Huano Elf vs. KTT Laurel
An in-depth look at the Huano Elf and the KTT Laurel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Elf and KTT Laurel both offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Huano Elf is celebrated for its POK top housing, which enhances acoustics and produces a deep sound signature paired with a medium-light feel, resulting in a pleasant and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Laurel stands out with its full POM housing, short travel distance, and long pole design, delivering a medium-light linear feel that strikes a perfect balance between responsiveness and comfort. The Laurel is also distinguished by its subtly low-pitched sound profile, making it a great choice for those who appreciate a quieter typing experience. While both switches offer compelling features, they cater to different sensory experiences and preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that is right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
22m spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Huano Elf and KTT Laurel switches reflect distinct characteristics that influence both their performance and acoustic profiles. Starting with the top housing, the Elf utilizes POK, or polyketone, a material specifically noted for its low coefficient of friction (0.04), which allows for smoother keystrokes compared to the Laurel's POM housing that has a slightly higher friction coefficient. This difference contributes to the feeling and sound of the switches during use. POK’s durability outshines both Nylon and POM, with wear resistance metrics significantly higher than its counterparts. Meanwhile, POM is appreciated for its distinctive tonal qualities, resulting in a deeper sound but not providing the same level of tactile responsiveness that POK facilitates in the Elf.
When examining the bottom housing, the contrast continues, with the Huano Elf using Nylon, a classic choice known for sound absorption and creating fuller sound profiles. In contrast, the KTT Laurel employs POM for its bottom housing, which also aims for a muted and deeper sound profile, albeit through different acoustic properties. Nylon’s inherent softness leads to a more rounded auditory experience, while POM, being relatively less compliant, may not absorb sound to the same extent. This compositional divergence means that while both switches may produce enjoyable audio experiences, the sources of their tonal quality differ significantly, with Nylon offering a softer touch versus the potential resilience of POM.
In conclusion, the differences in material choices for the top and bottom housing impact the overall feel and auditory characteristics of the switches. Although both switches aim for a rich sound profile, the Huano Elf’s POK and Nylon combination fosters a unique interplay of smoothness and depth, while the KTT Laurel leverages POM's qualities for a consistent, albeit different, acoustic experience. In situations where the top and bottom housings utilize similar materials, such as both being POM, you would likely achieve a more uniform result in terms of sound and tactile feedback, harnessing the strengths of those particular materials to produce comparable performance outputs.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch to the KTT Laurel linear switch, we see a slight difference in actuation forces and a contrast in bottom out forces. The Huano Elf has an actuation force of 42 grams, making it the lighter option, which could appeal to users who prefer a softer touch for longer typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the KTT Laurel has a marginally heavier actuation force of 43 grams but benefits from a known bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who favor a firmer push feel. While the Elf's bottom out force remains unknown, one can expect a similar typing experience to the Laurel if it were to have a comparable bottom out force, but the actual weight difference positions the Elf as the more user-friendly choice for extended use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Elf linear switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch, we find that the Elf has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Laurel measures slightly shorter at 3.5 mm. Consequently, if you are looking for a more responsive feel, the KTT Laurel offers the advantage of a quicker actuation due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial depth with your key presses, the Huano Elf may be the better option for you, as it provides that additional 0.1 mm of travel. Thus, the Elf is the longer switch, favoring those who appreciate a bit more resistance, while the Laurel, being the shorter of the two, caters to those who prioritize speed in their gaming or 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 Laurel has an MSRP of $4.42 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Laurel for $3.95.
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 switches are known for producing a deep sound signature due in part to their POK top housing, while the KTT Laurel switches provide a subtly low-pitched sound profile that is more mellow and bass-heavy. The Elf's acoustics are designed to be rich and satisfying, creating a more immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the Laurel offers a sound that is less pronounced but still pleasant, making it suitable for users who prefer a more understated auditory feedback. It’s worth noting that sound can be influenced by additional factors like the choice of keyboard and keycaps, so both switches can deliver unique acoustic results depending on the setup.
When it comes to feel, the Elf switches offer a medium-light actuation force that provides a comfortable typing experience without requiring too much effort. The KTT Laurel, classified as snappy, enhances responsiveness during typing through its design characteristics like a shorter travel distance and a long pole. This combination creates a lively tactile experience that many users find engaging. While both switches fall into the medium-light category, the snappy nature of the Laurel may provide a slightly different tactile feedback compared to the Elf.
In conclusion, while both the Huano Elf and KTT Laurel linear switches are designed for a satisfying typing experience and share a medium-light actuation force, they differ in sound profile and tactile feedback. The Elf focuses on a deeper and richer sound, whereas the Laurel offers a subtler, low-pitched tone with a snappy feel that enhances responsiveness. Depending on individual preferences and keyboard configurations, either switch can offer unique advantages to users seeking a quality linear switch experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Huano Elf linear switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch, your choice largely depends on personal preferences for typing experience, sound, and responsiveness. If you value a unique sound profile and a satisfying tactile feel, the Elf may be the switch for you. With its POK top housing, it enhances acoustics, providing a deeper sound signature that's enjoyable for those who appreciate a medium-light touch when typing. On the other hand, if you tend to prioritize responsiveness and a snappy feel, the KTT Laurel would likely be more suitable. The Laurel's full POM housing, combined with its short travel and long pole design, ensures quick actuation without sacrificing comfort. Additionally, its low-pitched sound profile gives it a bass-heavy tone that may appeal to those who prefer a smoother auditory feedback. Ultimately, your choice should hinge on whether you prefer a deeper sound with a medium feel (the Elf) or a lighter, more responsive option with a snappy typing experience (the Laurel).
Mentioned in this article
