Huano Elf vs. Cherry MX Brown
An in-depth look at the Huano Elf and the Cherry MX Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often boils down to personal preference and typing style. The Huano Elf switch is a linear option celebrated for its smooth keystrokes and acoustic properties, featuring a POK top housing that enhances its deep sound signature while providing a medium-light feel that many users find satisfying for both typing and gaming. In contrast, the Cherry MX Brown switch is a tactile choice that embodies subtlety, offering a gentle tactile bump with muted audio feedback, making it an excellent option for those who appreciate a bit of feedback without the loud click. While the Elf is ideal for those who prioritize a smooth and quiet operation, the MX Brown is perfect for users who like to feel a connection to their keystrokes without overwhelming noise. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Elf and the Cherry MX Brown, notable differences can be observed, particularly in the composition and resulting sound profiles. The Huano Elf utilizes a top housing made from POK (polyketone), which is recognized for its exceptionally low friction coefficient of 0.04 and remarkable durability. This contributes to smoothness in keystrokes and enhances overall switch performance. In contrast, the Cherry MX Brown features a top housing made from nylon, an established material in the switch industry. While nylon provides a classic, softer sound with its ability to absorb noise, it lacks the same level of durability and friction characteristics found in POK. Thus, while both materials aim to provide a satisfying typing experience, the Elf’s performance is enriched by its use of advanced polyketone, offering a smoother, albeit potentially sharper, acoustic profile when compared to the warmer and fuller sound characteristic of the MX Brown.
Examining the bottom housings reveals a similarity that enhances the overall sound experience. Both the Huano Elf and the Cherry MX Brown utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This consistent choice means they share the same acoustic properties, which resonate with a deeper, fuller sound quality, largely due to nylon's ability to dampen vibrations. This shared material reinforces the consistency in the auditory experience of both switches. When pressed, the nylon bottom housings effectively absorb impact, contributing to a similar bottom-out sound and feel, regardless of the differences in their respective top housings. Therefore, while the tactile and auditory feedback during actuation may differ due to the variance in top housing material, both switches benefit from the common grounding effect of nylon in their bases.
Finally, the interplay between the top and bottom housing materials significantly influences the overall performance of each switch. The Huano Elf’s POK top housing maintains a smooth actuation, while the nylon bottom housing enriches the overall sound experience, creating a rich tonal quality when pressed. In contrast, the Cherry MX Brown’s uniform nylon composition throughout both housings leads to a consistent tactile experience, wherein the softer nylon dampens the key release sound. This combination allows users of either switch to enjoy distinct characteristics — the Elf’s clarity and sharpness versus the Brown’s deep and velvety sonic texture. Ultimately, while the Elf boasts a state-of-the-art top housing, both switches can achieve a satisfying and engaging typing experience through the shared qualities of their nylon bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Huano Elf linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, we find that the Elf switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, while the MX Brown requires 45 grams to actuate. For users who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Huano Elf may be the better choice, particularly for long typing sessions or extended gaming periods. However, the MX Brown has a defined bottom out force of 55 grams, indicating a firmer feel when the key is fully pressed down, enhancing the tactile feedback that some users appreciate. Unfortunately, the bottom out force for the Huano Elf is not available, so a direct comparison can't be made there. Those who enjoy a softer touch may prefer the Elf, while those desiring a more substantial feel with tactile feedback might opt for the Cherry MX Brown. Overall, if you prioritize a lighter switch, go for the Huano Elf, while the Cherry MX Brown will provide a heavier and more tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
The Huano Elf linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch differ in their travel distances, which can significantly impact the typing experience. The Elf has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the MX Brown features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Elf provides a marginally shorter key press, which may appeal to gamers or those who prioritize speed and responsiveness, as shorter travel distances often allow for quicker actuation. On the other hand, the MX Brown's 4 mm travel distance offers a more traditional feel, which some users might find more satisfying for typing due to its deeper actuation point. Thus, if you prefer a swifter, more agile response, the Huano Elf switch may be the better choice, whereas those who enjoy a more pronounced key press may lean towards the Cherry MX Brown.
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 Brown 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 linear switch boasts a deep sound signature, which is attributed to its POK top housing designed for enhanced acoustics. This characteristic allows it to produce a rich and thorough sound profile that stands out during key presses. In contrast, the Cherry MX Brown switch offers a more subtle auditory experience, with a low-pitched, bassy character that is softer and more refined. The subdued audio feedback of the MX Brown is distinguished by its mellow tone, ideal for users who prefer a quieter typing environment. Both switches can, however, vary in sound depending on factors like the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
Regarding feel, the Huano Elf is noted for its medium-light actuation force, providing a satisfying typing experience that focuses on smooth linear motion without the tactile bumps typically found in other switches. Meanwhile, the Cherry MX Brown features a gentle tactile bump, offering a textured feel as keys are pressed. This texture creates a unique typing sensation that many users appreciate, as it gives a sense of feedback with each keystroke. Although the Elf leans towards a smoother typing experience, the two can offer subjective similarities in terms of responsiveness, depending on personal preferences.
In conclusion, the Huano Elf and Cherry MX Brown switches present distinct audio and tactile qualities that cater to different preferences. The Elf's rich, deep sound contrasts with the MX Brown's subtlety, while the Elf provides a smooth feel compared to the Brain's tactile feedback. Ultimately, while each switch has its unique characteristics, they can both deliver satisfying typing experiences, allowing users to choose based on what resonates most with their style and preference in mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Huano Elf linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you seek a smooth and quiet typing experience, the Elf may be more to your liking, especially if you appreciate a deeper sound signature that enhances the acoustics of your keystrokes. This makes the Elf a great option for scenarios where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum, such as in a shared workspace or while gaming. Furthermore, the Elf's medium-light feel can be appealing for users who prefer effortless key presses without the distraction of tactile feedback. Conversely, if you value subtlety and a slight tactile sensation with each keystroke, the Cherry MX Brown is the way to go. Its moderate bottom-out force provides a satisfying resistance that enhances typing accuracy without being overly cumbersome. The MP Brown also offers a textured feel that some users appreciate, adding a tactile dimension to your typing experience that the Elf lacks. In essence, choose the Elf for a smooth, low-noise drive and select the MX Brown when you want a tactile feedback that guides your fingers and adds clarity to your inputs.
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