Gateron CM vs. Huano Elf
An in-depth look at the Gateron CM and the Huano Elf switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CM and the Huano Elf both offer unique experiences tailored to different typing preferences, though they share the common trait of being linear switches. The Gateron CM stands out for its innovative full nylon housing, which breaks away from the more conventional polycarbonate, resulting in a rich and deep sound signature that complements its impeccable factory lubing. This switch promises an effortlessly smooth typing journey, characterized by a buttery and polished feel, enhanced by a lengthened, dual-staged spring that provides a delightful bounce with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Huano Elf, with its POK top housing, emphasizes enhanced acoustics to deliver a similarly deep sound signature but features a medium-light feel for those who prefer a slightly less resistance while typing. While the CM leans toward a thocky, frictionless typing experience, the Elf offers a balance of satisfaction with its nuanced sound profile. Both switches appeal to different user preferences, whether you're looking for a more pronounced auditory feedback or a lighter touch. 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
55g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Nylon
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Dual-staged 20mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The Gateron CM and Huano Elf switches utilize different materials in their top housing, which contributes to their unique sound profiles and tactile feel. The Gateron CM features a nylon top housing, known for its softer composition that absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. This characteristic results in a deeper and fuller auditory experience when typing, producing a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Huano Elf switches are made with a top housing crafted from POK, or polyketone. This material is recognized for its exceptional smoothness due to its low coefficient of friction, as well as superior durability and shock resistance. While both switches have distinct top housing materials, the Gateron CM’s nylon may present a more muted sound profile compared to the Huano Elf’s potentially sharper and more pronounced auditory output.
Moving to the bottom housing, both the Gateron CM and Huano Elf switches feature nylon as their material. This commonality means that when both switches are pressed, users will experience a similar sound profile characterized by a deeper and fuller effect. The nylon bottom housing's ability to absorb sound contributes to creating a subdued bottom-out sound that dampens the overall typing experience, regardless of the switch's top housing. Therefore, while the top housings contribute unique aspects to the acoustic feedback of each switch, the identical nylon material used in the bottom housing helps bridge the auditory experience between the two switches, maintaining a consistent baseline sound quality.
In summary, the primary differences between the Gateron CM and Huano Elf stems from their top housing materials. The CM’s nylon top housing offers a softer and more muted touch, while the Elf’s POK material brings a smoother, more durable, and potentially crisper feedback. However, due to the shared nylon bottom housing, the overall typing experience retains a level of continuity in terms of sound dampening and feel, regardless of the disparity in the top housings. Consequently, users can expect a commendable acoustic experience from both switches, albeit with nuances shaped by their distinct top material characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron CM linear switch and the Huano Elf linear switch, a distinct difference in actuation force is evident. The Gateron CM requires an actuation force of 55 grams, which classifies it as medium-heavy, while the Huano Elf is notably lighter at 42 grams. This lighter actuation force in the Elf makes it an ideal choice for users who prefer ease of typing over extended periods, such as during long work hours or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force for the Elf switch is unknown, making it difficult to assess its overall feedback during heavy key presses. In contrast, the CM's bottom out force is recorded at 63.5 grams, further confirming its heavier tactile experience. In summary, while the Gateron CM offers a more substantial feel with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, the Huano Elf provides a lighter and likely more comfortable typing experience, albeit with an incomplete picture regarding its bottoming out properties.
Travel distance
The Gateron CM linear switch and the Huano Elf linear switch both feature an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressed, each switch travels the same distance from the top to the bottom, ultimately providing users with a similar tactile experience during use. As both switches have the same travel distance, users can expect similar actuation characteristics and key feel, which may appeal to those looking for consistency in their keyboard experience. Overall, the equal travel distance ensures that both switches deliver comparable performance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CM has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CM for $4.25.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron CM linear switch is notable for its deep, bassy, and thocky characteristics, offering a rich auditory experience that many typists find satisfying. The resonance created by its full nylon housing enhances the overall sound signature, providing a low-pitched tone reminiscent of a deep thud or soft knock with each keystroke. This rich acoustic profile contributes to an engaging typing ambiance that can be quite appealing. On the other hand, the Huano Elf switch does not have a detailed sound profile provided, making it difficult to compare directly. However, the Elf's use of a POK top housing is intended to improve acoustics, suggesting a different sonic quality that could still provide a satisfying experience though specifics are unknown.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron CM switch excels in delivering a buttery, polished, creamy, and frictionless typing experience. These qualities stem from the meticulous factory lube job and the materials used, allowing for an effortless gliding sensation across the keys. Typists will likely appreciate the smoothness and seamless key travel, feeling as if they are gliding gracefully with each keystroke. The Huano Elf switches lack specific descriptors regarding their feel, leading to a gap in knowledge about their tactile characteristics. This uncertainty poses an interesting challenge, as it's difficult to ascertain how they compare in terms of the smoothness or overall typing experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron CM linear switch stands out with its rich sound profile and exceptional feel, making it an attractive choice for both novice and experienced typists seeking a luxurious typing experience. The vibrant acoustics and buttery smoothness are key highlights that set it apart. On the other hand, while the Huano Elf linear switch suggests potential for a satisfying sound experience with enhanced acoustics, the lack of detailed information on its tactile feel leaves a void in understanding how it stacks against the CM. Ultimately, if you're looking for similar results in sound and feel, the Gateron CM offers a well-defined and pleasurable typing journey, while the Huano Elf's qualities remain largely undefined, leaving room for exploration and personal preference.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Gateron CM and Huano Elf linear switches ultimately hinges on your specific preferences for tactile feedback, sound signature, and overall typing experience. If you favor a more pronounced auditory experience with a deeper sound profile and a medium-heavy actuation feel, then Gateron CM switches would be the ideal choice for you. Their unique full nylon housing and expertly applied factory lubrication provide a buttery and frictionless typing sensation, perfect for extended typing sessions or gaming where smooth keystrokes are essential. On the other hand, if you're inclined towards a lighter touch and possibly more agile feel during your key presses, you might want to consider the Huano Elf switches, which, although lacking specific bottom-out force details, are known for their enhanced acoustics with a satisfying response. In short, choose the Gateron CM for a rich, immersive experience with a heavier feel, while the Huano Elf is likely preferable if you appreciate a lighter, more nimble touch without compromising on sound quality.
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