Huano Elf vs. Jerrzi Violet
An in-depth look at the Huano Elf and the Jerrzi Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the contrast between the Huano Elf and the Jerrzi Violet offers distinct experiences tailored to different types of users. The Huano Elf boasts a linear design characterized by its POK top housing, resulting in enhanced acoustics and a deep sound signature that pairs well with its medium-light feel. This combination makes it an ideal choice for gamers and typists who prefer a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke without any tactile feedback. In contrast, the Jerrzi Violet is a gentle tactile switch renowned for its smooth actuation and a pleasingly poppy tactility, complemented by a neutral sound profile. This makes it perfect for those who appreciate a physical bump during each keypress, enhancing the overall typing sensation. Both switches cater to unique preferences, with the Elf appealing to those who favor speed and fluidity, while the Violet is better suited for users seeking a tactile experience. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
When examining the housing materials of the Huano Elf and the Jerrzi Violet, a clear distinction is noted in their choice of top housing materials, while both utilize nylon for their bottom housing. The Elf employs POK material for its top, renowned for its durability and smooth operation due to its low coefficient of friction. With wear resistance significantly stronger than POM and superior shock resistance compared to Nylon, the POK top housing is engineered to contribute to a clacky and resilient typing experience. In contrast, the Violet opts for a polycarbonate top housing, which, while also robust, excels in creating a sharp and resonant sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate allows for clearer audio feedback, especially beneficial in setups utilizing RGB lighting, where clarity and aesthetics play an essential role.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Huano Elf and Jerrzi Violet utilize nylon, a material that has long been a staple in switch manufacturing due to its ability to absorb sound effectively. The use of nylon in both switches leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile, resulting in a rounder acoustic experience that enhances the overall typing feel. As both switches share this common characteristic, their performance in terms of sound dampening and tactile feedback are remarkably similar at the bottom end. This shared material contributes to a consistent baseline sound profile, providing a welcome familiarity to users who prefer softer, more muted feedback in their typing experience.
Ultimately, the intricate interplay between the differing top housing materials and the common nylon bottom housing produces unique outcomes for both the Elf and the Violet. While the POK top housing of the Elf delivers a smooth and clacky sound on release, the polycarbonate of the Violet offers a crisper sound when pressed. Despite their differences, both switches maintain a deep and rounded typing experience courtesy of their shared nylon bottom. The integration of each distinct material thus allows for a captivating contrast: the Elf thrives on smooth efficiency while the Violet stands out through aesthetic clarity and resonance, appealing to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, the actuation forces are relatively close, with the Elf requiring 42 grams and the Violet needing a slightly heavier 45 grams to trigger a keystroke. This means that the Huano Elf is the lighter of the two, making it potentially more suitable for long typing sessions or gaming marathons, as less force can reduce finger fatigue. Both switches, however, do not have specified bottom out forces, which prevents direct comparison in that aspect. Since the bottom out force for both switches is unknown, we cannot derive how this might affect overall typing experience. In summary, those who prefer a lighter switch may gravitate towards the Elf, while users seeking a more substantial typing experience may find the Violet more appealing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Elf linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, we see a slight difference: the Elf has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Violet extends to 3.7 mm. This indicates that the Violet switch offers a longer travel distance by 0.1 mm, which may provide a more substantial feeling when pressed down—ideal for those who prefer a deeper stroke in their typing experience. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Elf switch could appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times, as shorter distances generally allow for faster key actuation. Overall, if you favor a more responsive feel, the Huano Elf would be the better choice, while the Jerrzi Violet might cater to those who appreciate a bit more depth in their keystrokes.
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 Jerrzi Violet has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet for $2.30.
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 is known for its deep sound signature, which enhances the overall auditory experience when typing. This satisfying sound profile can create an immersive typing atmosphere, making it appealing for users who enjoy auditory feedback with their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch possesses a neutral sound signature, striking a balance that makes it versatile for various environments—whether it’s at home or in a professional setting. This moderate sound profile enables the Violet to remain unobtrusive, catering particularly well to those who prefer a more subtle auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, the Elf switch provides a medium-light actuation, making it comfortable for prolonged typing sessions without causing fatigue. This lightness allows for quick and effortless keystrokes, appealing to users who prefer smooth and flowing typing. In contrast, the Violet switch features a stepped tactile feel, meaning its actuation provides a distinct but mild tactile bump, creating a sensation of two stages during the keystroke. This combination of pre-travel and post-travel feedback gives typists a clear indication of actuation without being overly pronounced, making it suitable for those who appreciate a tactile response but still desire smoothness.
In conclusion, while the Huano Elf linear switch offers a rich and deep sound with a medium-light feel, the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch provides a balanced auditory experience alongside a gentle tactile feedback. The distinct characteristics of each switch cater to different preferences in sound and feel, allowing users to choose based on what best suits their typing style. Regardless of the choice, both switches promise a satisfying typing experience suited to various user needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Huano Elf linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended usage. If you prefer a smoother, uninterrupted typing experience with a lighter touch and enjoy a satisfying sound signature, then the Elf switch might be the better option for you. Its medium-light feel and deep sound profile can enhance your enjoyment, especially if you’re using it for long typing sessions or prefer gaming where quick key presses are beneficial. On the other hand, if you appreciate a tactile response that provides feedback with each keystroke, the Jerrzi Violet switch could be your ideal choice. Its gentle tactile bump allows for a more engaging and interactive experience, which can be particularly satisfying for typing and makes it versatile enough for both work and casual use. Ultimately, your choice between the Elf and the Violet can shape your overall experience, so consider what you value more in your typing: a smooth, linear feel or a tactile sensation.
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