Huano Elf vs. TTC Flaming Pink

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Elf and TTC Flaming Pink offer distinct typing experiences that appeal to different preferences. The Huano Elf switches are renowned for their POK top housing, which enhances acoustics, resulting in a deep sound signature that produces a satisfying, medium-light feel with each keystroke—ideal for users who appreciate a more muted auditory experience while typing. On the other hand, the TTC Flaming Pink switches stand out with their silky smoothness and responsive feel, providing a clacky yet balanced bottom-out sound that is perfect for both gaming and everyday typing tasks. While the Elf is tailored for those seeking an acoustically rich but gentle typing experience, the Flaming Pink caters to users who desire a lively and dynamic sound profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Huano Elf Linear

TTC Flaming Pink Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$4.29

$4.00 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Elf and the TTC Flaming Pink, we observe a notable difference in their top housing, conflating the functional characteristics with the auditory experience these switches offer. The Elf features a polyketone (POK) top housing, celebrated for its low coefficient of friction (0.04) and exceptional durability, contributing to a smooth and clacky typing experience. This contrasts with the Flaming Pink's polycarbonate housing, known for a stiffer, clearer sound profile that enhances the switch's audibility. The use of polycarbonate brings a sharper and higher-pitched sound, appealing to those who prefer a more resonant acoustic feedback. While both materials have their strengths, the POK enhances tactile smoothness, while the polycarbonate emphasizes auditory clarity and resonance.

Moving to the bottom housing, both switches employ nylon, which creates a sense of continuity in terms of auditory performance between the two. Nylon is renowned for its sound-absorbing properties, resulting in a deeper, fuller sound profile regardless of the switch brand. The use of nylon in both the Elf and Flaming Pink means users can expect a similar acoustic experience when typing, as the softer nature of the material effectively dampens the sound, leading to a rounder, more subdued tone. This shared design element ensures that while the top housings diverge in character, the bottom housings harmonize the overall auditory experience, blending nicely with the different top materials.

In summary, the distinction between the Huano Elf and TTC Flaming Pink lies primarily in their top housing materials, which influence the switches' typographical feel and sound. The Elf's POK provides a smooth, tactile interaction, while the Flaming Pink's polycarbonate delivers a brighter auditory experience. However, the shared nylon bottom housing serves to unify the sound profile, allowing users to enjoy a rounded and muted sound in both switches. Ultimately, this combination ensures that both options cater to different preferences, whether emphasizing the tactile quality or enhancing the clarity of sound.

Weight

The Huano Elf linear switch features an actuation force of 42 grams, making it slightly lighter than the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch, which has an actuation force of 43 grams. This difference, while subtle, may appeal to typists who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the Elf switch's bottom out force is unknown, whereas the Flaming Pink switch has a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that it requires a bit more effort to fully press down compared to the Elf, whose bottoming out characteristics remain unspecified. Therefore, the Flaming Pink switch is the heavier option overall, providing a more substantial push feel that some users may prefer for a more tactile typing experience. If both switches had similar bottom out characteristics, users could expect comparable feedback during typing, but due to the unknown bottom out force of the Elf, it remains uncertain how they would compare in that regard.

Travel distance

The Huano Elf linear switch and the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch both feature an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that users will experience the same physical feedback when pressing down on keys equipped with either switch, resulting in a comparable typing experience. Since both switches have the same travel distance, they will produce similar results in terms of key feel and actuation depth, making them equally responsive during use. Thus, for those seeking consistent performance, either switch would be suitable based on other factors such as sound or personal preference.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Huano Elf switch offers a deep sound signature thanks to its POK top housing, which is designed to enhance acoustics. This can create a rich auditory experience that many users find satisfying during typing. On the other hand, the TTC Flaming Pink switch presents a bright yet not overly loud sound profile. Often characterized as clacky, the Flaming Pink produces a sharp and snappy noise when pressed, which can be crisp and percussive. While both switches have their unique auditory signatures, the Elf's deeper tone contrasts with the Flaming Pink's more vibrant clack, making each suitable for different preferences. It's important to remember that the overall sound experience can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

When evaluating the feel of these two switches, the Huano Elf is known for its medium-light typing feel, which offers a comfortable balance of resistance and responsiveness, contributing to a satisfying user experience. In contrast, the TTC Flaming Pink is praised for its silky smoothness, enhancing the overall typing experience by minimizing resistance during key presses and releases. This smoothness can provide a different tactile sensation that some typists prefer for extended use. Although the Elf's medium-light feel and the Flaming Pink's silky characteristics may seem distinct, both can create an enjoyable typing experience tailored to individual user preference.

In conclusion, both the Huano Elf and TTC Flaming Pink linear switches provide unique sound and feel qualities that can cater to different typing experiences. The Elf delivers a deep sound with a comfortable medium-light feel, while the Flaming Pink offers a bright clack paired with an exceptionally smooth operation. Depending on personal preferences, users may choose one over the other, but both switches can ultimately provide satisfactory results in terms of sound and feel, depending on how they are implemented with various keyboards and keycaps.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the Huano Elf linear switch and the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch, consider your personal preferences regarding typing feel and sound profile, as well as your use case. If you prefer a medium-light feel and a deeper sound signature that might enhance acoustics during your typing experience, especially for casual typing and perhaps even some light gaming, the Huano Elf could be a great option for you. Its design aims to provide a satisfying auditory experience, making it an excellent choice if you prioritize sound over sheer responsiveness. Conversely, if you value a smooth, responsive typing experience with a bit more resistance at the bottom and an engaging yet not overwhelming auditory feedback, the TTC Flaming Pink is likely to suit you better. With its silky feel and clacky sound, it's well-positioned for both gaming sessions and everyday typing, particularly if you enjoy a more pronounced auditory response. Ultimately, the choice hinges on whether you lean towards a more muted, acoustically rich experience with the Elf or a vibrant, crisp feedback of the Flaming Pink.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Elf Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

TTC Flaming Pink Linear

$4.29

$4.00 per 10

Learn more