Huano Elf vs. Cherry Nixie
An in-depth look at the Huano Elf and the Cherry Nixie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Elf and Cherry Nixie both stand out as compelling options for linear switch enthusiasts. The Huano Elf is renowned for its unique POK top housing, designed to enhance acoustics and deliver a rich, deep sound signature, while offering a medium-light actuation force that ensures a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie switches have carved a niche for themselves as beloved classics in the keyboard community, celebrated for their substantial heft and satisfying textured feel. Enhanced by Cherry's updating with MX2A materials and springs, the Nixie switches seamlessly blend traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation, resulting in a thocky sound profile and low-pitched response. While both switches cater to those seeking smooth keystrokes, the Elf offers a lighter touch with a unique acoustic signature, whereas the Nixie excels in its robust build and textured feedback. 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
63.5g
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
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the switches of the Huano Elf and the Cherry Nixie present an interesting case of both contrast and similarity. The Huano Elf utilizes a top housing made of polyketone (POK), notable for its low friction, exceptional durability, and impressive shock resistance. This makes it ideal for delivering a smooth and clacky typing experience, elevating the tactile feedback for users. Conversely, the Cherry Nixie opts for a more conventional approach by using nylon for its top housing. While nylon, known for its ability to absorb sound and produce a fuller auditory profile, lacks the hardness and durability of POK, it compensates with a distinguished sound quality, resulting in a richer typing experience, though with less pronounced tactile feedback compared to the Elf.
Interestingly, both the Huano Elf and the Cherry Nixie share a common material—nylon—for their bottom housings. This creates a unifying characteristic that affects their performance in similar ways. Since nylon is relatively softer than polyketone, it absorbs impact and minimizes sound resonance, contributing to a duller and rounder sound profile for both switch types. Whether a switch uses POK or nylon as its top housing, the nylon bottom housing ensures that a deeper sound quality is present when typing. This similarity offers a cohesive auditory experience across both types of switches, highlighting the role of bottom housing in sound production during key presses.
Ultimately, the differences and similarities between the Huano Elf and Cherry Nixie illustrate how the interplay of housing materials influences the overall performance of each switch. The POK top housing of the Elf enhances tactile feedback and promotes a smooth key travel, while the nylon top housing of the Nixie enriches auditory feedback, creating a softer and more resonating typing experience. The shared nylon bottom housing ensures a consistent sound profile that primarily impacts the bottom-out sensation in either switch. As such, users may find themselves drawn to one model over the other depending on their preference for either tactile response or sound quality, while also appreciating the complementary qualities imparted by the nylon bottom housing common to both.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Huano Elf linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch, significant differences emerge that cater to varying user preferences. The Huano Elf has an actuation force of 42 grams, making it a lighter option, which can benefit users who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Cherry Nixie boasts a much heavier actuation force of 63.5 grams, providing a more substantial feedback that some users may prefer for an impactful typing experience. While the Elf's bottom out force is unknown, the Nixie has a defined bottom out force of 80 grams, indicating that it requires more force to reach the bottom of the keystroke. Overall, the lighter Huano Elf is ideal for those who favor ease of typing, whereas the heavier Cherry Nixie caters to users seeking a more tactile and forceful feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Elf linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch, we find that the Elf has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Nixie features a longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This makes the Huano Elf the shorter of the two switches, which may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times due to its more responsive nature. In contrast, the Cherry Nixie's longer travel distance may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience, offering a more pronounced tactile feedback. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your preference for speed versus depth in your key presses.
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 Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie for $4.19.
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
When comparing the sound characteristics of the Huano Elf linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch, the Elf is known for its deep sound signature that resonates well due to its POK top housing, enhancing acoustics for a richer auditory experience. On the other hand, the Nixie is revered for its thocky sound profile, which produces a deep, satisfying thud with a low-pitched tone. This combination of attributes often results in a more bass-heavy and mellow sound compared to the Elf, making the Nixie a favorite among those who enjoy a pronounced auditory feedback while typing. Ultimately, both switches provide an engaging auditory profile, although the Nixie leans more towards a traditional thocky sound that many enthusiasts appreciate.
In terms of tactile feel, the Elf boasts a medium-light actuation, providing a satisfying typing experience without the heaviness that can fatigue the fingers over extended sessions. In contrast, the Nixie is characterized by its textured feel, which introduces a distinct friction as keys are pressed. This textured sensation can lead to a more pronounced feedback during typing, positioning the Nixie as a switch valued for its unique tactile quality. While the Elf focuses on a smoother typing experience, the engaging friction of the Nixie may appeal to users who prefer a more pronounced tactile response, making the two switches quite different in their physical interaction.
In conclusion, both the Huano Elf and Cherry Nixie linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. The Elf shines with its deep sound and medium-light feel, creating an overall satisfying typing experience, while the Nixie is lauded for its thocky sound and textured feel, providing a blend of modern innovations and traditional charm. While sound and feel diverge between these two switches, each can cater to specific user preferences, and ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize auditory enjoyment or tactile feedback in your typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Huano Elf linear switches and Cherry Nixie linear switches largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a lighter feel and a distinctive acoustic profile, the Elf could be your go-to option. Its POK top housing enhances resonance, offering a deep sound signature combined with a medium-light feel that many find satisfying for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a more robust typing experience, the Cherry Nixie’s heavier 80-gram bottom-out force delivers a substantial tactile feedback that is great for those who enjoy a more textured feel. The Nixie also produces a pronounced "thocky" sound, adding an auditory satisfaction when typing. Ultimately, your decision should align with whether you value a lightweight, acoustically rich experience or a heavier, textured feel with a classic sound; this will ensure that you select the switch that best complements your personal typing journey.
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