Huano Elf vs. TTC Gold Brown Pro
An in-depth look at the Huano Elf and the TTC Gold Brown Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a crucial role in shaping your typing experience. The Huano Elf, a linear switch, is celebrated for its POK top housing, which enhances acoustics to produce a rich, deep sound signature. This switch delivers a satisfying medium-light feel, making it an ideal choice for those who favor smooth, uninterrupted keystrokes without the tactile feedback of a bump. In contrast, the TTC Gold Brown Pro stands out for its tactile characteristics, featuring a gentle bump that offers subtle feedback without disrupting your flow. With its muted sound profile, this switch is perfect for users who appreciate a nuanced typing experience—allowing for focused immersion without the harshness of louder keystrokes. While each switch has its distinct appeal—whether you're after the silky smoothness of a linear switch or the understated tactility of a tactile option—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
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
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
NPI
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the Huano Elf and the TTC Gold Brown Pro, it becomes evident that they differ significantly in their top housing. The Elf employs a polyketone (POK) material, renowned for its exceptional strength, low coefficient of friction, and superior shock resistance compared to standard materials like Nylon and POM. This combination results in a smooth, clacky, and remarkably durable switch experience. In contrast, the Gold Brown Pro utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is a stiffer and more resonant material. This leads to a crisp and higher-pitched sound profile, particularly beneficial for users seeking an optimal RGB lighting experience due to the material's translucency. Therefore, while the Elf's POK contributes to a smooth feel and durability, the Gold Brown Pro's polycarbonate emphasizes sharper acoustics and aesthetics.
The bottom housings of both switches, however, feature nylon, creating a bridge between the two models in terms of sound profile. Nylon is a time-honored material favored for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound, primarily because of its softer nature that absorbs sound effectively. As a result, despite the differences in the top housing materials, both switches yield a similar acoustic experience from the bottom housing, which is more pronounced during key presses. This synergy in sound profile from the nylon bottom housing helps maintain a consistent tactile experience despite the variation in the top housing materials.
Ultimately, the contrasting characteristics of the top and bottom housing materials lead to unique sound and tactile experiences in each switch. The Huano Elf’s POK top enhances smoothness and durability, while the TTC Gold Brown Pro’s polycarbonate top delivers a sharper sound. However, the presence of nylon in the bottom housings ensures a shared foundation of deeper acoustics that accentuate the individual strengths of each switch. Users can thus appreciate the unique advantages while still recognizing the common ground provided by the nylon material, leading to a well-rounded typing experience in both switches.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch, we see some notable differences in their actuation forces. The Huano Elf has an actuation force of 42 grams, which means it requires a relatively light touch to trigger a keystroke, making it an appealing choice for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the TTC Gold Brown Pro has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, offering a more substantial push for those who prefer a firmer typing experience. Both switches have their bottom out forces listed as unavailable, so a comparison in that area is not possible. However, the Elf is the lighter option between the two, while the Gold Brown Pro feels more robust. Users who favor lighter switches for extended use may gravitate towards the Huano Elf, whereas those seeking a stronger feedback during typing might find the TTC Gold Brown Pro more satisfying.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Huano Elf linear switch measures 3.6 mm, while the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This difference of 0.2 mm makes the Elf the shorter option, which can be advantageous for gamers seeking quicker response times for their fast-paced actions. Conversely, the Gold Brown Pro, with its greater depth, may appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke and a less abrupt feel. Ultimately, if you're looking for a more responsive typing experience, the Huano Elf would be the better choice, whereas if you prefer a more substantial key press, the TTC Gold Brown Pro might be more to your liking.
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 TTC Gold Brown Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown Pro for $2.90.
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 it comes to sound, the Huano Elf linear switch stands out with its deep sound signature, which delivers a satisfying auditory response when typing. This characteristic makes it quite an engaging option for those who appreciate auditory feedback alongside their tactile experience. In contrast, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch offers a more subdued auditory profile, characterized by a thocky, low-pitched sound that leans towards a neutral tone. Thus, while the Elf provides a pronounced and satisfying sound, the Gold Brown Pro embraces a more refined and quiet essence, allowing for a subtle typing atmosphere, particularly appealing in shared spaces.
In terms of feel, the Elf switch delivers a medium-light experience that feels enjoyable and satisfying, perfect for long typing sessions without inducing hand fatigue. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown Pro presents a polished and silky smoothness that enhances typing fluidity, mitigating any potential friction during key presses. Its mild and subtle characteristics ensure a gentle tactile feel, allowing users to navigate their typing tasks comfortably. While the Elf’s linear action offers a consistent keystroke, the Gold Brown Pro’s stepped tactile feedback creates a distinct yet gentle interaction that can help typists gauge their keystrokes without being overly intrusive.
In conclusion, both switches cater to different user preferences, emphasizing distinct auditory and tactile experiences. The Huano Elf is ideal for typists who enjoy deeper acoustic feedback and a light feel, while the TTC Gold Brown Pro excels in offering a quiet, polished typing experience with a gentle tactile bump. Together, these switches cover a broad spectrum of tactile and auditory qualities, allowing users to select a mechanical switch that aligns closely with their individual typing styles and environments.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Elf Linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro Tactile switch, your preferences and usage scenarios are key. If you favor a smooth, linear experience that allows for speedy key presses without any tactile interruptions, the Elf switch is an excellent choice. Its medium-light feel combined with a deep sound signature will cater to those who appreciate a satisfying and immersive typing experience. This makes it particularly well-suited for gaming, where rapid key actuations and smooth transitions are essential. On the other hand, if you prefer to have subtle feedback without overwhelming tactile sensations, the Gold Brown Pro is ideal. Its gentle tactile bump and low-pitched sound deliver a polished and silky typing experience, perfect for a focused work environment or long typing sessions where you want to maintain flow without drastic interruptions between keystrokes. In essence, choose the Elf for linear smoothness and optimal speed during fast-paced tasks, while the Gold Brown Pro will serve well for a nuanced, tactile experience that enhances your typing without being obtrusive.
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