Huano Elf vs. Huano Grape Orange
An in-depth look at the Huano Elf and the Huano Grape Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Huano Elf and Huano Grape Orange mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Elf switch is recognized for its POK top housing, which enhances acoustics and produces a deep sound signature, paired with a medium-light feel that creates a satisfying typing experience for those who enjoy a bit more resistance while typing. Conversely, the Grape Orange switch boasts an ultra-light actuation force of only 40g, making it exceptionally easy to press and ideal for long typing sessions where fatigue can be a concern. This distinct lightness may appeal to gamers and typists who prefer quicker response times with less effort. Both switches excel in specific areas, making them suited for different use cases; 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
40g
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
3.60 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Huano Elf and the Huano Grape Orange switches vary significantly, particularly in their top housings. The Elf employs POK material, known for its exceptional strength and smoothness, boasting a lower coefficient of friction (0.04) compared to LY (0.03). This contributes to a pleasant typing experience with a sound profile described as smooth, clacky, and durable. Conversely, the Grape Orange utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sound that is sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize RGB aesthetics, as its translucency allows for effective light diffusion. While both materials aim to enhance the overall typing experience, their attributes create distinct auditory sensations.
In contrast, both the Elf and the Grape Orange utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which creates a uniform experience in terms of sound profile. Nylon's softer characteristics lend a deeper and fuller auditory sensation, allowing it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. This similarity means that while the top housing materials differ significantly, the bottom housing provides a consistent sound profile when typing. Therefore, both switches can deliver a satisfying feel due to the properties of nylon, creating a duller and rounder sound that many typists find appealing.
Ultimately, the combination of these materials results in switches that have unique characteristics shaped by their design. The different top housings mean that the two switches will produce different sound profiles upon key release, while the shared nylon bottom housing provides a similar foundational experience. This interplay between the top and bottom housings in each switch indicates that while the overall sound and feel of the switches diverge considerably, the use of nylon for the bottom housing ensures a baseline of quality and comfort, allowing users to appreciate the distinct acoustic experiences provided by the respective top materials.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Elf and Huano Grape Orange linear switches, notable differences emerge in their actuation forces, while the bottom out force for the Elf remains unknown. The Elf has an actuation force of 42 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Grape Orange's actuation force of 40 grams. This difference may appeal to users who prefer a lighter touch and quicker responsiveness in their switches, making the Grape Orange a more suitable option for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. The bottom out force for the Grape Orange is specified as 50 grams, indicating a definitive threshold felt when pressing the switch down completely. Without available data on the bottom out force for the Elf, it’s unclear how it would compare when bottoming out. Overall, while the Grape Orange provides a lighter keystroke experience with a specified bottom out force, the Elf’s characteristics remain less defined, leaving it ambiguous for potential users seeking a more substantial typing feel.
Travel distance
Both the Huano Elf linear switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which means they have identical performance when it comes to the distance the switch travels from top to bottom. As such, users can expect similar tactile feedback and overall keypress experience when using either switch. Since both switches have the same travel distance, players and typists can interchangeably use them without noticeable differences related to key travel.
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 Huano Grape Orange has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Grape Orange for $2.79.
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
The Huano Elf switch produces a unique sound profile characterized by a deep resonance, attributed to its POK top housing that enhances acoustics. This design element allows for a rich auditory experience, which many users find satisfying during typing. On the other hand, the Huano Grape Orange switch, while less defined in terms of its sound description, offers an exceptionally light and effortless feel. Although the specific sound qualities of the Grape Orange remain unspecified, it can be noted that the overall auditory experience will still be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
When it comes to tactile feedback, the Elf switch is notable for its medium-light actuation force that results in a comfortable typing experience, making it well-suited for both casual and intensive typing sessions. Conversely, the Grape Orange is designed with an ultra-low actuation force of just 40g, making key presses feel almost effortless. This difference in actuation force translates to a markedly different typing experience; the Elf provides a bit more resistance that some users may prefer, while the Grape Orange caters to those who desire a lighter touch.
In conclusion, while both the Huano Elf and Grape Orange switches cater to different preferences, they each offer unique attributes that can enhance the overall typing experience. The Elf’s deep sound and medium-light feel contrast with the Grape Orange’s ultra-light actuation, making each switch appealing to different types of users. Ultimately, selecting between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feedback during typing.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Elf linear switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch, consider your typing preferences and the context in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you prioritize a deeper, richer sound profile and enjoy a medium-light feel that offers solid feedback without feeling too heavy, the Elf switch may be the better choice for you. It’s particularly well-suited for those who appreciate an acoustic experience in their typing while wanting to avoid fatigue during longer sessions. On the other hand, if you seek an ultra-light typing experience with minimal resistance, particularly for extended periods of use, the Huano Grape Orange is likely your best bet. Its lighter actuation force allows for quicker keystrokes, making it ideal for fast-paced gaming or extensive typing without the strain often associated with heavier switches. Ultimately, your choice should reflect the balance between feel and sound preferences that best suits your individual typing style and the activities you engage in most frequently.
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