Huano Elf vs. TTC Gold Brown

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard, the switch type can greatly influence your typing experience, and comparing the Huano Elf and the TTC Gold Brown switches reveals distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Huano Elf, classified as a linear switch, stands out with its POK top housing that enhances acoustics, offering a deep sound signature and a medium-light feel that many users find satisfying for both gaming and typing. Conversely, the TTC Gold Brown switch is a tactile option that embodies balance, featuring a slight bump that provides a pleasing tactile feedback while maintaining a moderate weightiness. Its rounded sound profile is much softer than many other switches, making it a great choice for those who appreciate a blend of subtlety and responsiveness. Both switches serve their unique purposes well, with the Elf being ideal for those who prefer a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke and the Gold Brown appealing to users who enjoy the confirmation of actuation through tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Huano Elf Linear

TTC Gold Brown Tactile

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$5.00

$3.28 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When examining the housing materials of the Huano Elf and the TTC Gold Brown switches, notable differences arise, particularly in their top housings. The Huano Elf features a polyketone (POK) top housing, which provides smooth operation due to its low coefficient of friction (0.04) and exceptional durability. With wear resistance 14 times stronger than that of POM, and a shock resistance that significantly surpasses both Nylon and POM, the POK contributes to a tactile experience that is smooth, clacky, and exceedingly durable. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown employs polycarbonate for its top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile owing to its stiffer characteristics. This stiffness translates to more clarity and resonance in sound, making polycarbonate an ideal choice when RGB lighting is a consideration. Thus, while the Elf's POK offers a smooth tactile feel, the Gold Brown's polycarbonate offers heightened acoustic clarity.

In contrast, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing material—the classic nylon. The nylon used for both the Huano Elf and TTC Gold Brown exemplifies a well-established choice for switch housings, as it produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Given that nylon is a softer plastic, it excels at sound absorption, resulting in a more muted and rounded auditory experience compared to stiffer materials. This similarity ensures that both switches provide a comparable typing feel and sound from the bottom housing, contributing to an overall consistency in tonal quality despite the differing top housing materials.

When pressed, the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing plays a vital role in the acoustic characteristics when the key is released. Consequently, the contrasting materials of the Elf and Gold Brown (POK versus polycarbonate) produce distinct auditory experiences during both phases of keypresses. The Elf's smooth, clacky performance contrasts with the Gold Brown's crisp and higher-pitched sound, showcasing the impact of housing material on typist experience. Yet, the shared nylon bottom housing binds both models together in delivering a richer auditory experience, allowing users to enjoy the strengths of each switch while benefiting from a familiar sound signature at the bottom.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Huano Elf has an actuation force of 42 grams, making it lighter and potentially more comfortable for extended typing sessions. In contrast, the TTC Gold Brown requires a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, giving it a more substantial feel, which some users may prefer for a more tactile typing experience. However, the bottom out force for the Huano Elf is unspecified, while the Gold Brown has a bottom out force of 63 grams, classified as medium. This indicates that the Gold Brown offers a firmer response when fully pressed down, further contributing to its weightier feel. Therefore, the Elf is better suited for those seeking a lighter touch, while the Gold Brown caters to users who appreciate a stronger feedback during typing.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Elf linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch, the Elf measures at 3.6 mm, while the Gold Brown has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference means that the Gold Brown provides a more traditional depth, appealing to users who appreciate a more tactile experience when typing. On the other hand, the shorter 3.6 mm travel distance of the Elf may suit gamers who favor rapid response times. For those who prefer quicker actuation, the Elf's shorter travel could provide a more immediate feedback, contrasting with the more pronounced actuation of the Gold Brown. Therefore, if you're seeking faster performance, the Huano Elf would be the better choice, while those who value a deeper, more deliberate keystroke might lean toward the TTC Gold Brown.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound of the Huano Elf linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch, distinct characteristics emerge. The Elf switch produces a deep sound signature that resonates well, largely owing to its POK top housing, which is designed to enhance acoustics. This contributes to a satisfying auditory experience that many users find enjoyable, especially during long typing sessions. In contrast, the Gold Brown switch offers a rounded sound profile characterized by a softer sound that strikes a balance, making it suitable for a variety of environments, whether at home or in an office. Its more neutral sound means it won’t overpower a quiet atmosphere, appealing to those who prefer a less pronounced auditory feedback while typing.

When it comes to feel, the Elf switch presents a medium-light typing experience that users find pleasant and engaging. This aligns well with the linear nature of the switch, making each keystroke feel smooth and satisfying without the complexities of tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Gold Brown is described as mild and buttery, providing a gentle and smooth keystroke experience. The tactile bump is present but not overwhelming, allowing for an engaging yet approachable feel. The Gold Brown’s polished finish further enhances the typing experience, providing reduced friction and a refined quality to each keypress, which users often find appealing. This combination of characteristics makes the Gold Brown versatile and suitable for a broader audience.

In conclusion, both the Huano Elf linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Elf’s deep sound and medium-light feel cater to those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory experience with smooth keystrokes, while the Gold Brown's balanced sound and mild, buttery feel offer an accessible yet enjoyable typing sensation that is suitable for a wider audience. While the Elf excels in sound acoustics, the Gold Brown provides an all-around smooth and refined experience, making either switch a worthy choice depending on individual priorities.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Elf linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch, consider your typing preferences and the environments in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you prefer a smoother, more linear feel with an enhanced acoustic profile, the Elf switch might be your best choice. Its medium-light feel makes it ideal for extended typing sessions where you want a satisfying sound without overwhelming force. On the other hand, if you're seeking a balanced typing experience that provides tactile feedback without being too pronounced, then the Gold Brown switch is the way to go. Its slight bump and moderate weightiness offer a comfortable compromise suitable for various tasks, making it versatile for both work and casual gaming. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you desire the fluidity of a linear switch or the nuanced feedback of a tactile one, leading to a more personalized and enjoyable typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Elf Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

TTC Gold Brown Tactile

$5.00

$3.28 per 10

Learn more