Huano Elf vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Huano Elf and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, personal preference plays a significant role, and two notable options are the Huano Elf and the Jwick Taro. The Huano Elf, a linear switch, is celebrated for its POK top housing design, which enhances acoustics and offers a deep sound signature, all while delivering a medium-light feel that makes for a satisfying typing experience. This makes the Elf an excellent choice for users who prioritize smooth keystrokes without any tactile bump, perfect for fast-paced gaming or comfortable long typing sessions. In contrast, the Jwick Taro switch is a tactile option that boasts a snappy, medium level of tactility, complemented by crisp and acute clacks during use. The Taro's neutral yet buttery feel, along with its stepped design, caters to those who appreciate tactile feedback and auditory cues, enhancing the overall typing experience. Ultimately, both switches have unique attributes that appeal to different users; 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
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
No
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 housing materials of the Huano Elf and the Jwick Taro switches are distinct in their top materials, yet they share a commonality in their bottom housing. The Elf utilizes POK (polyketone) for its top housing, which is recognized for its impressive durability, smoothness, and relatively high coefficient of friction. POK's wear resistance is notable, being 14 times stronger than that of POM, while its shock resistance outperforms both Nylon and POM. This makes the Elf's switching experience smooth and resilient, contributing to a sound profile that is characterized as both clacky and dynamic. In contrast, the Taro employs polycarbonate as its top housing material. The polycarbonate offers a sharper, higher-pitched sound due to its stiffer properties, enhancing the switch's clarity, especially when RGB lighting is utilized. The aesthetic translucency of polycarbonate also plays a significant role in visual appeal, further differentiating the two switches' upper sounds.
Despite the differences in their top housings, the Huano Elf and Jwick Taro share the same material for their bottom housing: nylon. This commonality in bottom housing results in a similar auditory experience when typing on both switches. Both utilize nylon, which is celebrated for its softer nature that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The absorption characteristics of nylon allow it to dampen higher frequencies, resulting in a rounder, more subdued sound when key presses bottom out. As a result, although the top housings of each switch produce different tonal qualities, the consistent use of nylon in the bottom ensures a uniform auditory experience across both switches when considering their overall sound when pressed.
When analyzing the impact of these materials collectively, it becomes evident that the configuration of each switch ultimately influences the typing experience. With the contrasting materials in the top housings, users can expect differentiated sound profiles when actuating keys, where the POK top of the Elf provides smoothness and durability, while the polycarbonate top of the Taro promotes sharpness and resonance. However, the shared nylon bottom housing harmonizes the overall sound and feel, grounding the experience in a familiar, deeper resonance regardless of top housing variations. Thus, while the Elf and Taro exhibit distinct properties through their tops, the commonality in nylon as a bottom housing material allows for a convergence of experience that enhances user satisfaction across both models.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Huano Elf linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, we find notable differences that cater to distinct typing preferences. The Huano Elf has a known actuation force of 42 grams, which suggests it is on the lighter side, making it ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force for the Elf is unavailable, which limits our ability to make a direct comparison. In contrast, the Jwick Taro has an unknown actuation force, but it features a bottom out force of 67 grams, categorized as medium-heavy. This indicates that the Taro provides a more substantial typing experience, which might appeal to those who favor a heavier feel while typing. Overall, without the actuation force for the Taro, we cannot directly compare the two; however, it is clear that the Huano Elf is the lighter option, while the Jwick Taro has a heavier tactile response at the bottom out.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Elf linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, the Elf measures 3.6 mm, while the Taro has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the Elf the shorter option, offering a slight advantage for those who prioritize quicker response times, a trait often favored by gamers. Conversely, the Taro, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial tactile experience when pressing keys. Both switches are relatively close in travel distance, but their differences highlight the ongoing debate in the keyboard community about the preferences for shorter versus longer distances. Ultimately, the choice between the two may boil down to individual preferences regarding responsiveness and depth in typing experience.
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 Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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 presents a deep sound signature that resonates with a medium-light auditory quality, making it an enjoyable choice for those who appreciate a fuller, more pronounced sound while typing. Its unique POK top housing enhances the acoustics, contributing to a satisfying depth that can be reminiscent of larger, roomier keystrokes. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro tactile switch offers a brighter, acute sound profile that delivers crisp clacks during use. This switch is characterized as neutral, providing a moderate actuation force and sound level that suits a wide range of environments, whether for casual typing or more intensive work settings. Ultimately, while both switches produce distinct auditory experiences, the Elf favors a deeper resonance whereas the Taro leans toward pronounced clarity.
In terms of feel, the Elf is distinguished by its medium-light actuation force, allowing for a smooth and unintrusive typing experience. Its linear mechanism ensures a consistent keystroke devoid of tactile feedback, ideal for users who prefer an uninterrupted and fluid typing motion. Conversely, the Taro switch brings a different tactile sensation into play with its buttery-smooth feel, leading to a seamless keystroke experience. Additionally, it features a stepped design that provides mild tactile feedback, making it feel like there are two distinct stages within the keystroke. This combination can appeal to typists who enjoy a moderate level of tactility without overwhelming bumps.
In conclusion, the Huano Elf and Jwick Taro switches cater to different user preferences through their sound and feel qualities. The Elf switch offers a deeper auditory experience and a smooth linear action, while the Taro switch combines a bright auditory signature with a tactile, stepped feel. For those seeking an acoustic depth combined with a fluid keystroke, the Elf is an excellent choice. If a lively, crisp sound paired with a tactile yet smooth typing experience is desired, the Taro would be the way to go. Ultimately, both switches provide unique yet satisfying experiences, allowing users to select based on their personal typing style and environment.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Huano Elf linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a smooth and quiet typing experience with a lighter touch, the Elf switch will serve you well. Its unique POK top housing enhances acoustics, ensuring that your keystrokes produce a satisfying yet deep sound profile without overwhelming noise, making it an excellent option for quieter environments or shared spaces. In contrast, if you enjoy a more tactile experience and appreciate feedback while typing, the Jwick Taro is an appealing choice. With its defined tactile bump and crisp sound, the Taro offers a medium-heavy feel, perfect for those who thrive on auditory and physical feedback in their typing experience. Whether you're typing for long hours or gaming with friends, the Taro’s snappy response and deliberate feedback can enhance your overall engagement. Ultimately, consider the atmosphere in which you'll be using your keyboard and what attributes you value most in a switch, then make your decision accordingly.
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