Huano Elf vs. TTC Gold Red
An in-depth look at the Huano Elf and the TTC Gold Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, both the Huano Elf and the TTC Gold Red linear switches stand out for their unique characteristics and overall typing experience. The Huano Elf is celebrated for its POK top housing, which enhances acoustics and delivers a deep sound signature, creating a medium-light feel that many find satisfying for long typing sessions. In contrast, the TTC Gold Red switches are renowned for their buttery smooth action and light-medium resistance, offering a snappy sound profile that adds just the right amount of personality to your keyboard without being overly loud. While the Elf may appeal to those who enjoy a richer auditory experience, the Gold Red caters to enthusiasts looking for polished and subtle feedback. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
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
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 used in the switches of the Huano Elf and the TTC Gold Red vary significantly, particularly in their top housing components. The Elf features a POK (polyketone) top housing, which is celebrated for its smoothness due to its low coefficient of friction of 0.04. This characteristic makes it one of the most proficient materials for achieving a smooth typing experience. In contrast, the Gold Red employs a polycarbonate top housing, known for providing a sharper and crisper sound profile. This is primarily due to polycarbonate’s stiffer composition, which enhances the clarity of the sound output. Therefore, while the Elf's POK offers durability and is resistant to wear and impact, the Gold Red's polycarbonate allows for an aesthetic advantage, particularly notable with RGB lighting, thanks to its translucency.
When examining the bottom housing of both switches, it is interesting to note that both the Huano Elf and the TTC Gold Red utilize nylon. This commonality results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as nylon is a softer material that absorbs more sound than other harder plastics. Therefore, even though the top housings differ greatly in their approach to sound and user experience, the bottom housings align closely in terms of acoustics and tactile feedback. This shared choice of nylon for the bottom housing ensures that both switches, despite their distinct top materials, still provide a similar depth of sound and user experience influenced by the lower component.
Ultimately, the differences in top housing materials lead to contrasting experiences when pressing and releasing the keys. In both switches, the performance and aural experience can be attributed to the combination of materials—the POK provides a unique smooth action in the Elf, while the polycarbonate enriches the auditory feedback of the Gold Red. However, since both bottom housings are constructed from nylon, they will share a common auditory warmth and tactile satisfaction that remains consistent across both switch types. The result is a multifaceted switch performance; the mixture of qualities from different top and bottom materials creates a well-rounded experience for users who appreciate both sound and durability in their keyboard switches.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch, we observe some distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Huano Elf has an actuation force of 42 grams, while the TTC Gold Red requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 43 grams, making the Elf the lighter option for those who favor an easier keystroke for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. However, the Gold Red has a bottom out force of 50 grams, a detail that is not available for the Elf switch. This information suggests that the Gold Red provides a more substantial typing experience when pressed all the way down, catering to users who prefer a firmer feel with each keystroke. Overall, if you gravitate towards a lighter switch for comfort during extended use, the Huano Elf will be your preference, whereas if you lean towards a heavier, more tactile experience, the TTC Gold Red might be more suitable.
Travel distance
The Huano Elf linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Gold Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Elf switch the shorter option, offering a more responsive feel that can be advantageous for gamers seeking quick actuation times. On the other hand, the Gold Red switch, with its longer travel distance, provides a more substantial sensation that some users may prefer for a more grounded typing experience. Both switches cater to different preferences: those who enjoy the shorter, quicker response of the Elf and those who favor the deeper, more deliberate travel of the Gold Red.
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 Red has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red for $3.28.
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
In terms of sound, the Huano Elf switch is noted for its deep sound signature, likely enhanced by its POK top housing, which aims to improve acoustics. Users can expect a rich, resonant tone that contributes a satisfying auditory experience when typing. This contrasts with the TTC Gold Red switch, which has a snappy sound profile that is characterized as thocky and low-pitched. This combination results in a deep yet muted "thud" when keys are pressed, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a more understated audio cue while typing. Both switches cater to users looking for a pleasant sound experience without annoying others, which can vary based on the keyboard frame and keycap choice.
Regarding feel, the Huano Elf switch provides a medium-light resistance that facilitates a satisfying typing experience, though the specific nuances of its tactile feedback are less detailed. In comparison, the TTC Gold Red switch promotes a silky and polished tactile sensation, ensuring a smooth typing experience with mild resistance. This smoother actuation and subtle feedback make the Gold Red particularly approachable, accommodating a wide range of users from beginners to advanced typists. While the Elf may still deliver a satisfying feel, the Gold Red excels in providing a refined experience, minimizing friction and enhancing smoothness.
Overall, both the Huano Elf and the TTC Gold Red linear switches offer distinct yet appealing characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Elf emphasizes a deep auditory experience with a medium-light actuation, while the Gold Red focuses on a smooth and mild typing sensation accompanied by a snappy sound. While the subjective qualities differ, both switches promise satisfactory results for typists looking to elevate their keyboard experience, whether through an immersive sound or an elegantly smooth feel. Choosing between them will ultimately depend on personal preferences regarding audio and tactile feedback during use.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Elf linear switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel alongside your typing environment. If you prefer a typing experience characterized by a deep, rich sound signature with a medium-light feel, the Elf switch may be ideal for you. Its unique POK top housing enhances acoustics, making it a great choice if you enjoy a satisfying auditory feedback while typing. This switch could be particularly appealing in personal setups where acoustics matter, as it delivers a distinct sound profile that stands out. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch that offers a more subdued sound and a silky, polished typing experience, the Gold Red is likely a better fit. With its lighter bottom-out force of 50 grams and a thocky, low-pitched sound, this switch excels in shared spaces or workplaces where a gentle typing sound is preferable and you want a seamless feel. Ultimately, your choice should reflect not only your personal typing style but also the environment in which you'll be using these switches, ensuring that you find the perfect match for your keyboard.
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