Huano Elf vs. Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the Huano Elf and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular linear options that often come into consideration are the Huano Elf and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3). The Huano Elf stands out with its unique POK top housing, designed to enhance acoustics, delivering a satisfying deep sound signature paired with a medium-light feel that many typists appreciate for comfortable and enjoyable typing sessions. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro is celebrated as the epitome of a classic budget switch, renowned for its smooth, buttery experience and low, "thocky" sound profile. This makes it an excellent choice for both gaming and typing, making it a versatile option that caters well to budget-conscious enthusiasts. While both switches offer appealing traits for different types of users, the choice largely depends on individual preferences for tactile feedback and sound profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
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
Nylon
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Elf and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3), we see both differences and similarities that significantly affect their overall performance and sound profiles. The Huano Elf features a top housing made from POK, or polyketone, which is recognized for its smoothness and exceptional durability, being more wear-resistant than POM by 14 times. This material’s low coefficient of friction (0.04) ensures a smooth keystroke, contributing to a clacky and responsive typing experience. In contrast, the Milky Yellow Pro employs a traditional nylon top housing with a slightly lower coefficient of friction (0.03). While nylon is renowned for producing a deeper and fuller sound due to its softness, the POK material offers a different texture and feel, prioritizing smoothness and durability.
Both the Huano Elf and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro use nylon for their bottom housings, leading to a unified sound profile characterized by a richer and rounder acoustic quality. This material choice for both switches aids in achieving a distinct bottom-out feel that is less jarring due to nylon's sound-absorbing properties. While the Elf's bottom housing shares the same material as the Milky Yellow Pro, it still benefits from the unique qualities introduced by the POK top housing. Consequently, the overall acoustic experience of both switches becomes a blend of their top and bottom housings, albeit different in their individual contributions.
In essence, while the Huano Elf and Gateron Milky Yellow Pro share a common nylon bottom housing that enhances durability and sound absorption, their top housing materials create distinct experiences. The Elf's POK top contributes smoothness and durability, reflecting its design for a snappier keystroke, while the Milky Yellow Pro's nylon top focuses on sound quality and a softer response. Users can expect a different tactile experience when typing on these switches, eliciting varied feedback and sound, but both will yield satisfying results in terms of overall feel and audio characteristics. By understanding how both materials impact the switches' performances, enthusiasts can choose the one that aligns best with their typing preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation forces and bottom out forces. The Huano Elf features an actuation force of 42 grams, making it a lighter switch that may appeal to users who prefer less resistance and longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro has a higher actuation force of 50 grams, leading to a heavier feel that some users favor for a more substantial typing experience. As for bottom out forces, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro is specified at 62 grams, while the bottom out force for the Huano Elf is unknown. Consequently, users seeking a lighter typing experience should lean towards the Huano Elf, while those who enjoy a heavier push should consider the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Elf linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, the Elf switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Milky Yellow Pro offers a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference may influence user experience: those who prefer faster response times, often favored by gamers, might find the Huano Elf switch more appealing due to its shorter actuation distance, making it more responsive. Conversely, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro provides a deeper press, which some users might appreciate for a more pronounced tactile feel during typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference for travel distance: shorter for quickness and responsiveness, and longer for depth and a 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 Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) has an MSRP of $2.33 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) for $2.30.
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 Huano Elf switches is characterized by deep acoustics owing to their POK top housing, which enhances the overall tonal quality. This results in a sound signature that can be described as rich and satisfying, providing a pleasant auditory feedback during key presses. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) offers a sound that is low-pitched, thocky, and bassy, creating a depth that is reminiscent of a thud or soft knock with each keystroke. While both switches deliver gratifying sounds, the Elf tends to focus more on depth, whereas the Milky Yellow Pro is noted for its warm thockiness. It's important to remember that the overall sound experience will also be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycap materials.
In terms of feel, the Huano Elf switches lean towards a medium-light resistance, offering a distinct typing experience that is both satisfying and easy on the fingers. In contrast, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro distinguishes itself with a buttery smoothness that ensures a fluid keystroke experience, characterized by a seamless and effort-free typing sensation. This smoothness, however, may stand in contrast to a textured feel that some users prefer, as the Milky Yellow Pro shift towards a more uniform experience without any noticeable friction. While the Elf’s medium-light feel provides a balance for light and less demanding keystrokes, the Milky Yellow Pro appeals to those who desire a smoother action.
Combining all these qualities, both the Huano Elf and Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) cater to different preferences while ensuring an engaging typing experience. The Elf's deep sound and medium-light feel create an atmospheric typing environment, while the Milky Yellow Pro excels in providing a smooth and thick tactile response with its rich sonority. Ultimately, if you're deciding between them, the choice will largely depend on whether you prioritize a deep acoustic profile or buttery smooth keystrokes, as each switch will successfully deliver an enjoyable experience within its own unique parameters.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Huano Elf linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, your unique typing and gaming preferences will guide your choice. If you appreciate a switch designed for a more nuanced audio experience with a deep "thocky" sound, the Elf switch may suit you well. Its POK top housing enhances acoustics and provides a medium-light feel that could be ideal if you enjoy a softer typing experience or if you're looking to reduce finger fatigue over long periods of use. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is an excellent choice if you want a reliable, all-rounder switch. With its medium resistance of 62 grams and smooth, buttery keystrokes, it shines in both gaming and typing scenarios, offering a consistent tactile feel that might appeal if you prefer a more robust resistance during key presses. Ultimately, if you lean towards better sound quality and a lighter touch, go for the Elf, but if you value versatility and a satisfying resistance, the Milky Yellow Pro could be your ideal pick.
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