Huano Elf vs. Gateron Lunar Probe

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preference and typing experience. The Huano Elf switches are celebrated for their POK top housing, which enhances acoustics and delivers a rich, deep sound signature complemented by a medium-light feel—ideal for those who appreciate a satisfying typing experience without overwhelming resistance. On the other hand, the Gateron Lunar Probe switches stand out with their innovative dual rail mechanism that ensures stable and consistent keypresses. These switches offer an exceptionally smooth, pre-lubed linear action combined with a subtle sound profile, making them perfect for users seeking a seamless typing experience. While both switches provide a linear feel, they cater to different preferences, whether that be a pronounced audio experience with the Elf or the silky smoothness of the Lunar Probe. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

Huano Elf Linear

Gateron Lunar Probe Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$6.50

$4.19 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Huano Elf and the Gateron Lunar Probe exhibit notable differences, particularly in their top housing components. The Elf employs POK material, or polyketone, which is celebrated for its low coefficient of friction of 0.04, resulting in smooth key presses. This material not only excels in friction but also demonstrates exceptional durability, being significantly stronger than common materials like POM and Nylon. In contrast, the Lunar Probe utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing. This material is recognized for its rigidity and translucency, which creates a sharper and more resonant sound profile. While each top housing material contributes distinct sound characteristics, the Elf's POK delivers a smoother, clackier auditory experience, while the Lunar Probe's polycarbonate results in a crisper tone.

Turning to the bottom housings, both the Huano Elf and Gateron Lunar Probe opt for nylon. This common choice demonstrates the versatility and functional benefit of nylon, as it absorbs sound effectively, yielding a deeper and fuller acoustic response during use. The nylon material in both switches ensures that, regardless of the different performances of the top housings, the ultimate sound profile maintains a level of consistency through the softer characteristics of the bottom. Thus, while users may experience variations in sound and feel when pressing the keys, the nylon's inherent qualities create a unified base for the auditory experience across both switch designs.

In summary, the Huano Elf and Gateron Lunar Probe exhibit a blend of both contrast and similarity in their housing materials. The POK top housing of the Elf stands apart with its smoothness and durability, while the polycarbonate of the Lunar Probe offers a more defined sound profile due to its stiffer nature. Meanwhile, both switches leverage nylon in their bottom housing to create a richer sound experience, effectively tying their performance together. This strategic combination of different materials allows enthusiasts to appreciate unique typing sensations while also benefiting from the familiar sound absorption provided by nylon, proving that separate housing materials can collaborate seamlessly to enhance the overall switch experience.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Elf has an actuation force of 42 grams, indicating a lighter touch required to register a keystroke, whereas the Lunar Probe demands a slightly stronger actuation force of 45 grams, making it marginally heavier. However, the Elf's bottom out force remains unknown, making it hard to provide a complete comparison in that regard. In contrast, the Lunar Probe has a defined bottom out force of 50 grams, which reflects a firmer and more substantial typing experience. Consequently, while the Elf may be more suitable for users looking for a lighter typing experience, ideal for long typing sessions, the Lunar Probe would be favored by those who prefer a heavier feel and more resistance, giving them a robust tactile feedback. Overall, the differences in actuation force suggest that the Elf is lighter, thus catering to users who prioritize comfort and extended use.

Travel distance

Both the Huano Elf linear switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch share the same travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that users can expect a similar tactile experience when pressing down on either key. Since both switches have identical travel distances, they will provide comparable feedback and responsiveness during use. This uniformity in travel distance allows for an equivalent typing experience, appealing to those who prioritize consistency in their mechanical keyboards. Thus, whether you choose the Elf or the Lunar Probe, you can expect the same keypress length with both switches.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Huano Elf linear switch is characterized by a deep sound signature that is enriched by its POK top housing, which enhances acoustics and contributes to a satisfying auditory experience. In contrast, the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch has a more subtle sound signature, owing to its pre-lubed design and stable dual rail mechanism. This means that while you can expect a pleasantly rich tone from the Elf when typing, the Lunar Probe offers a more understated and smoother auditory profile, which can appeal to those seeking a quieter environment. It's essential to remember that sound characteristics can also be influenced by the specific board and keycaps used, so personal preferences may vary.

Regarding feel, the Huano Elf switch presents a medium-light resistance that promotes a satisfying typing experience, which can be ideal for users who prefer a balance between tactile feedback and ease of actuation. On the other hand, the Gateron Lunar Probe switch is noted for its incredibly smooth, pre-lubed sensation, emphasizing a seamless keypress without the tactile bumps found in other switch types. This can create an effortlessly fluid typing experience, particularly favorable for those who prioritize speed and fluidity in their keystrokes. While both switches aim to provide comfortable operation, they cater to slightly different preferences: the Elf offers a bit more tactile feedback, while the Lunar Probe leans toward a silky-smooth performance.

Overall, both switches offer unique yet complementary typing experiences, making them suitable for different users depending on their sound and feel preferences. The Huano Elf excels in providing a deep, resonant sound along with a medium-light resistance, suitable for those who enjoy an engaging auditory experience and a balanced typing feel. Meanwhile, the Gateron Lunar Probe switch presents a subtler sound profile with a remarkably smooth action, appealing to those who desire a quiet and fluid keypress. Depending on your preferences in sound and feel, you can choose one over the other, but both could easily yield satisfying results in their respective domains.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Elf linear switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch, your choice should be guided by your personal preferences regarding sound profile and feel. If you prioritize a richer acoustic experience and enjoy a medium-light tactile sensation for a more satisfying typing experience, then the Huano Elf might be your ideal choice. Its unique POK top housing enhances the depth of the sound signature, making it appealing for users who relish auditory feedback along with their keystrokes. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, more consistent keypress with a subtle sound that doesn’t draw too much attention, the Gateron Lunar Probe would likely serve you better. Its dual rail mechanism ensures stability and reliability, coupled with a pre-lubed finish that provides an ultra-smooth typing experience. Ultimately, consider whether you value a pronounced acoustic profile and medium-light feel of the Elf or the smooth, subtle engagement of the Lunar Probe, as this will guide you to the switch that best complements your typing style and preferences.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Elf Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Lunar Probe Linear

$6.50

$4.19 per 10

Learn more