Huano Elf vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Huano Elf and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Elf and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear offer distinct experiences suited for different typing preferences. The Huano Elf is celebrated for its POK top housing, which enhances acoustics and produces a deep sound signature, coupled with a medium-light feel for an engaging and satisfying typing experience. Its linear design makes it a great choice for gamers and typists seeking a smooth keypress without tactile bumps or clicks. In contrast, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear boasts a remarkably innovative construction, allowing for a whisper-quiet topping-out sound while maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound, which provides a unique auditory feedback that isn’t too disruptive. With its silky-smooth type feel that balances subtlety with a slightly snappy action, this switch excels in environments where noise reduction is desired while still offering an enjoyable typing experience. Each switch has its own appeal depending on users' needs—whether you prioritize acoustics with the Huano Elf or a more subdued, yet lively feedback with the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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 Huano Elf and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches, while different in their choice of top housing materials, share similar characteristics in their bottom housing components. The Elf utilizes a POK material for its top housing, known for its smoothness and durability, featuring a coefficient of friction of 0.04. This makes it slightly slicker than the LY material and significantly enhances the overall feel during typing. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear employs polycarbonate for its top housing, which results in a sharper and more resonant sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a high-pitched sound, particularly advantageous for RGB lighting setups. Thus, while the Elf's POK top housing is focused on smoothness and wear resistance, the Semi-Silent Linear's polycarbonate housing emphasizes clarity and light diffusion, leading to distinct auditory experiences when the switches are engaged.
In contrast, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, an element that provides a depth and fullness to the sound profile. The properties of nylon are consistent across both models, yielding a softer, rounder sound that absorbs vibrations more effectively than harder plastics. This shared characteristic emphasizes the importance of the bottom housing in influencing the overall acoustic experience during use. While the top housings contribute unique qualities—smoothness in the case of the Elf and heightened resonance in the Jwick—the nylon bottoms ensure that both switches provide a fulfilling typing experience with a deeper sound signature that enhances the tactile feedback.
Ultimately, the varied materials used in the top housing of the Huano Elf and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches showcase how different characteristics can impact the typing experience. The POK material provides robustness and smoothness, making it desirable for users who prioritize a seamless interaction during key presses, whereas the polycarbonate top appeals to those who appreciate a clearer sound profile, especially in setups that utilize RGB lighting. Interestingly, both switches converge in their nylon bottom housing, ensuring that despite their differences in upper materials, they deliver similar results in terms of sound depth and fullness when typing. This synergy allows users to enjoy a blend of qualities that optimize performance across varying preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch to the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch, we find a difference in their actuation and bottom out forces that caters to varying user preferences. The Huano Elf has an actuation force of 42 grams, which suggests a relatively light typing experience conducive for extended use, such as during long gaming sessions or typing at work. However, the bottom out force for the Elf is unavailable, making it difficult to assess that aspect of its performance. In contrast, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch has an unspecified actuation force, but a bottom out force of 62 grams, indicating a more substantial feel when the key is pressed all the way down. This heavier bottom out force may appeal to users who prefer a firmer and more tactile typing experience. Overall, while the Huano Elf is lighter in terms of actuation force, the heaviness of the Jwick's bottom out force provides a contrasting option that could satisfy those who appreciate more resistance during keystrokes.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Huano Elf linear switch measures 3.6 mm, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch has a slightly greater travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the Elf offers a more responsive feel, which can benefit gamers seeking quicker activation with each key press. In contrast, the Semi-Silent Linear switch, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial depth that some users find preferable for comfort and tactile feedback. Overall, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Elf’s shorter travel distance would be the ideal choice, while the Semi-Silent Linear could cater to those who favor a more traditional feel and depth in their 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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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 profiles of the Huano Elf linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch, the Elf offers a deep sound signature facilitated by its POK top housing, which enhances overall acoustics. This provides a richer auditory experience, making it enjoyable for users who appreciate a more resonant keystroke. In contrast, the Semi-Silent Linear is characterized by a more subdued and neutral sound profile. While it features a clacky bottom-out sound, its whisper-quiet topping-out sound helps minimize noise during typing, making it a suitable choice for environments where discretion is valued. Therefore, while the Elf leans towards a more pronounced auditory feedback, the Semi-Silent Linear is designed to deliver a more muted yet well-balanced acoustic experience.
In terms of feel, the Huano Elf is known for its medium-light actuation force, which provides a satisfying typing experience that combines ease of pressing with engaging tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch presents a variety of tactile sensations, showcasing mild characteristics that ensure a gentle typing experience, making it approachable for various users. Additionally, this switch incorporates a snappy responsiveness, creating an invigorating feel, while its buttery smooth action enhances the overall typing fluidity. Ultimately, the Elf provides a more traditional typing sensation, while the Semi-Silent Linear focuses on a blend of smoothness and responsiveness, making both appealing to different preferences.
In conclusion, both the Huano Elf linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch present distinct auditory and tactile qualities suited for different typing environments and user preferences. The Elf’s deep sound and medium-light feel are ideal for those who enjoy a richer typing experience, whereas the Semi-Silent Linear’s subdued sound and silky smooth yet responsive feel cater to users seeking a quieter and refined typing experience. For newcomers exploring mechanical keyboards, these switches offer a compelling glimpse into the variety available in this hobby, allowing users to choose based on their specific needs and environments.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Huano Elf linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences for feel and sound. If you prioritize a lightweight typing experience with an enriching acoustic profile, the Elf switch may be more to your liking. Its unique POK top housing enhances its deep sound signature, making it ideal for those who enjoy a slightly more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. This switch is well-suited for users who prefer a medium-light feel and may want to create an inviting atmosphere, whether at work or while gaming. On the other hand, if you are seeking a versatile switch that offers a balance of responsiveness and a quieter operation, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch would be your best bet. With a bottom-out force of 62 grams and a notably subdued sound, this switch excels in environments where you need to minimize noise, such as an office setting, while ensuring a smooth and tactile experience. Ultimately, your decision should reflect the balance you want between sound and feel, with the Elf providing a richer auditory experience and the Semi-Silent Linear catering to a quieter, more controlled typing atmosphere.
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