TTC Bluish White vs. Huano Elf
An in-depth look at the TTC Bluish White and the Huano Elf switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Bluish White and the Huano Elf offer distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences and experiences. The TTC Bluish White is a tactile switch renowned for its satisfyingly poppy typing experience and snappy sound profile, making it an excellent choice for typists who enjoy feedback with each keystroke. Its design is classified as buttery and polished, providing a smooth yet pronounced tactile bump that many users find compelling for both productivity and gaming. In contrast, the Huano Elf is a linear switch celebrated for its deep sound signature and medium-light feel, designed for those who prefer a uninterrupted, smooth keypress without the tactile feedback that defines the Bluish White. The Elf’s POK top housing enhances acoustics, providing a unique auditory experience that further distinguishes it from tactile switches. Both switches offer appealing features tailored to different user needs; the Bluish White for those who crave tactile satisfaction and auditory feedback, and the Elf for users seeking a fluid typing experience with deeper sound. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The TTC Bluish White and the Huano Elf switches feature distinct top housings that contribute uniquely to their overall sound profiles. The Bluish White employs a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relative stiffness. This characteristic allows for a more pronounced resonance, especially when RGB lighting is incorporated, as the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visual effect. In contrast, the Huano Elf utilizes a POK (polyketone) top housing that, while also designed for superior sound, focuses more on smoothness and durability. With a lower coefficient of friction and remarkable wear resistance, the POK material yields a sound that is more clacky and tactile, adding a different dimension to the user experience, yet it may not achieve the same level of brightness as polycarbonate.
In terms of bottom housings, both the TTC Bluish White and the Huano Elf utilize nylon, which is a well-regarded material for switch housings. Nylon is recognized for its softer composition, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile that absorbs sounds efficiently. This shared characteristic suggests that both switches will deliver a rich audio experience, as the nylon bottom housing in both models promotes a rounder sound with a resonant quality. Although the top housing materials differ in their contributions to sound—whether it be the crispness of polycarbonate or the smoothness of POK—the income produced from the nylon bottom housing is a commonality that helps dampen noise and create a robust auditory foundation.
As previously mentioned, if the top and bottom housings differ, the qualities of each material will influence the overall performance of the switch. The TTC Bluish White, with its polycarbonate top and nylon bottom, creates a distinct sound when the key is released, highlighting its stiffness and brightness. In contrast, the Huano Elf's combination of a POK top and nylon bottom provides a balance between a clacky feel during actuation and a fuller tone upon bottoming out. Thus, while both switches integrate nylon in the lower housing for depth and resonance, the differences in their top materials lead to varied auditory experiences during both activation and release, catering to diverse preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Huano Elf linear switch share the same actuation force of 42 grams, which means users will experience a similarly light touch when pressing either switch to register a keystroke. This characteristic makes both options ideal for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons, as they require minimal effort to actuate. However, the Bluish White switch has a defined bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating a slightly heavier feel when pressing the key all the way down, while the Elfin's bottom out force remains unspecified. Consequently, while the actuation forces are equal, the presence of a bottom out measurement in the Bluish White suggests that it may offer more feedback at the end of a keystroke compared to the Elf switch, which is advantageous for users who appreciate a more tactile response. Overall, the Bluish White is the heavier switch due to its defined bottom out force, while the Elf is the lighter option as it lacks that specification.
Travel distance
The TTC Bluish White tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Huano Elf linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Although both switches fall within the range typical for modern keyboards, the Bluish White provides a marginally shorter travel distance, making it potentially more appealing for gamers who prioritize quick response times. On the other hand, the Elf’s 3.6 mm travel distance may offer a more substantial feel, which some users might prefer for a richer typing experience. Overall, while the difference in travel distance is minimal, those looking for a more responsive action might opt for the Bluish White, whereas those appreciating deeper feedback could lean towards the Elf.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Bluish White has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bluish White for $4.63.
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 TTC Bluish White tactile switch is recognized for its snappy and poppy auditory feedback. This switch produces a low-pitched sound profile, contributing to a typing experience that feels more bass-heavy and mellow, making each keystroke satisfying without being overly harsh. In contrast, the Huano Elf linear switch features a deep sound signature that offers a distinctly different acoustic profile. Although the specific characteristics of the Elf's sound are less detailed, linear switches like the Elf typically provide a smoother and quieter operation compared to tactile switches, which might make it less distracting in shared environments.
In terms of feel, the Bluish White stands out for its buttery and polished typing experience, marrying smoothness with a subtle tactile bump. These switches provide a mild and accessible typing experience, with a stepped tactile feedback that allows users to perceive the keystroke in stages, offering both clarity and a gentle pushback. The Elf linear switch, however, does not possess tactile feedback, leading to a more uniform feel throughout key travel, which is generally characterized by a medium-light resistance. This results in a consistent typing experience, although it may lack the tactile nuances that some typists prefer in tactile switches like the Bluish White.
Overall, the TTC Bluish White and Huano Elf switches cater to different typing preferences. While the Bluish White offers a more engaging and tactile typing experience with a satisfying sound signature, the Elf provides a quieter and smoother journey, ideal for those who appreciate linear switches. Each switch’s performance can also be influenced by other factors, such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps, meaning individual experiences may vary. Ultimately, whether you seek a fun, tactile pop with the Bluish White or the fluid elegance of the Elf, both can deliver distinct yet enjoyable typing experiences tailored to your preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between TTC Bluish White tactile switches and Huano Elf linear switches ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a light, tactile feedback with a satisfying pop and low-pitched sound, the Bluish White is an excellent option for you. Its buttery and polished feel provides a smooth typing experience, while the mild, subtle resistance makes it approachable for extended periods of use. It’s particularly well-suited for those who appreciate a tactile response that’s not overly aggressive, making it a great choice for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper sound signature and a medium-light typing feel without any tactile feedback, then the Huano Elf linear switch may be your ideal match. While specifics on the feel of the Elf aren’t provided, linear switches generally offer a more consistent keystroke without the tactile bump, which many users find preferable for fast-paced gaming or a more straightforward typing experience. In essence, consider the Bluish White for a tactile, engaging experience, and opt for the Elf if you value smooth, uninterrupted key presses. Ultimately, your preference between tactile feedback and linear smoothness will guide you towards the best switch for your needs.
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