Huano Elf vs. Keygeek Keylin
An in-depth look at the Huano Elf and the Keygeek Keylin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing their options to find the perfect tactile experience that suits their needs. The Huano Elf and the Keygeek Keylin are both linear switches that promise unique advantages. The Elf switch, recognized for its POK top housing, not only enhances acoustics but also delivers a deep sound signature with a medium-light feel, making it ideal for those who appreciate a satisfying typing experience without the distracting noise. On the other hand, the Keylin switch from Keygeek boasts new molds designed to provide a premium typing experience defined by rich acoustics and exceptional smoothness, perfect for users who prioritize fluidity in their keystrokes. While both switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel, the decision ultimately comes down to personal taste and typing style. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that meets your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
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
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
UPE
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Huano Elf and the Keygeek Keylin exhibit distinct approaches to their housing materials, contributing to unique auditory and tactile experiences for users. The Elf employs POK (polyketone) for its top housing, which stands out due to its notably low coefficient of friction (0.04) compared to the Keylin's nylon material (0.03). This slight difference in friction means that the Elf's switches will feel smoother during keystrokes, potentially enhancing the overall typing experience. Additionally, the POK material's remarkable durability and wear resistance—being 14 times stronger than POM—suggest that the Elf's switches are built for longevity and resilience, while the Keylin's nylon, known for its softer characteristics, tends to absorb sound, resulting in a warmer and rounder auditory profile.
On the other hand, when examining the bottom housings of both switches, we find a similarity that can influence the overall sound and feel of each switch. Both the Elf and Keylin utilize nylon materials for their respective bottom housings. The use of nylon, a classic and popular choice for switch construction, impacts the sound profile significantly. The inherent softness of nylon absorbs vibrations and sound, leading to a more muted and fuller typing experience. This shared bottom housing material ensures that both switches produce a deeper auditory signature, but differences arise due to the dissimilar top housings. While the bottom housings lend to a heavier and absorbent sound, the top housings, with the Elf's more rigid POK and the Keylin's softer nylon, will shape the nuance of the sound produced as the key is released.
In summary, while the primary contrasting feature between the two switches lies in the top housing materials—POK vs. nylon—the consistent use of nylon for the bottom housing creates a baseline auditory experience that is shared. The Elf's POK top encourages enhanced tactile smoothness and durability, offering a sharper and potentially crisper sound when releasing keys. Meanwhile, the Keylin's nylon top promotes a more plush typing feel, with a less pronounced release sound. Ultimately, users will experience a complex interaction between the two different top materials and their shared nylon bottom housings, reflecting both the strengths of high-performance materials and the classic appeal of nylon in keyboard switch design.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch to the Keygeek Keylin linear switch, notable differences arise in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Huano Elf has an actuation force of 42 grams, while the Keylin's actuation force is slightly lighter at 38 grams. This means that the Keylin requires less force to register a keystroke, making it potentially more suitable for long typing sessions or extended gaming marathons. On the other hand, without a specified bottom out force for the Elf, we cannot make a direct comparison in that regard; however, the Keylin's bottom out force is listed at 48 grams. This heavier bottom out resistance can provide a more substantial typing experience for users who prefer tactile feedback when pressing a key all the way down. Overall, while the Keylin is lighter in terms of actuation force and provides a known bottom out force, the Elf's characteristics remain somewhat ambiguous due to the lack of bottom out information, leading to a preference for lighter options by those prioritizing prolonged usage.
Travel distance
Both the Huano Elf linear switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch have a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which means they offer the same depth of key press. This similarity ensures that users will experience a consistent and uniform feel when pressing down on either switch. Consequently, you can expect similar results in terms of key responsiveness and tactile feedback with both switches. Since their travel distances are equal, neither can be considered shorter or longer; instead, they provide an identical typing experience in this regard.
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 Keygeek Keylin has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keylin for $3.29.
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 sound profile of the Huano Elf linear switch is characterized by a deep sound signature that enhances the auditory experience while typing. This quality is complemented by its POK top housing, which is specifically designed to improve acoustics. In contrast, the Keygeek Keylin linear switch provides a rich acoustic profile that offers a premium auditory sensation. While both switches are noted for their enriching sound qualities, the Elf leans towards a deeper bass-like tone, whereas the Keylin aims for a more balanced overall sound, making both suitable for users who appreciate enriched sound without being overly harsh.
When it comes to feel, the Elf switch delivers a medium-light actuation force, which yields a satisfying tactile experience during typing. This design allows for comfortable use over extended periods. On the other hand, the Keylin linear switch is recognized for its exceptional smoothness, providing a gliding sensation with minimal resistance throughout the keystroke. While the Elf focuses on a balanced actuation that users may find lighter and more forgiving, the Keylin emphasizes a seamless action that appeals to those who prioritize fluidity in their typing experience.
In summary, both the Huano Elf and Keygeek Keylin linear switches offer impressive auditory and tactile experiences, albeit with different emphases. The Elf stands out for its deep sound and medium-light feel, while the Keylin is notable for its rich acoustics and smooth, effortless keystrokes. Ultimately, personal preference will guide newcomers in choosing between the two, but either option promises to deliver rewarding results for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the Huano Elf linear switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and typing experience. If you're looking for a switch that offers a unique acoustic profile with a satisfying medium-light feel, the Elf may be the right choice for you. Its design enhances sound, creating a deeper signature that could be appealing if you appreciate a richer auditory experience while typing. On the other hand, if you prioritize a very smooth and premium typing experience with a slight tactile feedback without being too heavy, the Keylin linear switch would likely be more suitable. The 48 grams bottom-out force offers a light touch that many find comfortable for extended typing sessions. Therefore, consider what is most important to you: if you want enhanced acoustics and a soft feel, go with the Elf; if you're after smoothness and a reliable typing experience without heavy resistance, lean towards the Keylin. Ultimately, both switches have their distinct characteristics, catering to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns with your typing style.
Mentioned in this article
