Huano Elf vs. Gateron Magnetic Jade

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Elf and Gateron Magnetic Jade offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Huano Elf, renowned for its POK top housing, delivers a deep sound signature paired with a medium-light feel, making it a well-rounded choice for typists who appreciate a satisfying and acoustically pleasing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Magnetic Jade, a hall effect switch, is celebrated for its bright and clacky sound, making it an excellent upgrade for those using a Wooting Hall Effect keyboard; it appeals to users seeking an elevated typing experience coupled with improved acoustics. Both switches provide distinct sensations and sounds, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences for feel and auditory feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style and needs.

By the numbers

Huano Elf Linear

Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$8.00 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Elf and the Gateron Magnetic Jade, it is important to note the distinct characteristics of their top housings. The Huano Elf employs a POK material, known for its durability and low coefficient of friction, which contributes to a smooth typing experience and an impressively resilient structure. This contrasts with the Gateron Magnetic Jade's polycarbonate top housing, which delivers a sharper and more resonant sound profile due to its stiffer nature. Though both materials excel in their own right, the POK material is particularly noted for its wear resistance and shock absorption, making it suited for longevity and smooth operation. In contrast, the polycarbonate material enhances visual appeal when paired with RGB lighting, thus prioritizing aesthetics and auditory clarity over the tactile experience offered by the Elf's top housing.

Both the Huano Elf and the Gateron Magnetic Jade share a commonality in their bottom housing—a nylon composition that significantly influences the typing sound and feel. Nylon's inherently softer properties provide a deeper, fuller sound profile regardless of the switch brand, resulting in a sound that absorbs more vibrations and produces a rounder acoustic experience. This similarity means that typists can expect a consistent auditory response when interacting with both switches, as the bottom housing will dictate the bottom-out sound during keystrokes, leading to comparable typing experiences in that regard. In essence, while the top housings may deliver differing tactile and auditory qualities, the nylon bottoms will harmonize their overall output.

Ultimately, the contrasts between the Huano Elf and Gateron Magnetic Jade's top housings highlight their unique attributes, while the similarities in their bottom housings create a cohesive typing experience that appeals to users seeking a specific sound profile. On a practical level, users can expect the Elf's POK top housing to produce smoother and more robust switch performance, while the Magnetic Jade's polycarbonate top housing will cater to those who prioritize a crisper auditory experience. Despite these differences, both switches, thanks to their nylon bottom housings, can deliver a satisfying and resonant sound that typists often find appealing. The combination of materials ultimately allows for a diverse range of experiences within a single typing ecosystem.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Huano Elf linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, there are distinct differences. The Huano Elf has an actuation force of 42 grams; however, its bottom out force is unspecified. In contrast, the Gateron Magnetic Jade has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is considered medium-light. This indicates that while the Elf requires a stronger push to actuate, the Magnetic Jade offers a softer feel for the initial keystroke, making it more comfortable for extended use. With the Magnetic Jade's bottom out force being quantifiable, it provides a weighted feedback upon full depression, adding to the tactile experience, whereas the lack of a specified bottom out force for the Elf means one cannot ascertain how it feels when pressed all the way down. Consequently, the Huano Elf is the heavier switch overall, suitable for those who prefer a more robust typing feel, while the Gateron Magnetic Jade caters towards users seeking lighter key presses, suitable for prolonged typing or gaming sessions.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Elf linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, the Elf boasts a travel distance of 3.6 mm, slightly longer than the Magnetic Jade's 3.5 mm. While the difference is minimal, it may influence user preference depending on their style of play. Gamers often favor the shorter travel distance, as it can offer quicker response times, making the Magnetic Jade potentially more appealing for those seeking a more immediate feel. Conversely, the Huano Elf's longer travel distance may provide a more substantial typing experience, which some users might prefer for its deeper feedback. Overall, the choice between these two switches ultimately depends on individual preferences for responsiveness versus tactile depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Huano Elf switch produces a deep sound signature that is enhanced by its POK top housing, which contributes to a more resonant acoustic profile. This results in a satisfying, muted tone that some may find appealing for both gaming and typing, as it strikes a balance between presence and subtlety. On the other hand, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switch offers a brighter and clackier sound, which can create a more pronounced auditory feedback during use. This crisp, lively sound is particularly well-suited for those who enjoy an audible typing experience and are looking to energize their overall setup. It's worth noting that the sound quality from both switches can vary based on the keyboard construction and keycap choices used.

When it comes to feel, the Huano Elf switch provides a medium-light actuation force that lends itself to a satisfying typing experience without feeling overly sensitive. This makes it an excellent option for users who prefer a comfortable resistance that enables extended typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switch embodies a unique tactile feel due to its hall effect mechanism, which may offer different feedback compared to traditional mechanical switches. This design could provide a more consistent key press with less wobble, appealing to individuals who prioritize precision and control in their typing experience.

Overall, while both the Huano Elf and Gateron Magnetic Jade switches offer unique sound and feel characteristics that may cater to different preferences, their performances can ultimately be influenced by external factors, like the keyboard configuration and keycaps used. The Elf’s deep sound and medium-light feel contrast with the Magnetic Jade’s bright acoustics and distinct tactile response, making them both strong contenders for enhancing your mechanical typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between them should reflect your personal preferences for auditory feedback and key press sensation.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Huano Elf linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you are looking for a quieter and more muted experience with enhanced acoustics, the Elf switch is a fantastic option, especially if you favor a more subdued sound signature and the freedom to customize without the " bottom out" feeling, making it ideal for typing or gaming in quieter settings. Moreover, if you enjoy the sound of deeper tones, the Elf's construction helps to emphasize that quality. On the other hand, if you crave a brighter, more clacky sound that adds character to your keystrokes, the Magnetic Jade switch would be the better choice. It strikes a balance with its medium-light force and might suit those who appreciate feedback in their typing experience. Additionally, if you’re using a Wooting Hall Effect keyboard, the Magnetic Jade will optimize your experience even further. In the end, your choice will reflect your priorities—whether they lie in achieving a softer sound and feel with the Elf or embracing a lively auditory response and precise tactile feedback with the Magnetic Jade.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Elf Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect

$8.00 per 10

Learn more