Huano Elf vs. TTC Gold Red Pro
An in-depth look at the Huano Elf and the TTC Gold Red Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Elf and TTC Gold Red Pro stand out as two compelling options for users seeking a linear typing experience. The Huano Elf is celebrated for its unique POK top housing, which enhances acoustics and produces a satisfying deep sound signature, all while providing a medium-light feel for an enjoyable typing experience. This makes the Elf a great choice for users who appreciate pronounced audio feedback with each keystroke. In contrast, the TTC Gold Red Pro is the embodiment of versatility, offering an ease of press that caters to a wide range of preferences. Its neutral sound signature strikes a balance, allowing it to fit seamlessly into various environments, whether you’re gaming, working, or enjoying casual typing. While both switches deliver smooth, linear action, they cater to different auditory and tactile experiences. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
18.5mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Huano Elf and the TTC Gold Red Pro present both similarities and contrasts, particularly in their top and bottom housings. The Huano Elf features a POK top housing made from polyketone, which is noted for its low coefficient of friction and outstanding durability. With its wear resistance being 14 times stronger than POM and impressive shock resistance, POK ensures a smooth and clacky typing experience. In contrast, the TTC Gold Red Pro has a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate lends itself to a clearer acoustic resonance, especially beneficial if RGB lighting is incorporated, as it enhances the visual effect of the switch's translucency. Consequently, while both materials offer unique sound characteristics, the Elf aims for a smoother sound and feel through its design, whereas the Gold Red Pro prioritizes brightness and clarity, showcasing how different materials can modulate the auditory experience of switches.
When examining the bottom housings, both the Huano Elf and the TTC Gold Red Pro utilize nylon, a material celebrated for its classic properties in keyboard switches. Nylon's softer composition allows it to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic remains constant in both switches, ensuring that the typing feel is consistent across models when touching the keys. Since the bottom housing is primarily responsible for the bottom-out sound and feel during typing, both switches will elicit a rounder sound profile, regardless of the differing materials used in their top housings. This shared use of nylon solidifies the robustness and richness of the acoustic experience, with both switches giving a similar tactile sensation.
The synergy between the different housing materials offers users distinct auditory experiences rooted in their design choices. While the Elf's POK top creates a smooth and clacky experience, the Gold Red Pro's polycarbonate top emphasizes clarity and resonance. However, the nylon bottoms serve to unify the experience by delivering a consistent deeper sound. Ultimately, even though these two switches employ different materials for their top housings, the similar use of nylon ensures that users can expect a rich, full, and pleasing sound profile at the bottom, demonstrating how thoughtful material selection can yield complementary results in keyboard design.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch and the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch, it is evident that both have closely aligned actuation forces, with the Elf requiring 42 grams and the Gold Red Pro slightly heavier at 43 grams. This makes the Elf the lighter option, which may appeal to users looking for a more effortless typing experience, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. However, both switches have unknown bottom out forces, which means a direct comparison in that regard isn’t possible; thus, we can’t conclude how substantial the feel of bottoming out would be for each switch. Because their actuation forces are so similar, users can expect relatively comparable feel and performance regarding keystroke activation. Ultimately, those preferring a lighter switch will gravitate towards the Elf, while the marginally heavier Gold Red Pro may attract those who favor a firmer push feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Elf linear switch and the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch, it is clear that they differ slightly. The Huano Elf has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option, while the TTC Gold Red Pro measures 3.8 mm, which is the longer of the two. This difference in travel distance may impact user experience; for those who favor quicker response times, the Elf's shorter travel distance can provide a more responsive feel, potentially beneficial for fast-paced gaming. Conversely, enthusiasts who appreciate a more substantial depth in their key presses might find the Gold Red Pro's longer travel distance more satisfying. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value responsiveness over the tactile feedback of a deeper press.
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 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 Red 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
In terms of sound, the Huano Elf linear switch is characterized by its deep sound signature, which offers a rich auditory experience that many users find satisfying. This deep sound is enhanced by its POK top housing, which is designed to improve acoustics. In contrast, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch features a neutral sound profile that strikes a balance between being neither too pronounced nor muted. While the Gold Red Pro can produce a thocky tone, it is generally more versatile and adaptable to various settings, whether for gaming, office work, or casual typing. Both switches are influenced by factors like the choice of keyboard and keycaps, but the Elf leans toward a deeper auditory satisfaction, while the Gold Red Pro caters to a broader range of sound preferences.
Regarding feel, the Huano Elf switch is noted for its medium-light actuation force, which lends itself to a pleasant typing experience without excessive resistance. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red Pro offers a polished and silky feel, enhancing the typing experience with minimal friction and smooth key travel. The Gold Red Pro's mild and subtle qualities ensure a gentle typing experience that remains approachable for most users. While the Elf provides a satisfying feel, the Gold Red Pro excels in delivering an exceptionally smooth and refined tactile feedback, making it ideal for diverse typing contexts.
In conclusion, both the Huano Elf and TTC Gold Red Pro linear switches present compelling attributes for users seeking quality mechanical keyboard experiences. The Elf is particularly appreciated for its deep sound and medium-light feel, while the Gold Red Pro stands out for its versatile neutral sound and silky smoothness. Depending on your focus—whether sound or the tactile typing experience—each switch has unique qualities that can enhance your typing enjoyment. Ultimately, both switches can meet various preferences, giving potential users similar yet distinct experiences based on their specific tastes and needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between Huano Elf linear switches and TTC Gold Red Pro linear switches depends on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you are looking for a switch that delivers an auditory ambiance with a deeper sound signature, the Huano Elf is ideal for those who appreciate a thocky and low-pitched typing experience. Its medium-light feel makes it particularly satisfying for long typing sessions, perfect for creative work or leisurely gaming, where sound and feel contribute significantly to the experience. On the other hand, if versatility and adaptability are higher on your priority list, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch is designed for a seamless and enjoyable typing experience, suitable for various contexts, including office work, gaming, or casual typing. Its polished and silky feel, combined with a neutral sound profile, allows it to fit comfortably in any setting, making it a great all-around choice. Ultimately, your decision will hinge on whether you prioritize sound and deeper tactile sensations versus a smooth and adaptable typing experience.
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