Huano Elf vs. Gateron Glory Yellow
An in-depth look at the Huano Elf and the Gateron Glory Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Elf and Gateron Glory Yellow present two appealing options for enthusiasts seeking linear switches. The Huano Elf is renowned for its unique POK top housing, which enhances acoustics and produces a deep sound signature, coupled with a medium-light feel that facilitates a satisfying typing experience. Its blend of tactile feedback and acoustic depth makes it an attractive choice for those who appreciate a more pronounced auditory experience while typing. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Yellow offers a heavier feel, making it stand out in the Glory lineup. This switch delivers a smooth keystroke with an enjoyable travel distance, ideal for users who prefer a more substantial feedback without the noisy interruptions of clicky switches. Both switches cater to different preferences; while the Elf leans towards a lighter and acoustically rich typing experience, the Glory Yellow emphasizes a substantial feel and fluid keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
50g
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
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Elf and the Gateron Glory Yellow switches, one of the most notable differences lies in their choice of top housing materials. The Huano Elf features a POK (polyketone) top housing, prized for its low friction coefficient of 0.04, which contributes to creating one of the smoothest switch experiences available. In contrast, the Glory Yellow utilizes a nylon top housing with a slightly higher friction coefficient of 0.03, which still provides a smooth typing experience but could be considered marginally less fluid than the Elf's configuration. While both materials ultimately aim to achieve a pleasant tactile feedback, the POK's superior durability—being significantly stronger and more shock-resistant than nylon—might appeal to users who prioritize longevity and responsiveness in their switches.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Huano Elf and the Gateron Glory Yellow use nylon, a classic choice known for its acoustic properties. As noted, nylon's softer composition allows it to absorb sound, producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder materials. This similarity means that when it comes to the bottoming out of the switches, both the Elf and the Glory Yellow deliver comparable auditory and tactile experiences. The shared nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches mitigate the harsher sounds that can accompany mechanical key switches, resulting in a more satisfying feedback sound when the key is pressed all the way down.
Ultimately, while the Huano Elf and the Gateron Glory Yellow exhibit distinct characteristics in their top housings, they align closely in their bottom housings. This combination creates an interesting dynamic in how sound and feel are perceived during use. The unique properties of POK in the Elf's top housing enhance smoothness and durability, while the shared nylon bottom offers a rich acoustic experience. Users looking for a balance between smoothness, durability, and auditory satisfaction will find that both switches provide a compelling and effective performance; the differences in their materials will influence the subtleties of feel and sound without detracting from the overall quality of the switch.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch to the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch, the actuation forces show a notable difference, with the Elf requiring a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, while the Glory Yellow demands a heavier 50 grams. This makes the Elf more suitable for those who prefer a lighter feel, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue, which is beneficial for both work and extended gaming. Unfortunately, the bottom out forces for both switches are unavailable, so we cannot make any comparisons on that aspect. However, with the available information, we can conclude that the Huano Elf is the lighter option, ideal for users seeking a softer typing experience, while the Gateron Glory Yellow appeals to those who enjoy a more substantial push feel due to its heavier actuation force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Huano Elf linear switch measures 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Elf switch offers a shorter travel distance compared to the Glory Yellow, making it potentially more appealing for gamers who prefer quicker response times and a more rapid actuation. In contrast, the Glory Yellow, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial feel for those who enjoy a deeper and more deliberate keystroke. Ultimately, your choice between these switches may hinge on whether you prioritize speed and responsiveness or a more pronounced tactile experience.
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 Yellow 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 Yellow 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
The sound profile of the Huano Elf linear switch is characterized by a deep resonance that enhances the acoustic experience thanks to its POK top housing, which contributes to a richer audio quality. This creates a satisfying auditory feedback during typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch is noted for its smooth sound and pleasant travel distance, producing a more refined and consistent audio output. However, the actual sound produced by both switches can vary significantly depending on the keyboard build, specifically the choice of board and keycaps used, meaning users could achieve a somewhat similar sound profile with appropriate customization.
When it comes to feel, the Elf switch is recognized for its medium-light resistance, providing a satisfying typing experience that balances ease of actuation with enough feedback for responsive typing. The Gateron Glory Yellow, being the heavier switch in its lineup, offers a more substantial tactile feel, making it ideal for those who prefer a more defined pressing sensation while typing. The differing weight and response of the two switches allow users to choose based on their personal preference for typing force and feedback characteristics.
In conclusion, while both the Huano Elf and Gateron Glory Yellow switches provide enjoyable typing experiences, they cater to slightly different preferences in sound and feel. The Elf's deep sound and medium-light actuation offer a more acoustic-centric typing experience, while the Glory Yellow focuses on providing a smoother and heavier keystroke. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize sound quality or typing resistance, but with the right setup and keycap combination, users can tailor their experience to achieve satisfying results with either switch.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Huano Elf linear switch and the Gateron Glory Yellow switch, your personal preferences and typing style play a crucial role. If you value acoustic performance and desire an immersive typing environment, the Huano Elf is your go-to option due to its POK top housing, which enhances sound and provides a medium-light feel for a satisfying experience. It’s a great choice for those who enjoy a deeper sound signature and lighter actuation during casual gaming or daily typing tasks. On the other hand, if you prefer a well-balanced and enjoyable keystroke with a heavier feel, the Gateron Glory Yellow switch might be better suited for you. With its smooth travel and pleasing resistance, it’s an excellent fit for extensive typing sessions or more competitive gaming scenarios where precise control is imperative. Ultimately, both switches offer unique benefits, so consider what aspects are most important to your individual preferences—acoustic feel or keystroke firmness—to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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