Huano Elf vs. Jerrzi Orange
An in-depth look at the Huano Elf and the Jerrzi Orange 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 Jerrzi Orange can significantly influence your typing experience. The Huano Elf switches are celebrated for their POK top housing, which enhances acoustics and provides a rich sound signature along with a medium-light feel, creating a satisfying typing experience ideal for users who prefer a balanced touch and sound. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Orange switches offer a lightweight and vibrant alternative, where each keystroke produces a crisp and clacky feedback that appeals to enthusiasts seeking a more lively interaction with their keyboard. While the Elf excels in delivering a deeper sound profile suited for those who favor a more nuanced acoustic experience, the Jerrzi Orange shines in providing a responsive and exciting feel, perfect for users who thrive on auditory feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Huano Elf and the Jerrzi Orange switches differ significantly in their top components, which directly influences the auditory experience and tactile feedback associated with these switches. The Huano Elf utilizes POK, or polyketone, for its top housing, which is celebrated for its low coefficient of friction and remarkable durability. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, this material facilitates a smooth keystroke experience while offering wear resistance 14 times greater than POM, as well as superior shock resistance. Meanwhile, the Jerrzi Orange employs polycarbonate for its top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, characterized by its stiffer plastic composition. Thus, while POK contributes to a smoother and more clacky sensation, polycarbonate enhances clarity and resonation, creating contrasting yet noteworthy auditory profiles.
When it comes to the bottom housings, both the Huano Elf and the Jerrzi Orange feature nylon, which is lauded for its ability to provide a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's inherent softness effectively absorbs sound, allowing for a duller and rounder auditory experience. This uniformity in bottom housing material means that both switches will elicit similar responses in terms of sound absorption and key feel, providing a consistent foundation regardless of the differences in their respective top housings. Therefore, while the top housing gives each switch its unique character, the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing works to harmonize the overall sound profile when typing.
In summary, while the Huano Elf and Jerrzi Orange switches utilize different materials for their top housings—POK and polycarbonate, respectively—their shared use of nylon in the bottom housing creates a cohesive auditory experience that highlights the strengths of each design. The POK and polycarbonate materials markedly impact the sound and feel during key press and release, with the Elf providing a smoother sensation and the Orange generating a crisper sound profile. Ultimately, the combination of these materials allows for a complex interaction where each contributes to the overall typing experience, emphasizing both contrast and synergy across their unique characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch and the Jerrzi Orange linear switch, the actuation forces differ slightly, with the Elf requiring 42 grams to trigger a keystroke, while the Orange requires a lighter 37 grams. This makes the Orange a more suitable choice for those who prefer a lighter touch, ideal for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons. Both switches, however, have unknown bottom out forces, making it challenging to directly compare how they feel when pressed fully down. Regardless, the more substantial actuation force of the Elf may cater to users seeking a heavier, more tactile typing experience. Therefore, while the Orange is the lighter option, those who favor a stronger push will likely gravitate toward the heavier Elf switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Elf linear switch and the Jerrzi Orange linear switch, we find that the Elf has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Orange measures at 3.7 mm. This makes the Huano Elf the more responsive option, ideal for gamers seeking quicker actuation times. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Orange, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced feedback and a hearty depth when pressing down on keys. Overall, the differences in travel distances suggest that users will have different tactile experiences based on their preferences, with the Elf providing a faster actuation and the Orange offering a more traditional feel.
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 Jerrzi Orange has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $2.30.
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 produces a deep sound signature that complements its design, thanks to the POK top housing which enhances its acoustics. This gives it a satisfying yet medium-light auditory experience during typing. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Orange switch offers a markedly different auditory profile characterized by a crisp and clacky feedback. The Orange is known for its sharp and snappy sound, creating a lively atmosphere with each keystroke. While both switches have their unique sound qualities, the Elf leans towards a more subdued yet rich tone, whereas the Orange prioritizes a bright and percussive sound, making the overall auditory experience distinct between the two.
When it comes to feel, the Huano Elf switch presents a medium-light actuation that encourages a comfortable typing experience, although specific details about its tactile feedback aren't explicitly mentioned. In contrast, the Jerrzi Orange switch is designed to be exceptionally light and easy to press. Its feathery nature minimizes exertion on the fingers, making it ideal for prolonged use without causing fatigue. The Orange switch not only offers a light actuation force but also enhances the typing experience by providing gentle resistance, allowing users to type efficiently and comfortably. While the Elf may offer a satisfying feel, the Orange’s lightweight characteristics make it stand out for those seeking a minimal-strain typing experience.
In summary, both the Huano Elf and Jerrzi Orange switches cater to different preferences in the realm of mechanical keyboard switches. The Elf is ideal for users who appreciate a deeper, more acoustic sound and a comfortable typing touch, while the Orange appeals to those who prefer a lively, clacky auditory feedback combined with an effortlessly light touch. While each switch has its own strengths, enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded experience will find that both can deliver satisfying results based on individual preferences, particularly in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Elf linear switch and the Jerrzi Orange linear switch, you should consider your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you plan to use your keyboard. If you appreciate a more satisfying typing experience with enhanced acoustics, the Elf is your best bet; its medium-light feel provides a balance that's great for prolonged use without causing fatigue. The Elf's deep sound signature can create a pleasant auditory experience, making it ideal for quieter settings or for users who prefer a subtle yet engaging typing feel. On the other hand, if you value a lively and responsive experience, the Jerrzi Orange might be more to your liking. With its clacky nature and lightweight, feathery feel, this switch is fantastic for those who thrive on auditory feedback and want to enhance their typing or gaming experience with an easy-to-press action. In lively environments or for prolonged gaming sessions, the Jerrzi Orange can keep your hands energized and make each keystroke feel invigorating. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you prioritize a satisfying sound and feel with the Elf or a vibrant and lively typing experience with the Orange.
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