KTT Ash Gray vs. Huano Elf
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the Huano Elf switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Ash Gray and the Huano Elf serve as compelling options, each catering to distinct user preferences. The Ash Gray switch is celebrated for its well-balanced tactile feedback that strikes a perfect chord between being noticeable and unobtrusive; it offers a light touch paired with a crisp actuation, ideal for those who appreciate a gentle tactile response without overwhelming sensations. On the other hand, the Huano Elf is a linear switch that excels in delivering a smooth keystroke experience characterized by its medium-light feel and a rich, resonant sound due to its POK top housing. This switch is particularly appealing for users who value a quieter, uninterrupted typing experience devoid of tactile bumps. Both switches offer unique advantages, with the Ash Gray catering to those who enjoy subtle feedback and the Elf appealing to users seeking seamless key presses. 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
38g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Ash Gray and the Huano Elf, notable distinctions manifest in their top housings, which significantly influence sound profiles. The KTT Ash Gray features a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for creating a sharper and crisper sound thanks to its higher stiffness. This material enhances sound clarity and resonance, making it an excellent choice for those who value a pronounced auditory experience. In contrast, the Huano Elf employs a POK (polyketone) material for its top housing, which, while offering smooth action due to its low coefficient of friction, produces a clacky sound profile. Although both materials are designed to enhance the typing experience, their individual properties lead to distinct sound characteristics—polycarbonate favors clarity, while POK leans towards a more engaging clack.
On the other hand, the bottom housing of both switches utilizes nylon, a material recognized for its ability to deliver a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer plastic nature allows it to absorb sound more effectively, contributing to a rounder auditory presence. This shared characteristic between the Ash Gray and the Elf ensures that while the top housing may create different sound effects during typing, the overall typing experience retains a level of consistency due to the nylon bottoms. Consequently, typists can expect a richer sound experience when bottoming out, regardless of whether they are using the KTT Ash Gray or the Huano Elf switches.
Ultimately, the combined effect of these housing materials leads to a unique sound and feel for each switch while highlighting the importance of both top and bottom housings in contributing to the overall typing experience. The differences in top housing materials create distinctive sound profiles upon key release, with polycarbonate accentuating sharpness and clarity, whereas POK favors smoothness and clackiness. However, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches still produce a satisfying depth in sound and tactile feedback. Therefore, despite the variations in top materials, users can achieve exceptional performance and sound quality with either switch by considering how each housing's qualities interact during typing.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Huano Elf linear switch, it is evident that the Ash Gray offers a lighter actuation force at 38 grams compared to the Elf's 42 grams. This means that typists who prefer a softer touch may find the Ash Gray more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Ash Gray is 53 grams, providing a complete tactile experience upon keystroke, whereas the Huano Elf's bottom out force is unknown. Despite the Elf's actuation force being slightly heavier, the lack of a specified bottom out force makes it difficult to fully assess its performance under all conditions. Ultimately, if you appreciate a lighter touch, the Ash Gray would be the preferred option, while the Elf might appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial feel, assuming the bottom out characteristics align with their preferences once further information is available.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Huano Elf linear switch, the Ash Gray measures at 3.5 mm, while the Elf offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Therefore, the Ash Gray is the shorter of the two switches, providing a marginally quicker response time which may be preferable for gamers seeking faster key presses. Conversely, the Huano Elf, with its longer travel distance, might appeal to users who enjoy a more pronounced key feel, as the extra millimeter allows for a deeper engagement before bottoming out. Ultimately, while both switches offer fairly short travel distances in the context of modern preferences, the Ash Gray provides a subtly more responsive experience compared to the Elf.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Ash Gray has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ash Gray for $2.55.
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.
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 it comes to sound, the KTT Ash Gray switch presents a neutral profile, characterized by a moderate actuation force and sound level that accommodates a wide range of users. This makes it an excellent choice for environments like offices or homes, as it strikes a balance that won’t disturb those around you while still providing an audible confirmation of key presses. In contrast, the Huano Elf switch is noted for its deep sound signature, likely attributed to its POK top housing, which enhances acoustics. This richness in sound can create a more immersive typing experience; however, it may be more pronounced than the Ash Gray's more subdued output. Thus, while both switches may be enjoyable, their sound characteristics cater to different auditory preferences.
In terms of feel, the KTT Ash Gray switch excels with its easy-to-press qualities combined with a mild tactile feedback. This means that users can engage with the keyboard effortlessly without experiencing excess resistance, resulting in a comfortable typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue during long sessions. The tactile response is designed to be noticeable yet unobtrusive, appealing to those who appreciate feedback without distractions. In contrast, details about the feel of the Huano Elf switch remain unspecified, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons in this category. The Ash Gray's gentle yet responsive action offers a safe, approachable experience that many will find pleasing.
In conclusion, both the KTT Ash Gray and Huano Elf switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences. The Ash Gray is celebrated for its neutral sound profile and mild tactile feedback, making it accessible and comfortable for various users, while the Elf switch's deep sound provides a different dynamic that may cater to personal preferences. With the available information, users seeking a well-rounded typing experience may gravitate toward the Ash Gray, whereas those looking for a richer acoustic signature might find the Elf more appealing. Ultimately, the choice comes down to individual preference and intended use.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Huano Elf linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you appreciate a tactile response and want a switch that provides substantial feedback without being overwhelming, the Ash Gray would be a great choice for you. Its medium-light actuation force makes it easy to press, reducing fatigue during lengthy typing sessions while still providing that satisfying tactile bump. This makes it ideal for a variety of settings, from the office to gaming, where both responsiveness and comfort are paramount. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth keystroke with a deep sound signature and enjoy the satisfying feel of a linear switch, then the Huano Elf could be the right option. Its unique POK top housing enhances acoustic properties and offers a medium-light typing experience but lacks the tactile feedback that some users might prefer. Ultimately, assess your preferences for tactile versus linear sensations, as well as the sound profile that suits your environment, to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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