Huano Elf vs. Cherry MX Red
An in-depth look at the Huano Elf and the Cherry MX Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Elf and Cherry MX Red both offer compelling options for enthusiasts seeking linear performance, but they each have unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Huano Elf is celebrated for its POK top housing, which enhances acoustics and produces a satisfying deep sound signature with a medium-light feel, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a more nuanced auditory experience in their typing. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red is a classic linear switch known for its slightly heftier feel and robust auditory depth, offering a reliable balance of responsiveness and comfort that many gamers and typists have come to trust. While both switches present their own merits—one focusing on enhanced sound modulation and the other on well-rounded performance—your final choice may depend on your specific typing style and personal preferences. 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
45g
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
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
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 switch and the Cherry MX Red switch, a notable distinction lies in the construction of their top housings. The Huano Elf employs a POK (polyketone) material for its top housing, praised for its smoothness and durability. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, POK offers a slightly higher friction than the nylon used in MX Red’s top housing, which has a coefficient of 0.03. Despite this marginal difference in friction, POK boasts an impressive wear resistance that outperforms both POM and nylon, contributing to a more robust switch with a crisp sound profile. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the MX Red is known for producing a deeper, fuller sound due to its softer nature, thus indicating that while both switches have distinct sound characteristics, their material compositions affect their auditory and tactile feedback during use.
When examining the bottom housings of both the Huano Elf and the Cherry MX Red, an intriguing parallel emerges as both switches utilize nylon. This consistent material choice for the bottom housing plays a crucial role in the sound profile experienced when typing. Nylon’s inherent softness allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a rounder and duller acoustic output, which is a key aspect of both switches' performance. The shared use of nylon in the bottom housing underscores a commonality that contributes to the tactile experience, highlighting that both switches are designed to provide satisfying feedback through plush sound absorption during key presses.
The combination of different materials in the top and bottom housings of these switches illustrates how nuanced and intricate switch design can be. While the Huano Elf’s top housing delivers a durable and smooth typing experience, the Cherry MX Red relies on nylon for its softer sound absorption. The distinct materials in the top housing lead to unique auditory experiences when pressing and releasing keys, while the common use of nylon in the bottom ensures that both switches provide a rich, full-bodied sound during typing. Ultimately, the varied materials optimize each switch for different preferences, accommodating users who may prioritize either durability or sound profile in their mechanical keyboard experience.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, the actuation forces differ slightly, with the Elf requiring 42 grams and the MX Red needing 45 grams to trigger a keystroke. This means the Huano Elf switch is the lighter option, making it potentially better suited for those who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, ideal for extended usage during work or long gaming sessions. However, specific bottom out force data is unavailable for both switches, preventing a direct comparison in that aspect. Without this information, it's challenging to assess how the switches feel at the bottom of the key press. In summary, if you favor a lighter switch for comfort, the Huano Elf is the better choice, while those who appreciate a stronger push feel may lean towards the Cherry MX Red.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Elf linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, there are notable differences. The Huano Elf has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cherry MX Red features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Elf switch is the shorter option, catering to gamers and users seeking quicker response times due to its reduced travel distance. In contrast, the Cherry MX Red, with its longer travel distance, might appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel with deeper presses, providing a more tactile experience. Ultimately, if you favor a switch that allows for faster actuation, the Huano Elf offers this advantage with its shorter travel distance.
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 Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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 delivers a deep sound signature that is enhanced by its POK top housing, which contributes to its rich acoustics. While specific descriptors for the Elf are not outlined, it’s clear that it aims for an enjoyable auditory experience that can result in a satisfying typing ambiance. In contrast, the Cherry MX Red switch is well-known for its thocky and low-pitched qualities, producing a deep, rich sound that gives users a solid auditory feedback when typing. The notable depth and robust auditory character of the MX Red make it a favorite for those who enjoy a more pronounced sound with each keystroke.
When considering feel, the Huano Elf switches offer a medium-light actuation, which strikes a balance that many find to be conducive to a comfortable typing experience. Although specific characteristics of the Elf’s texture remain unspecified, this lightness may contribute to a smooth and responsive feel. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red switches are known for their slightly heftier feel, which can be more substantial during typing. Users have noted a textured feedback with MX Reds, as some describe it as having a subtle friction, potentially leading to a unique typing sensation that can be both satisfying and challenging, depending on personal preferences.
In summary, both the Huano Elf and Cherry MX Red linear switches provide distinct sound and feel characteristics that cater to different user preferences. While the Elf offers a deep sound and a medium-light typing sensation, the MX Red is celebrated for its thocky sound and slightly heavier, textured feel. Despite their differences, both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience, allowing users to appreciate rich acoustics and comfortable actuation details. Therefore, whether one gravitates toward the Elf or MX Red, both can produce enjoyable auditory and tactile results, ultimately coming down to personal preference.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Huano Elf linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch ultimately depends on your preferences for typing feel and sound. If you value an enhanced acoustic experience and enjoy a medium-light feel while typing, the Huano Elf might be the ideal choice for you. Its unique POK top housing offers a distinctive sound signature that can make your typing feel more satisfying, especially if you appreciate a lively auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heftier switch that delivers a rich, thocky sound with a more robust feel, the Cherry MX Red could be more suited to your needs. While the MX Red has a bit more texture and depth in its sound profile, some users find this tactile feedback to be preferable for typing or gaming. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your individual typing habits and the sensory experience you enjoy most while using your mechanical keyboard.
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