Huano Elf vs. Gateron Melodic
An in-depth look at the Huano Elf and the Gateron Melodic switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves choosing between various options to suit their typing preferences. The Huano Elf, known for its linear design, features a POK top housing that enhances acoustics, producing a deep sound signature while maintaining a medium-light feel for a gratifying typing experience. This makes the Elf an excellent choice for users who favor smooth, uninterrupted keystrokes, ideal for both typing and gaming. In contrast, the Gateron Melodic introduces an innovative take on the clicky switch category. With advancements like smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems, it offers users the classic clicky feedback and sound that many love, all while ensuring a buttery, resonant experience that doesn't compromise on smoothness. Those who enjoy the tactile and auditory satisfaction of clicks during their typing will find the Melodic particularly appealing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Huano Elf and Gateron Melodic switches showcase distinct compositions in their upper housings, significantly influencing their sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Elf features a POK top housing, which is recognized for its exceptionally low coefficient of friction and durability, enhancing the smoothness and clackiness when typing. The POK material’s strength and resistance to wear contribute to a robust and long-lasting switch experience. In contrast, the Gateron Melodic utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, a material known for its stiffness and clarity. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is particularly noticeable during key releases. While both materials are designed to enhance performance, the Elf's POK offers a distinctively smooth feel, while the Melodic's polycarbonate emphasizes crispness and resonance.
Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which presents a fascinating aspect of their design. Nylon has been celebrated as a classic in switch construction, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. This characteristic allows for sound absorption that leads to the rounder auditory experience associated with typing on switches that employ nylon bottoms. Since both the Huano Elf and the Gateron Melodic incorporate this same nylon material, they share this common ground in sound characteristics, thus providing a similar depth and warmth during typing. The synergy of the nylon bottom housing in both switches creates a consistent low-end sound that complements their top housings.
Ultimately, the overall performance of each switch is determined by the interplay between the top and bottom housing materials. The distinct properties of POK in the Elf's top housing and polycarbonate in the Melodic's top housing lead to two different auditory experiences during actuation and release. The nylon bottom housing tempers the sound characteristics of both switches, allowing for an enveloping sound profile. In cases where the top and bottom housings differ, each material's unique strengths are felt differently upon pressing the key. The Elf's combination of smoothness from POK on top and the rich acoustics provided by nylon results in a dynamic typing experience, while the Melodic shifts that focus towards sharper highs from its polycarbonate top, marrying clarity with the depth achieved by nylon below. Both designs highlight the importance of material choice in crafting the overall feel and sound of keyboard switches.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, there is a notable difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Huano Elf has a known actuation force of 42 grams, making it a lighter switch that may be more suitable for long typing sessions or extended gaming periods. In contrast, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch has an unspecified actuation force, but it features a bottom out force of 60 grams, indicating a heavier feel at full compression. While the exact actuation force of the Melodic switch is unknown, the bottom out force certainly establishes it as the heavier option compared to the Elf. Therefore, users seeking a lighter switch experience should consider the Elf, while those who prefer a firmer typing feel may gravitate towards the Melodic, especially given its provided bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Elf linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, it's clear that they differ in their measurements. The Huano Elf has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Melodic boasts a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. As such, the Elf is the shorter option, offering a more responsive feel that gamers often favor for quicker reaction times. In contrast, the Melodic, with its longer travel distance, provides a deeper and potentially more satisfying tactile experience for those who appreciate a more pronounced keystroke. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches should depend on your preference for responsiveness versus depth in your 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 Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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
In terms of sound, the Huano Elf switch delivers a deep sound signature, likely contributing to a rich auditory experience that some users may find uniquely satisfying. This contrasts with the Gateron Melodic switch, which is characterized by its resonant and crunchy sound profile. The resonant quality of the Melodic provides a higher-pitched and immersive auditory experience, while the crunchy aspect invokes a tactile imagery, akin to stepping on crisp autumn leaves. While both switches offer enjoyable sound characteristics, the Elf’s deeper tone stands out compared to the sharper, more pronounced clicks of the Melodic, allowing for varied auditory preferences based on user experience.
When it comes to feel, the Elf switch provides a medium-light resistance, making it suitable for users who enjoy a balanced keystroke that isn’t too heavy or too light. In contrast, the Gateron Melodic boasts a buttery feel, indicating a smooth and effortless typing experience. The creamy sensation upon activation is particularly appealing, as it allows for a fluid flow during extended typing sessions. Users who prefer lighter, less tactile motions may gravitate towards the Elf, while those who appreciate a smoother, seamless keystroke might find the Melodic more appealing. As such, the tactile experience can differ significantly between the two switches, catering to different typing styles and preferences.
Combining all these qualities, the choice between the Huano Elf and the Gateron Melodic will ultimately depend on individual preferences concerning sound and feel. The Elf’s deeper acoustic signature and medium-light resistance can appeal to users seeking a satisfying yet balanced typing experience. Meanwhile, the Melodic’s resonant and crunchy sound profile along with its buttery feel provides a classic yet smooth clicky option. Overall, both switches present distinct advantages, allowing users to select based on their preferred auditory and tactile feedback, ensuring that everyone can find a switch that suits their unique typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Huano Elf linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch ultimately depends on your typing style and preferences. If you're someone who enjoys a smooth, linear feel with a light touch, the Elf switch may be the perfect fit for you. It provides a deeper sound profile that enhances acoustics, creating an enjoyable auditory experience without the tactile bumps found in clicky switches. This makes the Elf ideal for prolonged typing sessions where comfort and noise minimization are prioritized. On the other hand, if you appreciate distinctive auditory feedback and tactile feedback, the Melodic clicky switch would likely be your go-to option. With its resonant and crunchy sound signature, the Melodic ensures that each keystroke is immersive and satisfying, coupled with a buttery smooth typing experience. This switch is suited for those who thrive on the classic clicky feel and enjoy the typing rhythm it creates. In conclusion, your choice hinges on whether you value a smooth, quieter approach to typing or prefer a more engaging, tactile click with pronounced sound feedback.
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