Huano Elf vs. Gateron Ink Yellow

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect linear mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Elf and Gateron Ink Yellow offer two distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Huano Elf is celebrated for its unique POK top housing, which enhances acoustics and delivers a deep sound signature that many users find satisfying. Its medium-light feel provides a balanced typing experience, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize an enjoyable tactile response without sacrificing performance. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow stands out with its shorter travel distance, making it an ideal option for users seeking a typing experience that sits comfortably between a laptop and a traditional mechanical keyboard. This switch is characterized by its smoothness and clackiness, appealing to those who enjoy a bit of auditory feedback while typing. Both switches have their unique strengths, giving gamers and typists a reason to consider them for their setups. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Huano Elf Linear

Gateron Ink Yellow Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Huano Elf and Gateron Ink Yellow switches diverge notably in their top housing materials, which significantly affects their sound profiles and tactile sensations. The Elf employs a POK top housing, renowned for its smoothness and durability, with a coefficient of friction at 0.04, slightly higher than the Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend at 0.03. While both boast clacky sound signatures, the Elf's POK material contributes to a smoother transition during keystrokes due to its superior wear and shock resistance. This heightened durability not only ensures a longer-lasting switch but also enhances the tactile experience, allowing users to appreciate a more responsive feel when typing or gaming.

In contrast, the bottom housing of both switches presents a stark differentiation in material and resultant auditory experience. The Elf utilizes nylon, which is typically softer and thus absorbs more sound, producing a deeper and fuller sound profile upon bottoming out. In comparison, the Ink Yellow's INK blend bottom housing reinforces the higher-pitched clacky quality present in its design. Though both switches may achieve a clack sound characteristic, the source of the tonal quality stems from their distinct materials: nylon tends to create a rounder sound, while the INK blend emphasizes a sharper, more pointed sound.

Overall, while both the Huano Elf and the Gateron Ink Yellow switches showcase unique attributes stemming from their respective housing materials, they can still yield similar tactile sensations despite their differences. By understanding how the top and bottom housings interact, users can anticipate the overall experience they might receive from each switch. The Elf's combination of a smooth POK top and absorbent nylon bottom results in a rich typing experience, whereas the Ink Yellow blends its high-pitched clacky tones across both its top and bottom housing, offering a distinct yet equally engaging switch experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for sound profile, tactile feel, and material durability.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch to the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, we find a notable difference in their actuation forces. The Elf has an actuation force of 42 grams, making it the lighter option, ideal for users who prefer a smoother typing experience and longer sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Ink Yellow requires a heavier actuation force of 60 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. Although the Elf’s bottom out force is unknown, the Ink Yellow’s bottom out force is measured at 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This means that users of the Elf switch would experience a lighter overall feel, while those opting for the Ink Yellow would engage with a firmer tactile response, providing a more pronounced push sensation. Therefore, individuals seeking a lighter switch for extended usage may gravitate towards the Huano Elf, whereas the Gateron Ink Yellow would likely suit those who value a stronger actuation and bottom out experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Elf linear switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, the Elf features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Ink Yellow has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Huano Elf switch offers a bit more depth, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial key feel. Conversely, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch, with its shorter travel distance, might be better suited for gamers or those seeking quicker responses from their keystrokes. Therefore, the Elf switch provides a longer travel distance, making it ideal for those who prefer a hearty depth, while the Ink Yellow's shorter travel distance caters to a preference for responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound characteristics of the Huano Elf linear switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, it’s clear that they embody different acoustic profiles. The Elf switch is known for its deeper sound signature, which tends to resonate well and can provide a more satisfying auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Ink Yellow switch features a sound profile that is more neutral yet also incorporates a clacky quality, noted for producing sharp, snappy sounds that add a bright and percussive tone. This variance suggests that while both switches offer enjoyable aural feedback, the Elf switch leans towards a richer, deeper resonance, whereas the Ink Yellow caters to a sharper and more pronounced auditory experience.

In terms of feel, the Elf switch offers a medium-light tactile feedback, creating an enjoyable typing experience that strikes a balance between effortless key presses and sufficient resistance. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow is perceived as mild and polished; it provides a gentle and smooth typing experience that is approachable for most typists. This smoothness, often enhanced through refined manufacturing processes or factory lubing, minimizes friction for effortless actuation. Therefore, while the Elf offers a pleasant, slightly more resilient typing experience, the Ink Yellow emphasizes an effortlessly smooth typing action that may appeal to those seeking a bridge between laptop and mechanical keyboard feel.

In summary, while both the Huano Elf and Gateron Ink Yellow linear switches provide unique auditory and tactile experiences, they cater to slightly different preferences. The Elf excels in delivering a deeper sound and a medium-light feel, making it ideal for users who appreciate a rich audio backdrop during typing. Conversely, the Ink Yellow combines a clacky and neutral sound profile with a polished, mild feel that suits a broader range of typing preferences. Ultimately, your choice between these two will depend on whether you prioritize a deep auditory experience or a smoother and lighter typing sensation—the overall qualities of both switches will lead to an enjoyable typing experience in their own distinct ways.

Conclusion

In summary, the choice between the Huano Elf linear switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a light feel with unique acoustics, specifically a deep sound signature that enhances your overall typing experience, the Elf switch may be the right fit for you. It's ideal for users who enjoy a more immersive auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, if you're looking for a balanced and polished typing experience that mimics the tactile response of both laptop and traditional mechanical keyboards, you would likely favor the Ink Yellow switch. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force and clacky, yet neutral sound make it a versatile option applicable to a variety of settings, whether at home or in a professional environment. Therefore, consider what aspects matter most to you—be it the sound profile, force sensitivity, or overall feel—when making your choice between these two distinct linear switches.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Elf Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Ink Yellow Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn more