Huano Elf vs. Bsun Hutt
An in-depth look at the Huano Elf and the Bsun Hutt switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Huano Elf and the Bsun Hutt can significantly influence your typing experience. The Huano Elf is a linear switch renowned for its POK top housing, which enhances acoustics and provides a deep sound signature with a medium-light actuation force, making it an excellent choice for those who favor a smooth and uninterrupted feel while typing. In contrast, the Bsun Hutt is a tactile switch characterized by a medium-heavy spring and a prominent tactile bump that offers a snappy and invigorating typing sensation, appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced feedback with each keystroke. While the Elf excels in delivering a satisfying and fluid keypress, the Hutt stands out with its sharp and resonant feel that many users find enjoyable. 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
42g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
49g
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
POK
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
20.5mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used for the switches of the Huano Elf and the Bsun Hutt showcase notable differences, particularly in their top housings. The Elf employs polyketone (POK) for its top housing, characterized by a low coefficient of friction and remarkable durability. With a wear resistance 14 times stronger than POM and shock resistance significantly higher than both Nylon and POM, the POK material supports a smooth yet satisfying clackiness when typing. In contrast, the Bsun Hutt utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which not only contributes to a clearer and crisper sound profile but also pairs well with RGB lighting due to its translucency. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate leads to a sharper auditory feedback that is distinct from the warm, rounded tones fostered by the Elf's POK material.
Both switches, however, share a common material for their bottom housing: nylon. This classic switch housing material enhances the acoustic properties of both systems by producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic characteristics. Since the nylon bottom housing tends to absorb sound, it tempers the overall auditory feedback, resulting in a more rounded and subdued typing experience in both the Huano Elf and the Bsun Hutt. Thus, while both switches utilize the same material for their bottom housing, it plays a crucial role in heavily influencing the overall sound profile, making these switches feel similar in their muted sound output.
The combination of top and bottom housing materials ultimately shapes the performance characteristics of each switch. While the Huano Elf benefits from the unique sound and smoothness provided by its polyketone top housing, the Bsun Hutt leverages the clarity and sharpness afforded by polycarbonate. At the same time, both benefit from the sound absorption abilities of nylon at their bases, which adds to their acoustic depth. Therefore, whether switched between different materials or unified through nylon, each design philosophy contributes uniquely, creating a diverse experience in tactile feel and auditory feedback while still sharing a foundational similarity through the use of nylon for the bottom housing.
Weight
The Huano Elf linear switch and the Bsun Hutt tactile switch present a notable comparison in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Elf requires an actuation force of 42 grams, while the Hutt is slightly lighter at 40 grams, making the Hutt the better choice for those who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. However, the Elf's bottom out force is unavailable, which limits our ability to fully compare its performance when fully pressed down. In contrast, the Hutt has a bottom out force of 49 grams, which indicates a more substantial feel when the switch is fully engaged. This heavier resistance at the bottom may appeal to users seeking a tactile feedback experience. Overall, for those who value a lighter actuation force, the Hutt is the preferred option, while anyone prioritizing a more robust keystroke might lean towards the tactile feedback of the Hutt's bottom out strength.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Elf linear switch and the Bsun Hutt tactile switch, the Elf features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Hutt offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This indicates that the Elf switch provides a deeper feel when pressed, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Hutt's travel distance, being 0.1 mm shorter, may cater to gamers and users seeking quicker response times without the need for a more pronounced depth. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may come down to personal preference: the Elf is better suited for those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke, whereas the Hutt might be favored by users who appreciate the quicker actuation associated with shorter travel distances.
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 Bsun Hutt has an MSRP of $6.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hutt for $5.39.
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 Huano Elf linear switch delivers a deep sound signature that adds a pleasing depth to the auditory experience. Its POK top housing enhances acoustics, creating a rich sound that many users find appealing. In contrast, the Bsun Hutt tactile switch presents a resonant sound profile characterized by a higher-pitched tone that is described as clean and sharp. This results in an immersive auditory experience that can further enrich the enjoyment of typing. While the Elf's sound profile is more subdued and bass-oriented, the Hutt's higher frequencies may appeal to those who prefer a crisper, more defined auditory feedback. Ultimately, these switches will sound different not only due to their inherent designs but also influenced by the keyboard and keycap choices.
In terms of feel, the Elf offers a medium-light actuation that is generally smooth, providing a comfortable typing experience. However, the Hutt switch stands out for its more complex tactile feedback profile. With a medium-heavy spring and a distinct tactile bump, the Hutt presents a snappy and invigorating feel that enhances the typing experience. This snappiness is notably responsive, thanks in part to its spring design, allowing for a more interactive connection with each keystroke. Additionally, the Hutt's pronounced feedback creates a sharp and distinct sensation, striking a balance that many typists find gratifying. On the other hand, the Elf maintains a more linear and gentle response without the tactile emphasis, catering to users who prefer a smoother keystroke.
In summary, both the Huano Elf linear switch and the Bsun Hutt tactile switch cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Elf is ideal for users who appreciate a deep, less intrusive sound and a smooth typing experience, while the Hutt is perfect for those seeking an invigorating and responsive experience with a prominent tactile response and a cleaner sound profile. Depending on personal preference, both switches can enhance the typing experience in unique ways; thus, trying them out could yield a satisfying fit for either typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Elf linear switch and the Bsun Hutt tactile switch, it’s essential to reflect on your personal preferences and intended use. If you're someone who enjoys a smooth, uninterrupted keypress without any tactile feedback, the Elf switch might be your go-to choice, especially for tasks requiring a quieter environment or for those who love a deep sound signature and a medium-light feel that enhances your typing experience. Conversely, if you find satisfaction in feeling the physical feedback from your keystrokes, the Hutt switch will likely cater to your needs perfectly. Its medium-heavy spring and prominent tactile bump offer a snappy, invigorating experience that's ideal for typists who thrive on a responsive and engaging touch. Additionally, its resonant sound profile provides a sharp auditory feedback that might elevate your overall typing sessions. Ultimately, your choice hinges on whether you prioritize a linear, smooth experience or a tactile, feedback-heavy interaction while typing.
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