Huano Elf vs. KTT Kang White
An in-depth look at the Huano Elf and the KTT Kang White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Elf and KTT Kang White are two noteworthy linear options that cater to different user preferences. The Huano Elf, celebrated for its unique POK top housing, aims to deliver an enhanced acoustic experience alongside a satisfying medium-light feel that many typists appreciate. This switch's design offers a distinctive deep sound signature, making each keystroke feel more pronounced and enjoyable. In contrast, the KTT Kang White presents a poppy linear experience, characterized by a dazzling typing sound and an overall unparalleled smoothness thanks to its self-lubricating material. While the Kang White is known for its low-pitched tonal quality, it offers a different tactile response compared to the Elf. Both switches come with advantages that cater to specific typing preferences and acoustic qualities; 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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 Huano Elf and KTT Kang White switches showcase distinct characteristics in their top housing materials, with the Elf employing POK (polyketone) while the Kang White utilizes polycarbonate. The POK material in the Elf's design offers a very low coefficient of friction, at 0.04, translating to a smooth typing experience and a more durable structure with exceptional shock resistance. In contrast, the polycarbonate housing of the Kang White lends itself to a sharper sound profile due to its stiffer composition, promoting a crisper auditory experience. While both materials serve to improve the functionality of the switches, they cater to different preferences among users: the smooth and durable profile of POK versus the clear and resonant sound offered by polycarbonate.
Examining the bottom housing, both the Huano Elf and KTT Kang White switches utilize nylon, presenting a notable similarity as both brands feature this classic material. Nylon is known for its ability to dampen sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience that appeals to many typists. Since both switches share this bottom housing material, they are likely to deliver a similar sound profile when typing, characterized by its softer and rounder quality. This congruence means that even though the top housings differ significantly in their sonic output and tactile feel, the bottom housing helps unify aspects of the auditory experience across both switch types.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in both switches influences the typing experience in unique yet complementary ways. While the Huano Elf benefits from the durability and smoothness of POK for its top housing—contributing to a specific sound profile that is distinct from the sharper notes of polycarbonate—the nylon bottom housing in both switches ensures that they still offer the familiar depth and warmth appreciated by typists. This nuanced interplay between soft and hard materials creates a rich typing experience, allowing users to choose the switch that best aligns with their auditory and tactile preferences while still enjoying the characteristics imparted by nylon in the bottom housing.
Weight
The comparison between the Huano Elf linear switch and the KTT Kang White linear switch reveals differences in their actuation forces and bottom out characteristics. The Huano Elf has an actuation force of 42 grams, making it lighter than the KTT Kang White, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. This difference suggests that the Elf may be more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions, while the Kang White could appeal to those who appreciate a firmer keystroke for a more substantial feel. Regarding bottom out force, the bottom out force for the Huano Elf is unknown, whereas the KTT Kang White has a bottom out force of 58 grams, categorized as medium. This indicates that the Kang White provides a defined end point when pressed fully down, which may offer a satisfying feedback for users who favor a more tactile experience. Overall, those looking for a lighter switch might gravitate toward the Huano Elf, while those who enjoy the feeling of a heavier switch and a clear bottoming action might prefer the KTT Kang White.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Elf linear switch and the KTT Kang White linear switch, the Elf measures 3.6 mm, while the Kang White has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference highlights a key preference choice for users: those inclined towards faster response times may favor the shorter distance of the Elf, as it offers quicker actuation, while those who prefer a more substantial feel beneath their fingers might opt for the Kang White. In this case, the Elf provides a more responsive experience, making it suitable for fast-paced gaming, whereas the Kang White’s greater depth caters to users who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke. Therefore, if you're looking for speed, the Huano Elf is the better option, while the KTT Kang White provides a deeper, more traditional 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 KTT Kang White comes in at $1.99 per 10 switches.
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 linear switch produces a notable deep sound signature, partially attributed to its POK top housing, which enhances acoustics for a more immersive typing experience. While the specific qualities of the KTT Kang White in terms of sound have not been expressly detailed, it is characterized by a low-pitched typing sound, which tends to deliver a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. This contrast suggests that while both switches prioritize sound quality, the Elf may offer a deeper resonance against the mellow and smooth sounding nature of the Kang White. It’s important to remember that the ultimate sound experience can vary based on the keyboard configuration and choice of keycaps.
Regarding feel, the Elf is recognized for its medium-light actuation force, which allows for a satisfying tactile experience without being overly strenuous during long typing sessions. The KTT Kang White, on the other hand, is celebrated for its smoothness, a quality enhanced by its self-lubricating material, providing an exceptionally effortless glide while typing. This difference in tactile feedback may appeal to users who prefer a lighter touch combined with pronounced smoothness, versus those who favor a controlled feel with a bit more resistance.
In summary, while the Huano Elf and KTT Kang White switches both offer distinct acoustic and tactile experiences, they cater to slightly different preferences. The Elf emphasizes a rich, deep sound with a medium-light typing feel, whereas the Kang White stands out with its low-pitched sound and notable smoothness. Choosing between them will largely depend on whether one prioritizes deeper acoustic resonance or the buttery smoothness that the Kang White provides. Both options can deliver enjoyable typing experiences, but subtle differences can guide users toward their ideal choice.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the Huano Elf linear switch and the KTT Kang White linear switch, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you are looking for a switch that provides a medium-light feel and excels in acoustic profile, delivering a deeper sound signature, the Huano Elf might be the right choice for you. Its POK top housing enhances the overall auditory experience, making it a great pick for those who value sound quality in their typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that offers a bit more resistance with a bottom-out force of 58 grams and a focus on smooth, poppy typing characteristics, the KTT Kang White could be more suited to your needs. This switch not only provides a low-pitched sound that is mellow and pleasant but also features self-lubricating material for an exceptionally smooth typing experience. Consider your priorities—whether it’s the acoustic profile that draws you in or the smooth tactile feel—when making your choice between these two switches.