Huano Elf vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the Huano Elf and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Elf and HMX Swift linear switches both offer unique benefits and experiences for typists and gamers alike. The Huano Elf is celebrated for its POK top housing, which enhances acoustics and delivers a deep sound signature while maintaining a medium-light feel for a satisfying typing experience. This makes it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a balanced blend of auditory feedback and tactile pleasure. On the other hand, the HMX Swift distinguishes itself with its full nylon housings that produce a surprisingly deep sound profile, diverging from the typically brighter tones of HMX switches. Its silky smoothness and delicate 42g actuation force cater to users who prefer a lighter touch and a more effortless keystroke. While both switches fall under the linear category, the choice ultimately boils down to personal preferences regarding sound and actuation force. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Elf and the HMX Swift, notable differences emerge that influence their performance and sound profile. The top housing of the Elf is made from POK, or polyketone, which offers outstanding durability and low friction characteristics that enhance the feel during typing. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, POK provides a smoother operation compared to the similarly smooth Nylon used in the Swift’s top housing, which has a friction coefficient of 0.03. The POK material not only boasts impressive wear resistance—14 times stronger than POM—but also surpasses Nylon in shock resistance, making it particularly robust. This durability allows for a more consistent typing experience over time, contributing to the overall durability and feel of the switches.
In contrast, both the Huano Elf and the HMX Swift utilize nylon for their bottom housing, known for its sound-absorbing properties. This shared material results in a deeper, fuller sound profile across both switches. The softness of nylon effectively dampens the sound, creating a more rounded auditory experience when typing. Regardless of the differences in the top housing, the nylon bottom housings allow for similar acoustic results, enabling users to enjoy a rich typing experience. The combination of the bottom housing's softness and the inherent acoustic properties of nylon contributes to a distinct bottom-out sound that is consistent in both switch types.
Ultimately, the contrasting housing materials result in differing tactile experiences. The POK top housing of the Huano Elf emphasizes smoothness and durability, enhancing the dynamic feel of each keystroke. In the case of the HMX Swift, the nylon top housing focuses more on sound profile, offering a softer, more muted auditory response. While both switches utilize nylon in the bottom housing, creating a similar foundational sound quality, the overall experience will vary based on the unique characteristics of their respective top housings. This interplay between materials shapes how each switch responds to user input and the audible feedback produced, illustrating the significance of housing material selection in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, both exhibit an actuation force of 42 grams, meaning users can expect a similar responsiveness when triggering a keystroke. However, the comparison diverges when considering their bottom out forces. The HMX Swift has a bottom out force of 50 grams, which adds a more substantial resistance when pressing the switch down all the way, making it feel heavier overall. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Huano Elf is unavailable, so we can't make a direct comparison. Given the available data, the Huano Elf is lighter in terms of actuation, while the HMX Swift offers a heavier experience overall, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial tactile feedback while typing or gaming. This difference in bottom out force may influence user preference based on their typing habits, especially for those who favor longer typing sessions versus a more substantial feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Elf linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, we see a notable difference: the Elf features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Swift has a longer travel distance of 3.9 mm. This slight variance can significantly impact the user experience. The Elf switch, with its shorter travel distance, may be favored by gamers and users who prioritize fast response times, providing a more immediate feel when keypresses occur. On the other hand, the Swift's longer 3.9 mm travel distance could appeal to those who prefer a more substantial keypress, offering a deeper and possibly more satisfying tactile experience. Overall, the choice between the two switches largely comes down to personal preference—whether one values rapid actuation or a more pronounced key travel.
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 HMX Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift for $2.99.
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
In terms of sound, the Huano Elf switch produces a deep sound signature that resonates nicely, thanks to its POK top housing which enhances acoustics. This gives it a fuller, more satisfying auditory experience during typing. On the other hand, the HMX Swift linear switch is known for its deeper sound profile as well, which is achieved through full nylon housings. While the Swift is typically noted for a brighter sound signature, it stands out in this comparison with its richer timbre, providing a distinct auditory feedback that complements its overall design. The final sound output of both switches, however, can be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, meaning that users can achieve similar acoustic results even with different switches depending on their setup.
When examining the feel of these switches, the Elf is characterized by a medium-light actuation force that allows for a satisfying typing experience, making it pleasant to use for various applications. The HMX Swift, however, takes the concept of ease to another level. With an actuation force of only 42 grams, it offers an extremely easy-to-press feel, coupled with a feathery touch that allows for minimal exertion during extended typing sessions. This gentleness significantly reduces finger fatigue, making it an excellent choice for long periods of use. Additionally, the Swift incorporates a bouncy quality, providing a tactile feedback sensation reminiscent of springy responses after key presses, further enhancing the typing experience. The overall feel of the Swift can be described as creamy and buttery, ensuring a fluid and effortless glide across the keys.
In conclusion, both the Huano Elf and HMX Swift linear switches present distinct yet comparably appealing qualities. The Elf’s deep sound and medium-light feel create a solid typing atmosphere, while the Swift’s richer auditory profile combined with its exceptionally light and responsive feel makes it a standout option for those prioritizing comfort and responsiveness. If you're considering either of these switches, rest assured that while they may have unique attributes, both can deliver satisfying experiences tailored to your preferences, especially when adjusted with appropriate keycap and board choices.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering whether to choose the Huano Elf linear switch or the HMX Swift linear switch, the decision ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you're looking for a switch that offers a unique acoustic experience, enhanced by the POK top housing that produces a deep sound signature, the Elf may be your best bet. Its medium-light feel is ideal for those who appreciate a more tactile yet gentle typing experience. On the other hand, if you prioritize a light actuation force with minimal resistance, making it easier to engage the keys, the Swift is the go-to choice. With a darker sound profile and a silky smoothness to each keystroke, the Swift excels in providing a responsive, comfortable typing experience that reduces finger fatigue during long sessions of gaming or typing. In summary, choose the Elf for its distinct acoustics and a balanced feel, and opt for the Swift if you desire a breezy, low-effort push with a satisfying tactile touch.
Mentioned in this article
