Huano Elf vs. Outemu Blue Jade
An in-depth look at the Huano Elf and the Outemu Blue Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, preferences can vary widely based on individual typing styles and experiences. The Huano Elf switch, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth key presses and a medium-light feel, which makes it an excellent choice for both gamers and typists seeking a more fluid typing experience without tactile bump distractions. Its POK top housing enhances acoustics, providing a deep sound signature that many users find satisfying. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue Jade switch is a clicky switch known for its distinct tactile feedback and audible clicks, ideal for those who enjoy a more traditional typing feel and the satisfying sound of each keystroke. This makes it a popular option for typists who thrive on auditory cues and the pronounced feedback of clicky switches. Both switches offer unique advantages depending on your typing preferences, but 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
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Huano Elf and the Outemu Blue Jade present an interesting comparison regarding their upper and lower components. The Elf’s top housing is made from POK, or polyketone, which boasts a lower coefficient of friction (0.04) compared to the Blue Jade’s nylon (0.03). This means the Elf's top housing is designed to provide a smoother keystroke response, contributing to a snappier feel when typing. Moreover, the exceptional durability of POK—14 times stronger than POM and exhibiting significantly better shock resistance—implies that the Elf's top housing can withstand prolonged use and deliver performance over time, enhancing its appeal in high-intensity environments.
In contrast, both the Huano Elf and the Outemu Blue Jade utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which results in a shared characteristic of delivering a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature allows it to absorb sound better than harder materials, leading to a rounder auditory experience as users type. This commonality ensures that both switches produce warm acoustics that enhance the typing experience, albeit with different tonal nuances attributed to their top housings. Consequently, the impact of the bottom housing will be similar in both switches, making them appealing to those who prioritize sound quality in their typing experience.
While there are notable differences in the materials used for the top housings, the shared nylon composition in both switches' bottoms creates a balancing effect in their overall characteristics. The Elf's POK top aids in producing a smoother release, while the Blue Jade's nylon top contributes to a distinctive sound upon key release. This differentiation means that while the typing feel and sound can vary between the two, the core experience remains rooted in the nylon bottom housing. Therefore, users who appreciate the aural qualities of the switches will find that both the Huano Elf and the Outemu Blue Jade provide an appealing profile, yet distinct in their overall feel and sound delivery due to their contrasting top housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, their actuation forces present a clear distinction: the Elf has a lighter actuation force at 42 grams, while the Blue Jade requires a firmer 50 grams to register a keystroke. This difference may appeal to typists who prefer a lighter switch for extended use, as it could lead to less finger fatigue during long typing sessions. In terms of bottom out force, the Outemu Blue Jade has a defined bottom out force of 65 grams, categorized as medium-heavy, providing a more substantial tactile experience at the key’s lowest point. The bottom out force for the Huano Elf is unavailable, making it difficult to draw a direct comparison. Nevertheless, given the lighter actuation of the Elf compared to the Blue Jade, it is reasonable to assume that the Elf would have a lower bottom out force as well, potentially leading to a softer feel overall. Therefore, those looking for a lighter typing experience might prefer the Huano Elf, while those who enjoy a more forceful feedback should opt for the heavier Outemu Blue Jade.
Travel distance
The Huano Elf linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch offers a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Elf provides a shorter travel distance compared to the Blue Jade. For gamers who prioritize quick response times, the shorter travel distance of the Elf may be more appealing, as it allows for faster actuation. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial key press and the tactile feedback of a traditional switch, the Blue Jade's 4 mm travel distance may be preferable. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference: quicker responsiveness with the Huano Elf or a more pronounced feel with the Outemu Blue Jade.
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 Outemu Blue Jade comes in at $3.10 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
The Huano Elf linear switch produces a deep sound signature thanks to its carefully designed POK top housing, which enhances acoustics and contributes to a rich auditory experience when typing. The sound is relatively muted compared to clicky switches, making it suitable for a quieter workspace while still providing a satisfying auditory feedback. In contrast, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch offers a more pronounced auditory response with a distinct click sound that is typical of clicky switches. This makes the Blue Jade ideal for users who enjoy pronounced feedback and a lively sound profile, even if it may be less suitable for shared environments.
When it comes to feel, the Elf linear switch boasts a medium-light actuation force, allowing for smooth keystrokes that minimize finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. This smoothness is favored by typists who enjoy a gentle, uninterrupted glide without tactile bumps. On the other hand, the Blue Jade clicky switch provides a more textured experience, giving a tactile bump at the actuation point followed by an immediate audible click. The Blue Jade caters to those who appreciate a more dynamic feel, allowing for defined feedback that helps in ensuring they are registering their keystrokes.
In summary, the Huano Elf linear switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch cater to distinct preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. While the Elf offers a deep sound and a smooth, medium-light feel conducive to quiet environments, the Blue Jade excels with its pronounced click and tactile feedback, appealing to users who thrive on auditory engagement. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize sound and feel that leans towards quiet fluidity or dynamic feedback and acoustics.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Elf linear switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you prioritize a smooth and quiet typing experience, the Elf switch might be your best option. Its medium-light feel and deeper sound signature make it ideal for long typing sessions or a quieter workspace where you don’t want to disturb others. This switch excels in applications like programming or general office work, where a subtle touch can enhance your productivity without the distraction of audible clicks. Conversely, if you enjoy tactile feedback and the satisfying sound of a click while typing, the Blue Jade switch is likely to suit you better. With a medium-heavy bottom-out force, it provides a more pronounced tactile response that can be rewarding for typists who thrive on auditory cues and enjoy the mechanical feel in their keystrokes, making it a great choice for gaming or any situation where tactile response is preferred. In the end, consider what aspects matter most to you—be it sound, feel, or the type of tasks you typically engage in—as this will guide you towards the switch that aligns with your typing style.
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