Huano Elf vs. HMX Jelly

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, choosing the right one can significantly impact your typing experience, and two popular linear options worth comparing are the Huano Elf and the HMX Jelly. The Huano Elf is celebrated for its POK top housing, which enhances acoustics, providing a deep sound signature alongside a medium-light actuation feel that ensures a satisfying typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Jelly is recognized for its low-pitched, thocky sound signature, stemming from its super smooth operation facilitated by excellent factory lubrication and lightweight design, boasting an actuation force of just 42g. Both switches offer unique tactile and auditory experiences, catering to different preferences in feel and sound. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

Huano Elf Linear

HMX Jelly Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Elf and the HMX Jelly, notable differences emerge in the choice of top materials, despite some underlying similarities in their bottom housings. The Huano Elf employs POK material for its top housing, which offers an exceptionally low coefficient of friction and robust durability. This enhances the smoothness of keystrokes while providing durability and shock resistance, contributing to a clacky switch sound profile. In contrast, the HMX Jelly utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings. While nylon is a classic material known for its sound absorption, the Jelly's top housing lacks the durability and smoothness characteristics afforded by POK, resulting in a sound profile that is more muted and rounded.

Both switch designs, however, share the same bottom housing material—nylon—which is integral to producing their distinctive sound profiles. The similarity in the bottom nylon housing across both switches leads to a deeper and fuller sound when typing, as nylon excels at absorbing sound vibrations. This means that regardless of the differences in top housing materials, the bottom housing's contribution creates a consistent auditory experience in both switches. The denseness and softness of nylon dampens higher frequencies, yielding a warmer sound whether you're typing on the Huano Elf or the HMX Jelly.

Ultimately, while the Huano Elf and HMX Jelly exhibit variances in their top housing materials, the impact of these materials on the overall switch performance can lead to distinctly different feels. The Elf's use of POK for the top means that the tactile experience is smoother and more impactful, enhancing the clacky sound created by the unique material properties. In contrast, the all-nylon housing of the Jelly offers a more subdued and softer typing experience. Despite these differences, the shared nylon bottom allows for similar sound characteristics in both switches, ensuring that the audible feedback aligns in terms of warmth and depth, regardless of their individual top housings.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch, both exhibit the same actuation force of 42 grams, indicating that users will experience a similar level of pressure needed to initiate a keystroke with either switch. However, the Jelly switch has a distinct bottom out force of 48 grams, while the Elf's bottom out force is unavailable, making it difficult to fully evaluate how they feel when pressed down completely. The HMX Jelly is heavier overall due to its bottom out force, which could appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Huano Elf's unspecified bottom out force may suggest a lighter overall feel; therefore, users seeking a switch that allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue might lean towards the Elf. Ultimately, those who appreciate a stronger push experience should gravitate towards the HMX Jelly switch, while others who prefer a lighter touch may find the Huano Elf more suitable.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Elf linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch, there is a clear distinction between the two. The Huano Elf has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Jelly features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Jelly switch provides a bit more depth during key presses compared to the Elf. For those who prefer a more responsive feel, the shorter travel distance of the Elf may be more appealing, offering quicker actuation that is often favored by gamers. Conversely, if a substantial key travel is desired for a more tactile experience, the Jelly switch with its longer travel distance may be the better choice. Thus, if you're looking for swift response times, the Huano Elf would suit you well, while the HMX Jelly might be preferred for its fuller, deeper feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Huano Elf switch produces a deeper sound signature, characterized by its satisfying acoustics thanks to the POK top housing. This feature enhances the overall auditory experience, creating a pleasant yet medium-light sound profile that appeals to many typists. On the other hand, the HMX Jelly switch is recognized for its low-pitched, thocky sound signature, which delivers a deeper thocky quality that can be profoundly satisfying. While both switches aim for a pleasing auditory experience, the Elf leans towards a medium-light sound, whereas the Jelly provides a heavier, more resonant thock.

Regarding feel, the Elf switch is noted for its medium-light actuation force, which provides a comfortable typing experience that strikes a balance between resistance and ease of use. This makes it suitable for extended typing sessions without causing fatigue. In contrast, the Jelly switch features a lighter design with a 42g actuation force, resulting in an exceptionally smooth feel, further enhanced by its excellent factory lubrication. This lightness can be particularly appealing to those who favor a more effortless key press in their typing rhythm.

Overall, both the Huano Elf and HMX Jelly linear switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences, with the Elf leaning towards a deeper but medium-light sound and a comfortable typing feel, while the Jelly excels with its low-pitched thock sound and super smooth, lightweight feel. Given their unique characteristics, users can expect to enjoy similarly satisfying results, though the choice between the two will ultimately depend on individual preferences for sound and feel.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Elf linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch, your personal preferences and typing habits will greatly influence your choice. If you prioritize sound and aesthetics in your typing experience, the Elf may be the switch for you. Its unique POK top housing not only enhances acoustics but delivers a satisfying medium-light feel that is comfortable for extended use. This makes it suitable for users who enjoy a deep sound signature and appreciate the tactile feedback without feeling too heavy. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that offers a smooth, low-pitched thocky sound with a touch of responsiveness, the Jelly might be your best option. With a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, it is an excellent choice for fast typists and gamers who require quick, precise keystrokes, especially when paired with its outstanding factory lube. Ultimately, both switches cater to different user experiences, so consider how you type, what sound profile you enjoy, and whether you value weight in keystrokes to make the right decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Elf Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

HMX Jelly Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more