Huano Elf vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the Huano Elf and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice can significantly impact your typing experience, and two noteworthy options are the Huano Elf and the Jwick Splash Brothers, both of which are linear switches. The Elf switch is celebrated for its unique POK top housing, which enhances acoustics and produces a deep sound signature, complemented by a medium-light actuation force that provides a satisfying and tactile typing experience. Conversely, the Jwick Splash Brothers excel with their "speed" design featuring a shorter activation point and a long pole stem that yields an exceptional typing feel, all while delivering a creamy sound profile. The Elf may appeal to those who prioritize sound and a balanced feel, making it ideal for a comfortable yet immersive typing experience, while the Splash Brothers may attract users who appreciate quick responsiveness and a polished touch that enhances fast-paced keystrokes. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for your unique needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the switches of the Huano Elf and the Jwick Splash Brothers exhibit distinct characteristics that influence their overall sound profiles and performance. The Huano Elf features a top housing made of POK material, which provides a smooth typing experience due to its low coefficient of friction. The POK material contributes to the creation of a clacky sound, thanks to its superior durability and resistance to wear and shock. In contrast, the Jwick Splash Brothers utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, leading to a sharper and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffness enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound, making it an excellent choice for users seeking an emphasis on auditory feedback, especially when RGB lighting is involved.
Both the Elf and the Splash Brothers use nylon for their bottom housings, making them comparable in this aspect. Nylon is celebrated for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This shared material means that both switches will deliver a rounder bottom-out sound and feel, emphasizing the importance of the bottom housing in defining the typing experience. Despite the differences in top housing materials, the nylon bottom housing helps maintain a level of consistency in the overall sound profile across both models.
In scenarios where the top and bottom housings differ, the distinctive qualities of each material will interact to shape the overall sound and feel of the switch. As the top housing of the Huano Elf promotes a smooth and clacky experience, the Splash Brothers' polycarbonate housing will focus on delivering crisp and resonant sounds, particularly noticeable upon key release. Meanwhile, both switches will harmoniously align in their deeper sound profiles contributed by the nylon bottom housing, providing a rich typing experience. The combination of these materials allows both switch designs to achieve unique yet complementary auditory outcomes, showcasing the versatility of housing materials in switch crafting.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, we note a key difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Elf has a set actuation force of 42 grams, making it relatively lighter and ideal for those who prefer a switch that allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. However, the bottom out force for the Elf is unavailable, leaving a gap in understanding its performance during intense use. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers has an unspecified actuation force, but it does feature a bottom out force of 48 grams, which indicates a heavier feel overall. This heavier bottom out force may appeal to users who enjoy a substantial, tactile typing experience. While we can conclude that the Elf is the lighter option in terms of actuation force, the lack of data on the Splash Brothers' actuation force makes a direct comparison difficult. If one were to assume that the actuation forces were similar, users might still gravitate towards the Elf for longer typing comfort, while those desiring more resistance would likely find satisfaction in the heavier Splash Brothers switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Elf linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, the Elf features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Splash Brothers has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Elf the longer option by 0.1 mm, providing a more traditional feel that might appeal to users who favor a hearty depth in their key presses. On the other hand, the shorter 3.5 mm travel distance of the Splash Brothers may be more attractive to gamers seeking faster response times and a snappier typing experience. Ultimately, while both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances, the Elf has the edge for those who appreciate a more substantial key press.
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 Splash Brothers comes in at $2.49 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 switch produces a deep sound signature, which enhances its acoustic properties thanks to its POK top housing. This results in a more pronounced auditory experience, making it appealing for those who appreciate a deeper tone while typing. In contrast, the Jwick Splash Brothers switch is characterized by a creamy sound signature, offering a more mellow auditory experience. While both switches cater to different sound preferences, the Elf's deeper tone stands out in a more robust manner, whereas the Splash Brothers strikes a balance with its neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various environments, whether at home or in a shared office.
When it comes to the feel of these switches, the Elf is known for its medium-light actuation force, which provides a satisfying and comfortable typing experience. The Jwick Splash Brothers, however, take the feel to a different level with their shorter activation point and long pole stem, giving them a snappy and responsive typing experience. These switches offer a bouncy sensation, making each key press feel lively and engaging. Additionally, the polished nature of the Splash Brothers enhances the smoothness of each keystroke, allowing for a refined typing experience that many users find appealing. In contrast, while the Elf provides a solid typing feel, it may not match the dynamic feel of the Splash Brothers.
In conclusion, the Huano Elf and Jwick Splash Brothers switches each bring unique auditory and tactile experiences to mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Elf’s deep sound and comfortable medium-light feel cater to those seeking a more classic typing experience, while the Splash Brothers offer a creamy sound combined with a responsive, polished feel for those who prefer a more dynamic typing action. Depending on individual preferences, users can choose between a satisfying depth with the Elf or the lively responsiveness of the Splash Brothers while enjoying mechanical switches’ benefits.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Elf linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, consider your personal preferences and typing context. If you appreciate a uniquely deep sound signature and a pleasing acoustics experience, the Elf is designed for those who enjoy a medium-light feel and an immersive typing experience. It could be your go-to choice if you prioritize sound quality and smooth, subtle key presses, making it suitable for a relaxed typing session, whether at home or in a quieter workspace. Conversely, if you prefer a more responsive and lively typing feel, the Splash Brothers switches offer snappy feedback with a bouncy and polished quality, combined with a light activation force of 48 grams. These characteristics make it an excellent option for gamers or individuals who thrive on speed and dynamic typing experiences. Ultimately, your choice should reflect how you intend to use your keyboard—focus on the Elf for an enjoyable acoustic and tactile experience, or lean towards the Splash Brothers for a quick, engaging feel.
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