Huano Elf vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black
An in-depth look at the Huano Elf and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Elf and Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black both represent excellent choices for enthusiasts looking for linear options, yet they offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Huano Elf distinguishes itself with its POK top housing, designed to enhance acoustics and deliver a deep sound signature alongside a medium-light feel, making it an appealing option for those who enjoy a satisfying yet gentle typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black stands out as the heaviest linear switch in the G Pro series, featuring a robust 60g actuation and 70g bottom-out force, which attracts users who favor a more substantial tactile response. This switch also boasts a medium-high pitch auditory profile and a frosted light diffuser that elevates RGB lighting to new heights. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences regarding sound quality, actuation force, and overall typing experience. 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
42g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Elf and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black switches, it is evident that both employ unique materials that cater to specific auditory and tactile experiences. The Huano Elf utilizes a POK top housing, noted for its smoothness and durability with a coefficient of friction of 0.04. This material not only contributes to a smooth feel when typing but also boasts impressive strength, being significantly more resistant to wear and shock compared to Nylon and POM. In contrast, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black employs a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, which is characterized by a thinner, high-pitched sound profile that is clacky yet not overly sharp. While both materials provide distinct sound profiles, the Elf's POK material prioritizes durability and smoothness, while the G Pro 3.0’s INK blend is engineered for a specific acoustic signature during key releases.
The bottom housings of both switches reveal further differences that impact their overall sound and feel. The Huano Elf features a nylon bottom housing, renowned for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller acoustic experience. This softer material tends to create a more muted playing field for sound, delivering a rounder auditory output. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Black utilizes a POM bottom housing, which is designed to produce a slightly deeper and more muted sound profile than traditional nylon. The unique properties of POM, being harder and less absorbent, lend themselves to a distinct sound that can be characterized as unique and pleasant. Thus, while both bottom housings serve the purpose of influencing the sound upon bottom-out, their materials yield notably different outcomes.
In terms of achieving similar tactile and auditory results, it is crucial to understand that each switch’s performance is influenced by the interplay of its top and bottom housing materials. The Huano Elf balances the characteristics of its durable POK top with a sound-absorbing nylon bottom, leading to an overall smooth and clacky typing experience. Conversely, the G Pro 3.0 Black combines a higher-pitched INK blend top with a resonant POM bottom, resulting in a satisfying clack that is complemented by a deeper timbre. Thus, while the materials differ significantly, users can experience similar satisfaction in sound and feel by understanding how each housing's material contributes to the overall switch performance. With those insights, typists can choose the switch that best aligns with their personal preferences in auditory and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch, there is a clear difference in their actuation forces. The Elf switch requires a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Black has a significantly heavier actuation force of 60 grams, offering a more substantial push feel that some users may favor for a more tactile experience. Regarding the bottom out force, the G Pro 3.0 Black has a defined bottom out force of 70 grams, which adds to its overall heft, while the Elf switch does not have specified bottom out force data available. As a result, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black is the heavier switch overall, ideal for those who appreciate a firmer typing experience, while the lighter Huano Elf switch could be more appealing for those who prioritize comfort and prolonged use.
Travel distance
The Huano Elf linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on the keys, the Elf switch offers a shorter travel distance compared to the G Pro 3.0 Black. For gamers or users who value quicker response times, the Huano Elf might be the preferred option due to its more responsive nature. However, some individuals might find the shorter travel distance of the Elf to feel too abrupt, in which case the G Pro 3.0 Black would be a better choice for those who appreciate a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the key distinction here is that the Elf switch provides a more responsive and swift feel due to its 3.6 mm travel distance, while the G Pro 3.0 Black offers a fuller depth at 4 mm.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black has an MSRP of $2.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Black for $2.77.
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 Huano Elf switch offers a deep sound signature that is likely to resonate well within a variety of keyboard setups, particularly thanks to its POK top housing that enhances acoustics. This results in a more robust auditory experience that can satisfy those who appreciate a pronounced sound during key presses. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black delivers a different auditory profile with its medium-high pitch sound. Some may describe it as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy noise when pressed, while others might recognize it as more subdued compared to the Elf. Overall, the sound experience varies between the two, with the Elf leaning towards a deeper tone and the G Pro offering a crisper yet potentially more muted sound.
When it comes to feel, the Huano Elf is characterized by a medium-light touch that provides a satisfying typing experience, though specifics about its smoothness or resistance are not provided. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Black is marked by its heavier actuation force of 60g and 70g bottom-out, providing a balanced medium-heavy feel. Users can expect an exceptionally creamy and silky typing experience from the G Pro, which enhances smoothness and minimizes resistance. This makes it feel like gliding over the keys— a stark contrast to the lighter, yet undefined feel of the Elf switch.
In conclusion, the Huano Elf linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black offer distinct experiences in both sound and feel. The Elf leans towards a deep auditory profile combined with a medium-light touch, making it suitable for those who prefer a robust acoustic experience. Meanwhile, the G Pro 3.0 Black caters to users who seek a heavier and creamier typing sensation paired with a sharper sound. For newcomers, this comparison highlights how the differences in sound and feel can significantly affect the overall typing experience, providing a clear direction based on personal preference.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between Huano Elf linear switches and Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switches largely depends on your personal typing preferences and the atmosphere in which you will be using your keyboard. If you prefer a lighter touch with a deeper sound profile, the Elf switches would be ideal for you, especially if you enjoy a responsive typing experience that’s suitable for more casual environments or gaming scenarios. The Elf’s medium-light feel, combined with its POK top housing for enhanced acoustics, offers a distinct pleasure in both sound and tactile feedback without being overly heavy. On the other hand, if you lean towards a heavier switch that provides a more substantial typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 Black would likely suit you better. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 70 grams and creamy, silky feel make it ideal for long typing sessions or for users who prefer a more defined resistance. Furthermore, the clacky auditory experience of the G Pro 3.0 Black can enhance your typing rhythm, making it an excellent choice for not only productivity but also for users who enjoy typographic feedback. Ultimately, both switches have their strengths, so choose based on whether you prioritize weight and feedback sensitivity or a more immersive auditory experience.
Mentioned in this article
