Huano Elf vs. TTC Gold Pink
An in-depth look at the Huano Elf and the TTC Gold Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Elf and the TTC Gold Pink both stand out as excellent options for linear switch enthusiasts, but they cater to different preferences. The Huano Elf is celebrated for its POK top housing, which enhances acoustics and delivers a deep sound signature paired with a medium-light feel, making it ideal for those who appreciate a satisfying typing experience without being overly demanding. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Pink stands out with its exceptionally light 37g actuation force, providing a fast and effortless typing experience that is particularly appealing for gamers or fast typists who require quick responsiveness. Additionally, the Gold Pink switches offer a clacky sound, giving a lively character to each keystroke. Both switches have their unique advantages: if you prefer a deeper sound and a balanced feel, the Huano Elf is an excellent choice, whereas if speed and playfulness are your priorities, the TTC Gold Pink will elevate your performance. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
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
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Huano Elf and the TTC Gold Pink differ significantly in their composition and resulting acoustic profiles. The Huano Elf utilizes POK for its top housing, while the TTC Gold Pink opts for polycarbonate. POK, or polyketone, is celebrated for its durability, boasting a coefficient of friction of 0.04, slightly higher than polyoxymethylene (POM), and is known for its superior strength and shock resistance. This contributes to switches that offer a smooth, clacky feel, making it an excellent choice for users who favor a crisp typing experience with lasting performance. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Gold Pink accentuates sharper and crisper sound characteristics due to the stiffer nature of the material, which fosters a resonance conducive to a more vibrant sound profile, particularly favorable when RGB lighting is involved.
Both switches share nylon as a bottom housing material, which fosters a consistency in terms of auditory experience. Nylon is a time-honored choice for switch housing, known for its ability to absorb sound effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic allows for a rounder auditory response when typing, irrespective of whether it resides in the Elf or the Gold Pink. Thus, despite the differences in the top housings, both switches achieve a level of sound absorption from nylon that softens the overall auditory feedback—a feature cherished by enthusiasts who appreciate a more muted and plush typing experience.
When considering the combined influence of both top and bottom housings, it becomes evident how the differing materials create a unique sound and feel for each switch. The POK top of the Elf heightens its clackiness during key releases, while the polycarbonate top of the Gold Pink enhances the clarity and brightness of sound; both synchronized with the fuller sound contributed by their common nylon bottom housing. This combination means that while the switches may diverge in their top housing compositions, the overall tactile and auditory experience remains anchored by the nylon material, blurring the lines of comparison and allowing enthusiasts to achieve specific preferences through their choice of switch top alone.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch and the TTC Gold Pink linear switch, notable differences in actuation force are evident. The Elf has an actuation force of 42 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Gold Pink's actuation force of 37 grams. This difference means that users who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing sessions might gravitate towards the Gold Pink, as it requires less force to actuate. However, the Elf’s unknown bottom out force could suggest greater variability in resistance when fully pressed down. In contrast, the Gold Pink has a clearly defined bottom out force of 45 grams, indicating a firmer feel at the bottom of a keystroke. Thus, while the Elf is heavier in terms of actuation force, the Gold Pink offers a lighter touch overall and a definitive bottom-out experience, appealing to those who enjoy a balance between comfort and a tactile response.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Elf linear switch and the TTC Gold Pink linear switch, we find a notable difference between the two. The Huano Elf features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Gold Pink has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This 0.4 mm difference can significantly affect the feel and responsiveness of each switch. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Elf for quicker actuation and faster response times, while others who prefer a more substantial keypress might favor the Gold Pink’s longer travel distance for its more pronounced tactile feedback. Overall, if you're looking for a switch that allows for faster interactions, the Huano Elf is the better option, whereas the TTC Gold Pink offers a deeper typing 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 TTC Gold Pink has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Pink for $4.28.
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 is characterized by a deep sound signature, thanks to its POK top housing which enhances acoustics. This contributes to a more resonant, rich auditory experience that can be quite pleasing for users who appreciate a pronounced audio feedback while typing or gaming. In contrast, the TTC Gold Pink linear switch is known for its clacky sound, which offers a livelier auditory profile. This switch is designed to deliver a satisfying auditory feedback that many users find enjoyable, particularly in fast-paced typing or gaming scenarios. Both switches provide a distinct auditory experience, with the Elf focusing on deeper tones and the Gold Pink catering to a lighter, more energetic sound.
In terms of feel, the Huano Elf offers a medium-light feel that aims to deliver a satisfying typing experience, which balances comfort with responsiveness. This makes it suitable for prolonged use without causing fatigue. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Pink stands out with its exceptionally light actuation force of 37g, catering to users who prefer quicker keystrokes and a more effortless typing experience. The descriptions suggest that the Gold Pink provides a buttery, mild, and polished feel, which translates into a smooth and uniform typing sensation. Ultimately, while the Elf offers a comfortable typing experience, the Gold Pink significantly emphasizes lightness and ease of activation.
In summary, both the Huano Elf and TTC Gold Pink linear switches offer unique auditory and tactile experiences to cater to different preferences. The Elf is ideal for those who enjoy a deeper sound and a balanced feel, whereas the Gold Pink is perfect for users prioritizing a lightweight actuation and lively sound. While they each present distinct qualities, they both provide satisfactory typing experiences in their own right, making them solid options for anyone seeking to enhance their mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Elf linear switch and the TTC Gold Pink linear switch ultimately boils down to your personal typing style and preferences. If you prioritize a deeper sound signature and a more nuanced acoustic experience, the Elf switch is an excellent choice. It's suited for those who appreciate a satisfying, medium-light feel that still delivers a unique auditory feedback, making it ideal for both casual typing and more contemplative work. On the other hand, if you’re someone who favors a crisp, lively typing experience—especially for fast-paced gaming or rapid typing—the Gold Pink would be your go-to switch. With its notably light actuation force and buttery feel, it not only allows for quick key presses but also provides clacky feedback that can be both fun and invigorating. Overall, both switches have their merits, and your choice should hinge on whether you value subtlety and acoustics with the Elf or speed and enjoyment with the Gold Pink.
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