Huano Elf vs. Bsun Olive

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often boils down to personal preference and typing style, and two notable contenders in this arena are the Huano Elf and the Bsun Olive switches. The Huano Elf, recognized for its POK top housing, offers a smooth linear experience, characterized by a deep sound signature and a medium-light feel that many users find satisfying. This switch is ideal for those who prefer a quieter and uninterrupted keystroke, making it an excellent choice for both gaming and typing where speed and fluidity are priorities. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive switch distinguishes itself with its all-POM construction, delivering a resonant sound and a pronounced tactile response, thanks to its unique long pole stem. With a medium weight, the Olive provides users with a sharp and invigorating tactile feedback, making it particularly appealing for typists who enjoy a little more interaction with each keystroke. Overall, each switch has its strengths suited to different user experiences; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Huano Elf Linear

Bsun Olive Tactile

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$5.80

$4.70 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Huano Elf and the Bsun Olive switches present a fascinating study in contrasts and similarities. The Elf employs a top housing crafted from POK (polyketone), a material known for its low coefficient of friction and exceptional durability. With a coefficient of 0.04, POK offers a smooth typing experience, though it does register a slightly higher friction than the Olive’s POM (polyoxymethylene), which has a coefficient of 0.03. While POK emphasizes durability with its remarkable wear and shock resistance, the Olive’s top housing, made from POM, leans more toward sound profile rather than sheer strength. The latter’s characteristics result in a deeper and more muted sound, thus illustrating a shift in focus from durability and performance in the Elf’s design to sound quality in the Olive's composition.

When examining the bottom housing, the differences continue to highlight each switch's unique traits. The Elf employs a nylon bottom housing that enhances the overall sound profile, contributing to a deeper and fuller acoustic experience. Nylon, being a softer plastic, effectively absorbs more sound, leading to a rounder and duller tone that contrasts with the Olive's POM bottom housing, which is known for its unique and pleasing sound, albeit more muted. Both switches are designed to impact the typing experience but pull from different strengths in materials; Elf utilizes the traditional advantage of nylon's sound absorption, while Olive, while also using POM, may retain some depth without matching the fullness presented by nylon.

Ultimately, while both the Huano Elf and the Bsun Olive utilize different materials for their construction, their sonic characteristics and tactile experiences can evoke similar outcomes in practice. If combined strategically, the qualities that each housing material brings can lead to fascinating and harmonious typing results. The Elf's strength and durability from POK may counter the Olive's refined sound profile from POM, allowing enthusiasts to appreciate the synergy between structured performance and acoustic pleasure. By selecting components carefully and understanding how each material influences sound and feel, one can harness the performance of the Elf while enjoying the acoustic qualities offered by the Olive, thereby achieving a well-rounded keyboard experience.

Weight

The Huano Elf linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation forces, which impact the overall typing experience for users. The Elf has an actuation force of 42 grams, making it the lighter option of the two, perfect for users who prefer a softer keystroke that allows for extended typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Olive requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, appealing to those who favor a more substantial and tactile feel when typing. However, the Elf's bottom out force remains unknown, whereas the Olive's bottom out force is measured at 65 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy. This difference means that while both switches have distinct actuation forces, the Olive switch provides a more pronounced feedback during bottoming out, ideal for users who appreciate that tactile response. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences regarding weight and feedback intensity.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Huano Elf linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, the Elf features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Olive offers a slightly shorter distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Huano Elf provides a deeper keystroke, which may appeal to users who appreciate a more pronounced feel when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive, with its shorter travel distance, may cater to those seeking quicker response times typically favored by gamers. Ultimately, the Elf's measurement suggests a more robust typing experience, whereas the Olive might feel more immediate and less abrupt. Thus, if one prefers a hearty depth, the Huano Elf would be the preferable choice, while those who prioritize responsiveness would benefit from the Bsun Olive's shorter travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Huano Elf linear switch delivers a deep sound signature that resonates pleasingly during use. The POK top housing contributes to enhanced acoustics, providing a rich auditory experience without being overly loud. In comparison, the Bsun Olive tactile switch also produces a deep, resonant sound thanks to its all-POM construction. This gives it a similarly satisfying auditory experience, although the Olive's design may result in a slightly sharper sound upon bottoming out due to its pronounced tactile feedback.

When it comes to feel, the Elf switch is characterized by a medium-light actuation force, providing a smooth yet satisfying typing experience. This makes it ideal for users who prefer a sensation that is easy to press and comfortable for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive offers a medium-weight feel with a pronounced tactile bump that is invigorating and very responsive. Its combination of accented, sharp, and snappy characteristics ensures a distinct tactile feedback, creating an immersive and engaging typing experience.

In conclusion, both the Huano Elf and Bsun Olive switches provide rich auditory experiences characterized by deep sound signatures, though they differ slightly in their individual qualities. The Elf is more linear with a medium-light feel, making it suitable for those who favor a smooth keystroke, while the Olive's pronounced tactile feedback offers a more engaging and responsive sensation ideal for tactile enthusiasts. Ultimately, choosing between these switches may come down to personal preference regarding the balance between sound and feel, with each providing a high-quality typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Huano Elf linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch depends largely on your preferences for typing feel and auditory feedback. If you enjoy a smooth, linear experience with an enhanced sound signature, the Elf switch is likely the right choice for you. Its medium-light feel makes it ideal for those who prefer a less tactile experience, allowing for rapid key presses and a quieter operation, which can be particularly appealing for typing environments where noise is a concern. In contrast, if you appreciate tactile feedback and auditory hints while typing, the Bsun Olive switch would serve you better. Its medium-heavy actuation provides a pronounced tactile bump that is invigorating and snappy, offering a gratifying feel with each keystroke. This makes it an excellent option for typists who enjoy a more engaging experience, where the tactile cues help to enhance your typing rhythm and precision. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your personal typing style and the type of feedback you find most satisfying in your daily use.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Elf Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Olive Tactile

$5.80

$4.70 per 10

Learn more