Huano Elf vs. Gateron Jupiter Brown

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Elf and Gateron Jupiter Brown present distinct options that cater to varying preferences. The Huano Elf is recognized for its POK top housing, which not only enhances acoustics but also delivers a rich, deep sound signature alongside a medium-light feel that provides a satisfying typing experience—ideal for those who prefer a smooth linear action without tactile bumps. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Brown switches offer a tactile feel that combines traditional keystroke characteristics with modern innovations, featuring a medium-heavy weight and a single-stage spring that enhances the responsiveness of each keystroke. These switches also stand out for their aesthetic appeal, thanks to high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, making them a great choice for users who appreciate both performance and visual flair. While the Huano Elf might be perfect for a smooth and quiet typing experience, the Jupiter Brown caters to those seeking tactile feedback and a more classic typing sensation. 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

Huano Elf Linear

Gateron Jupiter Brown Tactile

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$2.80 per 10

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Housing materials

When examining the housing materials of the Huano Elf and the Gateron Jupiter Brown, significant differences and similarities emerge that influence their overall performance and tactile experiences. The Elf utilizes a POK top housing, known for its smoothness due to a lower coefficient of friction (0.04) compared to Gateron’s polycarbonate top housing, which provides a crisper sound profile thanks to its stiffer composition. While the Elf’s POK material promotes a clacky sound due to its unique properties, the Jupiter Brown’s polycarbonate top tends to produce a sharper, more resonant sound, largely benefiting RGB lighting configurations due to its translucency. Thus, while both switches are designed to deliver distinct auditory experiences, they achieve this through fundamentally different top housing materials that contribute uniquely to their sound profiles.

Both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing, which is made of nylon. This choice of material is rooted in tradition, as nylon is known for absorbing sound and creating a deeper, fuller auditory experience when typing. Both the Huano Elf and Gateron Jupiter Brown's use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that they deliver a rounded sound every time a key is bottomed out. This uniformity in bottom housing contributes to the tactile feel of both switches, providing users with a comforting acoustic experience that is consistent across the board, despite the differing characteristics of the materials used in their top housings.

In summary, the contrasts between the Huano Elf's POK top housing and the Gateron Jupiter Brown's polycarbonate top lead to varied sound profiles, while the common use of nylon in their bottom housings ensures a consistent, fuller sound experience when typing. The impact of these materials on user experience is evident, as the top housing shapes the sound of the release, and the bottom housing dictates the sound and feel when the key is pressed down. Therefore, even though the two cords yield different sounds at the peak of a keystroke, their overall tactile experiences can still be comparable due to the shared characteristics imparted by the nylon bottom housing.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, notable differences in actuation force emerge. The Elf requires a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, while the Jupiter Brown has a considerably heftier actuation force of 55 grams. This distinction makes the Elf more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, whereas the Jupiter Brown appeals to those who desire a stronger tactile feedback during use. Additionally, while the bottom out force for the Elf remains unknown, the Jupiter Brown's bottom out force is 70 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This means that those favoring a substantial push feel will find the Jupiter Brown more satisfying, despite its heavier overall feel compared to the Elf. Ultimately, if you prioritize a lighter, more effortless typing experience, the Huano Elf stands out, whereas the Gateron Jupiter Brown offers a firmer resistance for those who prefer a tactile engagement.

Travel distance

The Huano Elf linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Elf switch allows for shorter travel distance compared to the Jupiter Brown. Given that the traditional travel distance is generally 4.0 mm, the Jupiter Brown aligns more closely with this standard, offering a more classic typing feel. In contrast, the Elf's shorter distance of 3.6 mm may appeal to gamers or users seeking faster response times, as it allows for quicker actuation. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences; those who appreciate a more responsive experience may lean towards the Huano Elf, while those who prefer a fuller keystroke and depth might opt for the Gateron Jupiter Brown.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Huano Elf linear switch is known for delivering a deep sound signature, contributing to a rich acoustic experience while typing. This character is enhanced by its POK top housing, designed specifically to improve acoustics and likely produce a satisfying thock that many enthusiasts appreciate. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch has a more muted auditory profile that aligns with its traditional tactile nature. While it may offer some pleasant feedback, the sound of this switch tends to remain on the softer side, creating less noise than more aggressive switches. Ultimately, both of these switches provide unique sound signatures, which can be further influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps.

When considering feel, the Huano Elf presents a medium-light actuation, allowing for a pleasant and satisfying typing experience that's easy on the fingers. Its linear nature means no tactile bump, allowing for smooth key travel from start to finish, which many find appealing for both typing and gaming. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Brown offers a mild and polished typing experience, characterized by its gentle tactile feedback. The tactile bump is noticeable but not jarring, providing a comfortable compromise for those who prefer some tactile sensation without excessive resistance. Moreover, the stepped nature of the Jupiter Brown ensures that users feel the transition through the keypress, creating a distinct but approachable typing experience.

In conclusion, while the Huano Elf linear switch emphasizes a smooth, deep sound and medium-light feel, the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch provides a mild tactile experience with a softer sound profile. The Elf may appeal to users seeking a refined linear experience, whereas the Jupiter Brown is ideal for those who enjoy a bit of tactile feedback without overwhelming resistance. Selecting between these two options will largely depend on personal preferences in sound and feel, but both switches promise reliable performance and satisfaction for any newcomer to the mechanical keyboard world.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Huano Elf linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a quiet, smooth keypress without any tactile feedback, the Elf switch would be the ideal choice for you. Its design ensures a medium-light feel that many find satisfying for both typing and gaming, while the POK top housing enhances acoustics for a deeper sound profile that can be pleasant in a quiet environment. On the other hand, if you enjoy the classic feel of a tactile switch but want to avoid any overly pronounced bumps, the Jupiter Brown is well-suited for your needs. With a medium-heavy bottom out force and a polished, mildly stepped feel, it provides a gentle yet engaging typing experience that appeals to many typists who appreciate traditional mechanical keyboard aesthetics. Thus, consider your typing habits and sound preferences carefully: go with the Elf for a smoother, quieter experience, or choose the Jupiter Brown if you prefer a tactile sensation with a more robust character.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Elf Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Jupiter Brown Tactile

$2.80 per 10

Learn more