HMX Cheese vs. Huano Elf
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the Huano Elf switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Cheese and Huano Elf are two linear switches that stand out for their unique characteristics. The HMX Cheese switches are celebrated for their unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, offering a clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature that adds a lively atmosphere to your keystrokes. Weighing in as one of the lightest options on the market, these ultra-light switches are favored by users who seek a fast and responsive feel in their typing. In contrast, the Huano Elf switches present a different sensory experience with their POK top housing, which enhances acoustics and delivers a deep sound signature combined with a medium-light actuation force. This makes the Elf an excellent choice for those who appreciate a rich auditory feedback while still enjoying a satisfying typing experience. Both switches cater to different preferences — whether it's the exhilarating lightness of the Cheese or the captivating depth of the Elf. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The HMX Cheese and the Huano Elf showcase distinctive characteristics in their top housing materials, which significantly affect the typing experience each switch offers. The HMX Cheese utilizes nylon, a classic choice that provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is attributed to nylon's softer composition, which effectively absorbs sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory response. In contrast, the Huano Elf opts for POK material, also known as polyketone. Although POK is designed for smoothness and durability, it achieves a more clacky sound due to its increased shock resistance compared to nylon. As a result, while the Cheese offers a muted auditory experience thanks to its nylon top, the Elf’s POK housing produces a sharper acoustic feedback, appealing to users who prefer a more pronounced sound when typing.
When examining the bottom housing, both the HMX Cheese and the Huano Elf rely on nylon. This shared choice leads to similar auditory profiles in terms of sound absorption and feel, creating a deeper and fuller sound when the switch bottoms out. As both switches utilize nylon for the bottom housing, users can expect a consistent auditory experience during key presses, independent of the top housing material. However, even with the same bottom housing, the outer sound and sensation differ due to the varying characteristics of the top materials. This duality means that while both models can deliver a satisfying typing experience, the overall personality of each switch is shaped significantly by their respective top housing materials.
Ultimately, the combination of different materials used in the switches influences the user experience in nuanced ways. The HMX Cheese’s all-nylon construction results in a warm, muted sound profile across both housings, suitable for those seeking a more subdued typing experience. Conversely, the Huano Elf, featuring a robust POK top housing paired with a nylon bottom, caters to users who enjoy a clackier keystroke and appreciate the enhanced durability of their switches. By understanding how the unique qualities of each housing material contribute to the switch's performance, users can better choose their preferred typing experience based on sound, feel, and overall durability.
Weight
In comparing the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Huano Elf linear switch, we see notable differences in actuation forces, though the Elf's bottom out force remains unknown. The Cheese switch boasts an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, making it a light option that could facilitate extensive typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Elf's actuation force is slightly lighter at 42 grams, providing a similar lightweight typing experience. However, without a defined bottom out force for the Elf, we can't directly assess its resistance when pressed down completely. Consequently, while both switches cater to those who favor lighter actuations, the Cheese switch is confirmed to have a measurable bottom out force, which may provide a more defined keystroke feel compared to the Huano Elf. Overall, the Cheese is slightly heavier but offers more complete information regarding its performance, whereas the Elf's unknown bottom out force leaves a gap in understanding its tactile feedback when bottomed out.
Travel distance
When comparing the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Huano Elf linear switch, their travel distances reveal some interesting distinctions. The HMX Cheese has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Huano Elf features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Cheese the shorter of the two switches, providing a more responsive feel, which could appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times. Conversely, the Elf's longer travel distance may be preferred by those who appreciate a more substantial depth when pressing a key. Ultimately, the Cheese’s shorter travel distance may feel more abrupt to some users, whereas the Elf offers a more traditional feel. Thus, depending on one's preference for response time versus key depth, the choice between these switches can vary significantly.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cheese has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cheese for $3.79.
The Huano Elf has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Elf for $3.29.
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 Cheese linear switch is celebrated for its clacky, poppy, and crispy auditory profile, delivering an engaging and lively sound that can enhance the typing experience. In contrast, the Huano Elf switch offers a deeper sound signature attributed to its POK top housing, providing a medium-light feel that is distinctively satisfying. These differences suggest that while both switches can offer enjoyable acoustic experiences, the Cheese is more playful and bright, whereas the Elf leans towards a fuller, more resonant tone.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cheese switches are known for their unparalleled smoothness and lightness, making them incredibly easy to type on, particularly for users who favor a feather-light touch. On the other hand, the Huano Elf switches present a medium-light feel, offering a balanced typing experience that can accommodate various preferences while still providing feedback without being overly heavy. The Cheese excels in delivering a super light and smooth experience, while the Elf offers a more grounded yet still comfortable typing sensation.
In conclusion, while the HMX Cheese linear switch provides a lighter weight and a vibrant sound profile that enhances its smooth typability, the Huano Elf linear switch delivers a deeper sound with a medium-light feel that balances comfort and feedback. Both switches have their unique characteristics, allowing users to choose based on personal preference in sound and tactile experience. Ultimately, whether you prefer the Cheese's bright pop or the Elf's rich resonance, both can create an enjoyable typing experience, catering to different tastes in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Huano Elf linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you appreciate an ultra-light feel and crave a unique auditory experience with a clacky, poppy sound, the Cheese switch would be ideal for you. Its lower actuation force allows for quicker keystrokes, making it fantastic for fast typists or gamers who thrive on rapid response times. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that provides a bit more resistance while still being light, and you enjoy a deeper sound signature for a more muted and refined acoustic experience, the Elf could be the better choice for your typing style. Its medium-light feel paired with the POK top housing makes it an excellent option for those who love a satisfying tactile experience without being overly loud. Ultimately, it comes down to your preference for sound characteristics and the feel of the switch under your fingers. Both options bring unique qualities to the table, ensuring that you can find a switch that truly enhances your mechanical keyboard experience.
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