapid typing tasks, whether for gaming or long writing sessions. The muted sound signature further enhances its appeal for environments where noise is a concern, such as shared workspaces or quiet homes. On the other hand, if you're drawn to a lighter switch that facilitates a more energetic and bouncy feel, the Xinhai’s 45-gram actuation force might suit you better. Its unique PA12 top housing provides a crisp acoustic profile, perfect for those who enjoy a lively typing experience with a pronounced clack. This makes it an excellent choice for gamers seeking tactile feedback or enthusiasts who appreciate a more pronounced auditory response. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct advantages; your decision should reflect your typing style and the environment in which you use your keyboard.
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