Huano Elf vs. Gateron Glory Red
An in-depth look at the Huano Elf and the Gateron Glory Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Elf and Gateron Glory Red stand out as two popular options, each catering to different preferences and typing styles. The Huano Elf switches are renowned for their POK top housing, which not only enhances acoustics but also produces a deep sound signature, combining a medium-light feel that many typists find satisfying. This makes the Elf a great choice for those who appreciate a rich auditory experience while typing. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Red switches are celebrated for their lightweight design, providing a smooth keystroke and a pleasant travel distance that offers a more effortless typing experience. This switch is particularly appealing to users who prioritize speed and fluidity in their keystrokes. Ultimately, both switches offer unique benefits tailored to different users; 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
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
POK
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Elf and the Gateron Glory Red, we see significant differences in their top housings, which ultimately influence the switches' overall performance and sound profile during typing. The Elf utilizes POK (polyketone) for its top housing, a material known for its superior strength and durability, being 14 times more wear-resistant than POM and boasting a shock resistance that exceeds that of Nylon. The POK material, with a coefficient of friction of 0.04, allows for a smooth keypress experience, creating a clacky sound that many enthusiasts enjoy. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Red employs nylon as its top housing material, which is a classic choice known particularly for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. While nylon has a lower durability rating than POK, it offers a softer touch and a more muted auditory experience, highlighting how material selection can significantly alter the tactile feedback experienced by users.
In examining the bottom housings of both switches, it is noteworthy that both the Huano Elf and the Gateron Glory Red feature nylon. This shared material helps create uniformity in the auditory experience at the bottom end of the keystroke, allowing both switches to provide a deeper and rounder sound profile upon bottoming out. The absorption properties of nylon diminish sharper sounds, lending a softer feel to the actuation and deepening the overall auditory feedback. This consistency in bottom housing material suggests that regardless of the differences in top housing materials, the switches will share some notable characteristics, particularly in how they sound when fully pressed down.
The interplay between the different housings is essential in understanding the complete typing experience. The POK top housing on the Huano Elf can synergize with the nylon bottom to offer a unique blend of smoothness, strength, and softer acoustic properties facilitated by the nylon. In contrast, the Glory Red's nylon top and bottom housings coalesce to emphasize the softer, fuller sound profile while sacrificing some of the sharpness in sound that might be present with a tougher top housing. Ultimately, while these switches employ differing materials in their top housings, the commonality of nylon in both models' bottom housings bridges the gap, allowing users to achieve similarly satisfying auditory experiences through distinct yet complementary design choices.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch, we see a slight difference in their actuation forces. The Elf has an actuation force of 42 grams, while the Glory Red requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, making the Elf the lighter switch overall. Both switches do not have available data on their bottom out forces, leaving that aspect unknown. However, given their actuation forces, users who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Huano Elf for extended typing or gaming sessions, whereas those who enjoy a firmer response might opt for the Gateron Glory Red for a more substantial feel. Ultimately, while the actuation force differs, both switches lack bottom out force data, so any additional sensations experienced upon bottoming out remain a mystery.
Travel distance
Both the Huano Elf linear switch and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch have an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm, which means that users pressing down on either switch will experience the same distance from top to bottom. As a result, typing and gaming experiences with these switches will feel remarkably similar, as the travel distance directly influences the feel and responsiveness of the keys. Since they share the same travel distance, both switches can provide a consistent performance for users who prioritize smooth linear action in their keyboards.
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 Glory Red has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Red for $4.19.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Huano Elf and Gateron Glory Red linear switches, the Elf is celebrated for its deep sound signature attributed to its POK top housing, which enhances acoustics. This creates a richer audio experience while typing. In contrast, the Glory Red is recognized for producing a more subtle sound, contributing to a quieter typing environment. However, it is important to note that the sound characteristics of both switches can vary based on factors like keyboard construction and keycap choice, meaning users may find similar auditory results depending on their setup.
In terms of feel, the Elf switch offers a medium-light actuation force, which makes it pleasingly responsive and tactile without requiring too much pressure. This balance provides a satisfying experience when typing. The Gateron Glory Red, on the other hand, is the lighter option in its lineup, featuring a smooth keystroke with a comfortable travel distance that enhances the overall typing experience. Both switches are designed to provide smooth operation, but the Elf offers a bit more resistance, catering to users who prefer a slight feedback in their keystrokes.
In conclusion, while both the Huano Elf and Gateron Glory Red linear switches offer enjoyable typing experiences, they present distinct qualities in sound and feel. The Elf's deeper sound and medium-light feel provide a more pronounced auditory experience and slight actuation resistance, while the Glory Red's lighter touch and smoother sound cater to users seeking a quieter, effortless typing experience. Therefore, your choice between them will ultimately depend on whether you prefer a richer acoustics with a bit more resistance, or a lighter, smoother keystroke in a quieter setting.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Huano Elf linear switch and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch, it’s essential to consider your typing style and preferences. If you prefer a switch that enhances acoustics and offers a deeper sound signature, the Huano Elf would be an excellent choice. Its medium-light feel provides a satisfying typing experience, making it suitable for those who enjoy a more tactile feedback with a pleasing auditory response. On the other hand, if you favor an ultra-smooth keystroke and a lighter touch, the Gateron Glory Red is likely to be more your speed. This switch is designed for a comfortable travel distance that excels during extended typing sessions, appealing to users who prioritize ease of use over acoustic characteristics. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you value sound and tactile feedback or smoothness and lightness in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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