Jerrzi Coral vs. Huano Elf
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Coral and the Huano Elf switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Jerrzi Coral and Huano Elf are two compelling linear options that cater to different preferences in typing experience. The Coral switch is celebrated for its crisp typing feedback and a lower-pitched resonance that offers a sophisticated and somewhat silky typing experience, making it ideal for users who appreciate a balanced feel and performance with every keystroke. On the other hand, the Huano Elf distinguishes itself with its POK top housing, enhancing acoustics and delivering a deeper sound signature paired with a medium-light actuation force that can add a unique tactile quality to your typing. While the Coral is all about nuanced sophistication, the Elf brings a satisfying auditory experience without compromising on ease of use. 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
40g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Jerrzi Coral and the Huano Elf, notable differences arise, particularly in their top housing construction. The Coral utilizes polycarbonate, a material known for its rigidity and superior sound clarity. This stiffness contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, making it especially conducive for RGB lighting displays due to its translucency. The choice of polycarbonate for the Coral enhances the overall auditory experience by allowing for a resonant sound that emphasizes clarity. In contrast, the Huano Elf features a POK top housing made from polyketone, which is prized for its extraordinary smoothness and durability. While the Elf’s POK material excels in resistance to wear and shock, it produces a sound profile that is smooth and clacky. Thus, although both top housings contribute positively to the sound quality of their respective switches, they do so through distinctly different material properties.
The bottom housing of both the Jerrzi Coral and the Huano Elf is crafted from nylon, a classic choice that results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Given that nylon is a softer plastic, it absorbs sound effectively, leading to a rounder auditory experience that contrasts with the crisper tones produced by their different top housings. The shared use of nylon in this component means that regardless of the differences above, both switches demonstrate similar acoustic characteristics in terms of sound damping and depth. This uniformity in bottom housing materials ensures that when pressing either switch, users can expect a consistent, rich sound that is integral to the overall performance of both designs.
Ultimately, the combination of different materials in the Jerrzi Coral and the Huano Elf leads to an interesting interplay of sound characteristics. The Coral’s polycarbonate top offers a bright and clear tone, while the soft nylon bottom balances this with depth and warmth. In comparison, the Elf's POK top contributes smoothness to the overall switch experience without sacrificing the rich sound profile provided by its nylon bottom housing. This highlights the unique sound signature each switch can achieve through the thoughtful selection of materials, allowing users to select switches that best match their auditory preferences and tactile experience while typing.
Weight
The Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the Huano Elf linear switch present a close comparison in terms of actuation force, with the Coral requiring 40 grams to trigger a keystroke, while the Elf necessitates a slightly heavier actuation force of 42 grams. This means that the Coral switch is marginally lighter than the Elf, making it potentially more comfortable for long typing sessions or extended gaming periods. However, the bottom out forces for both switches remain unknown, leaving a gap in understanding how they might feel when pressed all the way down. If the bottom out forces were similar, users could expect a comparable experience in terms of resistance when reaching the end of the switch's travel. For those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, the heavier actuation force of the Elf might be more appealing, while the lighter Coral could be advantageous for prolonged use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Jerrzi Coral and the Huano Elf linear switches, the Coral features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Elf measures slightly shorter at 3.6 mm. This makes the Coral the longer option, offering a more substantial travel experience that some users may find more satisfying or substantial during key presses. In contrast, the Elf's shorter travel distance can provide quicker response times, which is often preferred by gamers looking for rapid actuation. While both switches feature relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, the Coral's additional 0.1 mm may appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced depth when typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preferences for responsiveness versus substantial feedback in key presses.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jerrzi Coral has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Coral for $2.30.
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
When it comes to sound, the Jerrzi Coral switch is characterized by its low-pitched resonance, resulting in a richer and more bass-heavy auditory experience. This quality makes it appealing to users who prefer a mellow tone that enhances the overall ambiance during typing. In comparison, the Huano Elf switch is designed with a POK top housing that emphasizes acoustics, delivering a deep sound signature. While both switches provide a satisfying auditory experience, the Coral has a distinctly lower pitch that contrasts with the Elf's deeper tone.
In terms of feel, the Coral switch stands out with its silky typing experience, which ensures an exceptionally smooth action with minimal resistance during keypresses. This quality makes it a joy to type on, as it creates a seamless transition between keystrokes. The Elf switch, on the other hand, is noted for its medium-light feel, which suggests a balanced resistance that caters to a wider range of typing preferences. Although the Elf's feel isn't as explicitly described as silky, its medium-light feel still offers a satisfying tactile feedback that can cater to users seeking a different touch sensation.
In conclusion, both the Jerrzi Coral and Huano Elf linear switches provide an enjoyable typing experience but cater to slightly different preferences in sound and feel. The Coral's low-pitched and silky qualities create a soothing and smooth typing environment, while the Elf’s deep sound and medium-light feel deliver a balanced experience. Choosing between the two will largely depend on personal preference; however, both switches promise to enhance your typing experience in their unique ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Jerrzi Coral and the Huano Elf linear switches, your decision should hinge on your typing preferences and sound aesthetics. If you gravitate towards a typing experience that is smooth and luxurious, the Coral switch is designed to provide a notably silky feel, making each keystroke a delightfully satisfying experience. Additionally, its low-pitched sound resonates with those who appreciate a more subdued yet rich acoustic profile, ideal for quiet environments or focused work sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that combines a medium-light resistance with enhanced acoustics, the Huano Elf might be your go-to choice. Its deep sound signature, paired with a satisfying typing feel, will satisfy those who enjoy auditory feedback without overwhelming tonal qualities. Ultimately, consider what aspects—whether it be feel or sound—are most important in your typing experience to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard journey.