Huano Elf vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver
An in-depth look at the Huano Elf and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two notable contenders in the linear category are the Huano Elf and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver. The Huano Elf stands out for its unique POK top housing, which enhances acoustics and delivers a satisfying deep sound signature paired with a medium-light feel, making it ideal for those who appreciate a quality typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver caters especially to gamers, featuring a shorter travel distance of 3.4mm that provides lightning-fast responsiveness, a crucial trait for competitive gaming scenarios. Additionally, its vibrant RGB lighting and medium-high pitch sound contribute to an exhilarating gaming environment. While the Elf prioritizes an immersive typing experience, the G Pro Silver focuses on delivering ultimate performance at an affordable price. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
22mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Elf and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver, we observe distinct characteristics that influence the feel and auditory output of each switch. The Huano Elf features a POK top housing made from polyketone, which is celebrated for its smoothness and strength. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, the POK material provides a slightly smoother experience than Gateron's polycarbonate housing, which is known for its stiffer composition and heightened sound clarity. The POK material's durability, being 14 times stronger than POM and boasting superior shock resistance, suggests that the Elf switches will deliver a more robust and long-lasting performance compared to the G Pro 3.0 Silver, whose polycarbonate construction, while offering a sharper sound profile, lacks in wear resistance.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Huano Elf and the G Pro 3.0 Silver utilize nylon, a staple in switch design known for its ability to provide a deeper, fuller sound profile. This shared material means that both switches will elicit a similar auditory experience when pressing down on them, as nylon absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a duller yet rounded acoustic characteristic. Consequently, while the top housings diverge in their specific effects— with the Elf yielding a more smooth feel and resonant sound and the Gateron offering a clearer and crisper auditory feedback— the bottom housing remains consistent, thereby retaining that fuller sound.
Ultimately, when considering the overall sound and feel of the switches, the differences in the top housing materials of the Huano Elf and Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver will dictate their individual characteristics while the shared nylon bottom housing contributes to a familiar sensation and sound profile. The POK’s unique qualities may provide smoother and more durable performance on the keypress, while the polycarbonate's rigidity could lead to a crisper release sound. Therefore, if one were to mix these switches in a keyboard, the combination of materials would generate a range of auditory experiences, each defined by the interplay of strength, smoothness, and acoustic resonance.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that cater to different preferences. The Elf switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the G Pro 3.0 Silver's 45 grams, making the Elf more suitable for those who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, ideal for long hours of use, be it for work or gaming. However, the bottom out force for the Elf is unknown, while the G Pro 3.0 Silver has a clear bottom out force of 50 grams, suggesting a more substantial feedback when pressed fully down. This heavier bottom out force can enhance the typing experience for users who enjoy a stronger push feel. Therefore, if one prefers a lighter switch for extended typing sessions, the Huano Elf is the better choice; conversely, for those seeking more tactile feedback, the G Pro 3.0 Silver, with its heavier actuation and concrete bottom out force, may be more appealing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Elf linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch, the Elf features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the G Pro 3.0 Silver has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Huano Elf offers a deeper feel with its longer travel distance, making it a better choice for those who prefer a more substantial keypress experience. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Silver, with its shorter travel distance, caters to gamers and users who prioritize faster response times and a snappier feel. Therefore, if you value a more responsive action, the G Pro 3.0 Silver would be the ideal choice, whereas the Huano Elf is suited for those who enjoy a more pronounced key travel.
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 Silver has an MSRP of $3.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Silver for $3.27.
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 linear switch is noted for its deep sound signature, which can enhance the overall acoustic experience during use. The Elf's POK top housing contributes to this acoustic depth, making each keystroke pleasantly satisfying. In contrast, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switch offers a different auditory quality with its low-pitched, thocky sound profile. This switch produces a rich and bass-heavy acoustics, characterized by a soft "thud" that is engaging during gameplay and typing sessions. While both switches produce enjoyable sounds, the Elf leans more towards a deep resonance, whereas the G Pro 3.0 Silver stands out with its thocky, bassy notes that can enhance the overall auditory excitement in gaming.
When it comes to feel, the Elf switch features a medium-light resistance, allowing for a satisfying but not overly heavy typing experience. This balance makes it suitable for both casual and intensive typing sessions. Meanwhile, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switch is celebrated for its extremely smooth "buttery" feel, which is further described as "creamy." This silkiness provides a seamless keystroke experience that allows users to glide effortlessly from key to key. Although the G Pro Silver offers a more refined and effortless typing sensation compared to the Elf’s medium-light feel, each switch caters to a different preference: one prioritizing comfort and fluidity, whereas the other offers a balanced tactile resistance.
Overall, both the Huano Elf and Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches provide distinct auditory and tactile experiences suited to different types of users. The Elf is ideal for those seeking a deeper sound and a moderately light typing feel, while the G Pro 3.0 Silver excels in delivering a fast and smooth typing and gaming experience with its unique auditory characteristics. Depending on your preferences for sound and tactile feedback, either switch can enhance your mechanical keyboard experience significantly, though they provide different flavors of satisfaction based on their unique designs and intended use cases.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Huano Elf linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch, your choice should primarily hinge on your specific needs and usage context. If you are looking for a switch that emphasizes sound and feel, and you appreciate a richer, deeper sound profile along with a satisfying medium-light typing experience, the Huano Elf is likely your best bet. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a thocky and bassy auditory feedback that can enhance the tactile sensation while typing. Conversely, if you prioritize gaming performance and responsiveness, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switch should be your go-to option. With its shorter travel distance and a bottom-out force that allows for faster key presses, this switch is engineered for quick response times, making it ideal for competitive gaming scenarios. Additionally, its buttery and creamy feel ensures a smooth and enjoyable typing experience, while the vibrant RGB lighting it supports adds a visual flair to your setup. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you value acoustic satisfaction or the demand for rapid, responsive gameplay.
Mentioned in this article
