Gateron Beer vs. Huano Elf
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Huano Elf switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Beer and Huano Elf offer distinctive experiences tailored to different preferences. The Gateron Beer, with its vibrant translucent green design, presents a tactile feel characterized by a stepped tactility that provides a subtle feedback while typing, making it ideal for those who prefer a mix of response and smoothness without overwhelming resistance. Additionally, the Beer switch produces a clacky sound, adding a delightful auditory dimension to the typing experience, perfect for users who enjoy a bit of acoustic flair. In contrast, the Huano Elf, known for its POK top housing that enhances acoustics, delivers a linear typing experience with a medium-light feel. This switch allows for effortless keystrokes, making it a prime candidate for gamers and typists who prioritize speed and fluidity over tactile feedback. While both switches cater to unique preferences—whether you’re attracted to the tactile warmth and sound of the Gateron Beer or the smooth, quiet elegance of the Huano Elf—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Beer and Huano Elf switches showcase distinct housing materials that contribute significantly to their respective acoustic and tactile profiles. The Beer utilizes polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings. This choice of material is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound, as its stiffer structure enhances resonance and clarity. This is especially advantageous for users who value crisp auditory feedback in their typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting, enabling vibrant illumination through the switch for aesthetically pleasing setups.
In contrast, the Huano Elf employs a combination of POK material for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. While the top's POK material provides a smooth feel and contributes to a sharp, clacky sound profile, the nylon bottom housing introduces a deeper, fuller sound due to its softer nature. This combination allows the Elf to offer a unique auditory experience, as the POK top delivers pronounced high frequencies during key releases while the nylon base absorbs sound, resulting in a balanced and rounded overall sound signature. The significant differences in material properties of POK and nylon lead to a more complex tonal interplay compared to the consistency of the Gateron Beer.
Ultimately, while the Gateron Beer maintains a uniform sound profile derived from the single material used in both housings, the Huano Elf's dual-material construction allows for diversified auditory feedback. If one were to prioritize a clear, crisp sound with heightened RGB light performance, the Beer would be more suitable. However, for those seeking a blend of smoothness and depth in sound, the Elf would stand out. If both switches were used in a typing scenario, one would experience the Beer’s consistent high-register feedback compared to the Elf’s rich acoustic layer enriched by its material integration. As such, although different in their material makeup, both switches can deliver satisfying results in their own unique ways depending on the user’s preference for sound profile and tactile feedback.
Weight
The Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Huano Elf linear switch exhibit differences in actuation force, providing distinct experiences for users. The Beer switch has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option, ideal for long typing sessions or extensive gaming. In contrast, the Elf switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 42 grams, signaling a heavier touch, which some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. However, the bottom out force for the Elf switch is unknown, leaving it unclear how it feels when pressed all the way down. Overall, if you desire lighter switches, the Gateron Beer is the better choice, while those who favor a stronger tactile feedback may lean towards the Huano Elf.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Huano Elf linear switch, the Beer switch features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Elf switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that, for users who prioritize responsiveness and quicker key presses, the Beer switch offers a shorter travel distance, potentially facilitating faster response times which is often favored by gamers. On the other hand, the Elf's longer travel distance may cater to those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing, providing a buffer against the abruptness that can accompany shorter distances. Ultimately, if you're looking for a switch that delivers a snappier response, the Gateron Beer would be the ideal choice, while the Huano Elf may be preferable for those who value a deeper press.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Beer has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Beer for $4.59.
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
The sound signature of the Gateron Beer tactile switch is notable for its clacky character, delivering a crisp, bright, and percussive tone when activated. This sharp auditory feedback can be quite satisfying for users who enjoy an engaging typing experience with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Huano Elf linear switch features a deep sound signature due to its POK top housing, which enhances acoustics. While the Elf’s sound profile may not be as explicitly defined as the Beer’s, it is likely to produce a smoother and quieter typing experience. However, it is important to note that the overall sound of both switches can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard’s construction and the type of keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Beer tactile switch is characterized by its easy-to-press design and stepped tactility, offering a light actuation force that results in minimal resistance. This design feature allows for a comfortable typing experience, making it ideal for extended use without causing finger fatigue. The stepped tactile feedback provides a gentle sensation during key presses, making it a subtle but enjoyable experience. Conversely, the feel of the Huano Elf switch is described as medium-light, suggesting a satisfactory typing experience. However, without additional information on the specifics of its tactile feedback, we cannot determine how it might compare against the Beer in terms of responsiveness and overall comfort during long typing sessions.
In conclusion, while both the Gateron Beer and Huano Elf switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, they provide distinct auditory and tactile experiences. The Beer excels in delivering a lively, clacky sound with a comfortable, lightweight feel, ideal for those who appreciate tactile feedback and engaging sound. Meanwhile, the Elf switch leans towards a deeper, smoother auditory experience, paired with a satisfying, albeit less defined, feel. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a pronounced tactile experience with lively sound or prefer a quieter and smoother typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, the choice between Gateron Beer tactile switches and Huano Elf linear switches largely hinges on your personal preferences and intended use. If you enjoy a light, tactile experience that combines a unique character with an engaging sound profile, the Beer switches could be ideal for you. Their distinct clacky sound and easy-to-press feel make them perfect for frequent typists and gamers who appreciate responsive feedback without too much resistance. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother typing experience without any tactile bump and want to enjoy a deeper sound signature, the Huano Elf linear switches may be more suitable for your needs. They are designed for those who favor a sleek keystroke, making them excellent for activities like gaming or coding where you need to type quickly and efficiently without distraction. Ultimately, your choice should reflect what aspects of feel, sound, and actuation force resonate most with your typing style and usage scenarios.
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