Huano Elf vs. Cherry MX Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Huano Elf and the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Huano Elf and the Cherry MX Speed Silver can significantly influence your typing and gaming experiences. The Huano Elf is celebrated for its POK top housing, which enhances acoustics and produces a deep sound signature, all while maintaining a medium-light feel that many find satisfying for extended typing sessions. This switch appeals to those who appreciate a blend of auditory feedback and a comfortable tactile experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver is engineered for optimal speed, boasting a linear action and low spring resistance that allows for instantaneous actuation—making it a go-to choice for competitive gamers where split-second reactions are crucial. While the Elf provides a rich auditory experience suitable for typists seeking comfort, the Speed Silver prioritizes performance for fast-paced gaming. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
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
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
The comparison of housing materials between the Huano Elf and the Cherry MX Speed Silver reveals both unique qualities and overlapping characteristics that influence the overall performance and acoustic profile of these switches. The Huano Elf features a POK (polyketone) top housing, known for its exceptionally low coefficient of friction at 0.04, which contributes to a notably smooth typing experience. This contrasts with the Cherry MX Speed Silver, which utilizes a nylon top housing. While nylon has a slightly higher coefficient of friction than POK, it is renowned for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound. While their top housing materials differ substantially, both contribute to a different tactile experience: the Elf is geared towards a smoother operation, while the MX Speed Silver emphasizes acoustic quality.
In terms of bottom housing, both switches are made from nylon, which reinforces their sound characteristics. The consistent use of nylon in both models means that typing on either switch will elicit the same deeper, rounder sound profile caused by the material's inherent softness. Consequently, the tactile feedback and acoustic responses generated by the bottom housing are largely similar for both switches. While the Huano Elf combines the unique qualities of its POK top housing with the softer nylon bottom, resulting in a balanced performance, the Cherry MX Speed Silver provides a traditional sound and feel typical of nylon-based switches.
Overall, while the Huano Elf and the Cherry MX Speed Silver exhibit distinct top housing materials that contribute differently to their performance characteristics, they converge through their nylon bottom housings. This consensus allows them to achieve similar auditory results, particularly in terms of sound absorption and deeper tone when bottoming out. Given the impact of both housing components on the overall switch experience, users can expect a unique interplay of smoothness and sound quality when using either switch, reinforcing the notion that material choice significantly dictates typing enjoyment and performance outcomes.
Weight
The Huano Elf linear switch has an actuation force of 42 grams, while the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch is slightly heavier with an actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Elf switch is lighter, making it potentially more comfortable for long typing sessions or extensive gaming, as less force is needed to actuate a keystroke. Both switches have their bottom out forces listed as unavailable, which means we can't directly compare this particular metric. However, given their known actuation forces, it can be inferred that the Elf's lighter actuation force might allow for a more gentle typing experience, while the slightly heavier Cherry MX Speed Silver may provide a more substantial feel for those who prefer a stronger push during use. Overall, if you're looking for ease and comfort, the Huano Elf may be the better choice, whereas the Cherry MX Speed Silver could appeal to those who favor a firmer response.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distances of the Huano Elf linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch reveals a notable difference: the Elf has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the MX Speed Silver comes in slightly shorter at 3.4 mm. This means that if you're looking for a quicker response time typically favored by gamers, the MX Speed Silver could be the more appealing choice due to its shorter travel distance. However, if you appreciate a bit more depth in your keystrokes, the Huano Elf switch might be preferable, offering a more substantial feel with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the decision hinges on personal preference—those who prioritize rapid activation may lean towards the MX Speed Silver, while those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile experience might opt for the Elf.
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 Speed Silver 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 Speed Silver 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 linear switch is noted for its deep sound signature, which provides a satisfying auditory experience for users. The POK top housing contributes to enhanced acoustics, ensuring that each keystroke resonates well without being overly loud. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch is characterized by a thocky sound, producing a deep, rich "thud" or soft "knock" when pressed. This low-pitched quality adds a bass-heavy tone to the typing experience, which can further enhance the satisfaction for those who appreciate a deeper auditory feedback. Overall, both switches provide a pleasing sound, with the Elf leaning slightly towards a more mellow acoustic profile, while the Speed Silver accentuates that thocky and rich character.
In terms of feel, the Huano Elf linear switch boasts a medium-light resistance that creates a comfortable and satisfying typing experience, making it suitable for prolonged use without causing fatigue. It's designed specifically for those who prefer a lighter touch without compromising responsiveness. Conversely, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch features a textured feel, introducing a noticeable friction during keystrokes. This texture may be appreciated by users who enjoy a tactile element while typing, but it contrasts with the smoother feel of the Elf. Thus, users may choose between the Elf for a light, smooth experience and the Speed Silver for a more textured, engaging feel.
In conclusion, both the Huano Elf and Cherry MX Speed Silver switches offer uniquely satisfying experiences that cater to different preferences. While the Elf excels in delivering a deeper, more acoustically pleasing sound with a smooth, lighter touch, the Speed Silver stands out for its thocky sound and textured feel that prioritize rapid response and engagement, especially for gamers. Depending on one's priorities—be it sound profile or tactile feedback—either switch can deliver a high-quality typing or gaming experience, and both are likely to yield similar satisfaction in terms of their core attributes.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Elf linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you are a gamer who prioritizes speed and performance, the Cherry MX Speed Silver is the clear choice. Its rapid response time and low spring resistance allow for quick actuation, making it ideal for fast-paced gaming where every millisecond counts. The thocky, low-pitched sound adds to the immersive experience, and the textured feel may enhance tactile feedback for those who appreciate some friction in their key presses. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch that offers a more satisfying typing experience with enhanced acoustics, the Huano Elf may be what you want. Its medium-light feel combined with a deep, rich sound signature makes it great for typing, and its unique housing design offers a distinct auditory pleasure. Choose the Elf if comfort and sound are your primary considerations, while the Speed Silver should be your go-to for competitive gaming scenarios. Ultimately, you can find great enjoyment in either switch, depending on how you prioritize speed, sound, and feel in your keyboard experience.
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