Huano Elf vs. HMX EMO
An in-depth look at the Huano Elf and the HMX EMO switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Elf and HMX EMO models both present compelling options for enthusiasts, but they cater to different preferences in feel and sound. The Huano Elf switch is celebrated for its POK top housing, which enhances acoustics and produces a deep sound signature accompanied by a medium-light actuation force, providing a satisfying typing experience that balances comfort and feedback. In contrast, the HMX EMO switch is noted for its lively, clacky feel and feather-light 46g bottom-out force, which delivers an effortlessly bouncy, smooth typing experience that's exceptionally enjoyable due to its factory-lubed design. While the Elf might appeal to those who appreciate a richer sound and a tactile yet gentle response, the EMO stands out for users seeking a lighter touch and heightened liveliness in their keystrokes. 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
42g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
46g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Elf and the HMX EMO switches, notable differences are found in their top housings while their bottom housings utilize the same material. The Huano Elf employs a polyketone (POK) top housing, which is celebrated for its exceptional durability and a smooth coefficient of friction of 0.04. This contributes to a clacky and responsive keypress, making it ideal for those who enjoy a tactile typing experience. Meanwhile, the HMX EMO features a polycarbonate top housing, which gives it a sharper and more resonant sound profile due to the material's stiffness and clarity. This difference in top housing materials affects the auditory experience in significant ways—while the POK provides a more robust and clacky sound, the polycarbonate amplifies the crispness of each keystroke, particularly when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucency.
In contrast, both switches share the same nylon bottom housing, which is a classic choice in the keyboard industry. Nylon's softer composition leads to a deeper, fuller sound profile, creating a duller and rounder auditory experience when typing. This consistency in bottom housing means that regardless of the differences in top materials, both the Huano Elf and HMX EMO offer a familiar acoustic foundation for users who appreciate a softer sound signature. Consequently, this shared bottom housing allows for comparable experiences in terms of sound absorption and feedback, though the top housing's unique material properties will result in different resonance qualities.
Ultimately, the distinction between the Huano Elf and HMX EMO can easily be attributed to their top housing materials, while they harmonize in their bottom housings. The combination of a durable POK top in the Elf versus the sharper polycarbonate top in the EMO creates distinct sound profiles, focusing the auditory perception differently based on keypress dynamics. The nylon bottom offers a consistent sound absorption experience, meaning the overall feel and sound when bottoming out the switches remain similar, allowing users to enjoy the benefits of both designs despite their contrasting top materials.
Weight
The Huano Elf linear switch and the HMX EMO linear switch exhibit differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, impacting their overall typing experiences. The Elf features an actuation force of 42 grams, while the EMO has a slightly lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making the EMO the preferable option for those who favor a lighter touch during extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. However, the bottom out forces differ significantly, as the EMO's bottom out force is measured at 46 grams, while the Elf's bottom out force is unknown. This absence of data for the Elf means we cannot make a direct comparison regarding how firmly it feels when bottomed out. In summary, for individuals seeking a lighter touch, the EMO provides a more consistent experience, while the Elf’s unknown bottom out force leaves some uncertainty about its performance when pressed down completely.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Elf linear switch and the HMX EMO linear switch, the Elf measures 3.6 mm, while the EMO measures slightly shorter at 3.5 mm. This means that the Elf provides a bit more depth in its travel, catering to those who may prefer a more substantial keystroke, while the EMO's shorter travel distance aligns well with the preferences of gamers seeking quicker response times. Ultimately, if you value responsiveness, the EMO may be the better choice due to its slightly reduced distance, while the Elf offers a more pronounced feel for those who enjoy deeper key presses.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The HMX EMO has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the EMO 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
In terms of sound, the Huano Elf switch is known for its deep sound signature, which can be attributed to its POK top housing designed to enhance acoustics. This results in a rich auditory experience that complements the overall typing feedback. On the other hand, the HMX EMO switch produces a lively and clacky sound profile, which contributes to its engaging typing experience. While both switches offer distinct sound characteristics, the overall acoustic performance can vary based on the choice of keyboard and keycap materials.
When discussing feel, the Huano Elf switch offers a medium-light touch, providing a satisfying typing experience that balances resistance and ease of actuation. This makes it comfortable for extended typing sessions. In contrast, the HMX EMO switch features an exceptionally feather-light bottom-out force of only 46g, delivering a bouncy and effortless feel. This switch's factory lubrication enhances smoothness, making each keystroke feel effortless and fun. Both switches cater to different preferences, where the Elf offers a more controlled experience and the EMO provides a light and reactive typing sensation.
In conclusion, when comparing the Huano Elf and HMX EMO linear switches, both have their unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. The Elf excels in producing a rich sound and balanced feel, making it ideal for those who appreciate a deeper auditory experience. Conversely, the EMO stands out with its lively acoustics and feather-light feel, perfect for users seeking a more playful typing manner. Ultimately, your choice depends on your sound and feel preferences, but both switches promise a satisfying typing experience within their respective characteristics.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Elf linear switch and the HMX EMO linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize sound and enjoy a deeper acoustic experience, the Elf switch, with its POK top housing, is designed to deliver enhanced acoustics and a rich sound signature. This switch also provides a medium-light feel that many users find satisfying, especially during long typing sessions. On the other hand, if you lean towards a more lively and clacky feel in your typing experience, then the HMX EMO switch would be a better fit for you. With its remarkably light 46g bottom-out force and effortless, bouncy action, the EMO switch ensures a smooth and enjoyable typing experience, making it an excellent choice for fast typists or gamers who want quick responsiveness without straining their fingers. Ultimately, consider what aspects matter most to you—whether it's the sound profile, the tactile feel, or the overall typing dynamics—so you can select the switch that will provide the most satisfying experience for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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