Huano Elf vs. Cherry MX Black
An in-depth look at the Huano Elf and the Cherry MX Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Elf and Cherry MX Black both represent superior choices for users seeking a premium typing experience, yet they cater to different preferences and styles. The Huano Elf switches are renowned for their unique POK top housing, which enhances acoustics and delivers a deep sound signature, paired with a medium-light actuation force that fosters a satisfying and responsive feel during typing sessions. In contrast, the Cherry MX Black switches boast a legacy of quality, enhanced by Cherry's new Hyperglide tooling that provides a smooth, textured experience with unyielding stability, although they are categorized as stiffer in terms of actuation. While the Elf switches may appeal to those who prioritize sound and a lighter touch, the MX Black is likely to attract users who appreciate a heavier feel and a consistent performance. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
80g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Huano Elf and the Cherry MX Black switches feature distinct materials for their top housings, which significantly influences the overall feel and sound profile of each switch. The Elf’s top housing is crafted from polyketone (POK), a material known for its smooth glide and exceptional durability. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, POK offers a slightly smoother performance compared to the Cherry MX Black's nylon top housing, which has a coefficient of friction of 0.03. POK’s remarkable wear resistance—14 times stronger than POM—and superior shock resistance make it an excellent choice for users seeking longevity and tactile precision in their switches. Conversely, while nylon is a traditional material, it delivers a more muted sound profile, contributing to a different typing experience that is deeper and fuller. This contrast highlights how the choice of top housing material affects both the tactile response and the acoustic characteristics of each switch type.
Contrasting with the top housing materials, both the Huano Elf and Cherry MX Black switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, delivering a consistent auditory experience. Nylon’s softness absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when keys are actuated, providing a pleasant typing experience. As both switches share this material for their bottom housings, users can expect a similar acoustic profile when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel. This similarity helps bridge the differences created by the top housing materials, ensuring that while the top housing affects the initial sound and tactile feedback, the bottom housing provides a uniformity that enhances the overall typing experience across both switches.
In summary, the combination of different materials in the top housings contributes to unique sound profiles and tactile experiences in the Huano Elf and Cherry MX Black switches. The Elf’s POK top provides a smoother feel and sharper sound during key release, while the Cherry MX Black’s nylon top creates a softer touch and sound signature. However, the presence of nylon in both bottom housings results in a consistent depth and fullness in sound. Ultimately, the interaction between the distinct top housing materials and the shared nylon bottoms creates a rich variety of feedback and sound, allowing users to choose based on their preference for either a more crisp or warmer typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation forces of the Huano Elf linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, the Elf features a notably lighter actuation force of 42 grams, while the MX Black has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams. This difference suggests that the Huano Elf is more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch, making it ideal for long typing sessions or extended gaming, as it requires less effort to actuate. In terms of bottom out force, information regarding the Elf's bottom out force is unavailable, whereas the MX Black presents a bottom out force of 80 grams, indicating a firmly substantial feel when the key is fully pressed down. Consequently, if you prefer a lighter switch for comfort and ease during long use, the Huano Elf would be the better choice. Conversely, if you favor a more robust typing experience, opting for the Cherry MX Black's heavier feel might be more satisfying. The stark contrast in their actuation forces highlights the differing design philosophies of these switches, catering to varied user preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Elf linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, it is clear that these two switches differ significantly. The Huano Elf has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cherry MX Black features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Elf provides a slightly shorter distance for key presses, making it potentially more responsive for users who favor quick actions, particularly in gaming scenarios. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black, with its greater travel distance, offers a more substantial key press, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile experience. Thus, while gamers might lean towards the Elf for its quicker response time, typists who appreciate a deeper feel might opt for the MX Black. In summary, the Huano Elf is the shorter of the two switches, while the Cherry MX Black is longer, catering to different user preferences.
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 Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 per 10 switches.
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, enhancing the overall acoustics with its POK top housing. This quality gives it a warm and rich audio profile that many typists find appealing. In comparison, the Cherry MX Black switch also offers a deep sound, characterized by a low-pitched tone that leans toward a bass-heavy and mellow experience. Both switches provide a satisfying auditory feedback, yet the specifics of their sound profiles can vary slightly based on the keyboard build and keycap choice employed.
When discussing the feel, the Elf switch is noted for its medium-light actuation force, contributing to a gentle typing experience that balances lightness with responsiveness. Conversely, the Cherry MX Black switches are known for their textured and stiff nature, requiring more force to actuate compared to other switches. This stiffness and friction can create a more tactile typing sensation for users who prefer a firmer touch. Therefore, while the Elf switch caters to those who enjoy a lighter experience, MX Black users may appreciate the deliberate resistance offered during typing.
In summation, both the Huano Elf and Cherry MX Black switches deliver a deep sound signature, albeit with different characteristics; the Elf leans towards a warmer acoustic experience, while the MX Black provides a mellow, bass-heavy tone. In terms of feel, they diverge significantly, with the Elf offering an easier, lighter touch, whereas the MX Black’s textured and stiff actuation provides more resistance. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a lighter, more effortless typing style or a firmer, more tactile experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Huano Elf linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a switch that offers a lighter touch and a satisfying typing experience with deep acoustics, the Elf switch may be the right choice for you. Its medium-light feel and unique housing design allow for a more responsive typing action, making it ideal for long typing sessions or gaming where rapid keystrokes are valued. On the other hand, if you appreciate a heavier, more substantial feel when typing, the Cherry MX Black is your go-to option. Its 80-gram bottom-out force provides a stiffer resistance that can enhance precision, especially if you’re prone to accidental key presses. Moreover, the MX Black's classic low-pitched sound and textured feedback cater to those who prefer a more pronounced typing sensation. Therefore, consider what aspects matter most to you—whether it be the weight of the keypress, the acoustic signature, or the overall tactile experience—before making your decision.
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