Huano Elf vs. Gateron Mini i
An in-depth look at the Huano Elf and the Gateron Mini i switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, it’s essential to consider the distinct characteristics that can significantly influence your typing experience. The Huano Elf switch, known for its POK top housing, provides a deep sound signature while maintaining a medium-light feel, making it an appealing option for users who appreciate a satisfying linear typing experience devoid of tactile bumps. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i switch caters to a more office-centric audience, offering gentle tactility with a subtle feedback mechanism that enhances typing comfort over long periods. Its fairly muted sound profile strikes a balance between performance and professionalism, ensuring that you can type quietly without sacrificing the joy of keystrokes. The Elf is perfect for those seeking an engaging experience, while the Mini i is ideal for individuals prioritizing a quiet, efficient workspace. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Elf and the Gateron Mini i, distinct differences emerge that impact the switches’ overall characteristics. The Huano Elf incorporates a POK material for its top housing, celebrated for its low coefficient of friction of 0.04, which promotes a smooth keypress experience. This material is also significantly durable, demonstrating wear resistance that is 14 times stronger than POM and greater shock resistance compared to Nylon and POM. In contrast, the Gateron Mini i utilizes a classic nylon material for both its top and bottom housings, well-known for its softer properties that contribute to a deeper, fuller sound profile during typing. While the Mini i benefits from the traditional appeal of nylon, it lacks the advanced durability features of the Huano Elf’s POK top housing.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Huano Elf and the Gateron Mini i utilize nylon, which creates an interesting parallel in their performance and audible qualities. The use of nylon for the bottom housing in both switches ensures a similar deep and round sound when typing, as nylon's softness absorbs impact better than harder plastics. This shared material allows both switches to keep a consistent auditory profile, making them appealing for users who prioritize the sound during key presses. However, because the POK top housing of the Elf offers distinct advantages in durability and smoothness over the nylon used in the Mini i, the perceived experience when bottoming out will differ based on the qualities imparted by the respective top materials.
Ultimately, the differing materials of the top housings lead to contrasting tactile and audio results between the switches. While both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, creating a similar sound profile, the Huano Elf's POK top housing enhances the overall switching experience with a higher degree of smoothness and durability. When pressed, users will feel the nuanced impact of the bottom housing—contributing to the key feel and sound upon bottoming-out—while the light and delicate release sound will be more influenced by the Elf's superior POK material. In this manner, although there is a shared sound quality in the bottom housings, the overall performance and feel of each switch will remain distinctive due to the variations in their top housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch with the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, we see some nuanced differences in their force characteristics. The Elf switch has an actuation force of 42 grams, while the Mini i features a slightly lighter actuation force of 40 grams. This difference means that the Mini i requires less force to register a keystroke, making it potentially more comfortable for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. However, since the bottom out force for the Elf is unavailable, we cannot directly compare it to the Mini i's bottom out force of 50 grams. This indicates that the Mini i provides a more defined resistance when pressed all the way down, which some users may prefer for a substantial typing feel. Overall, the Mini i is the lighter option between the two, appealing to those who favor less resistance while typing. In contrast, the heavier Elf switch may cater to users who prefer a more tangible push feel in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Elf linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, we see a variation that can impact the user experience. The Huano Elf boasts a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Mini i has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. As a result, the Huano Elf offers a more substantial depth, ideal for those who appreciate a more pronounced keypress, while the Gateron Mini i caters to users seeking quicker response times with its shorter distance. If you value a responsive and swift typing or gaming experience, the Mini i would be the better choice; however, if you prefer a more tactile experience, the Elf's longer travel distance might suit you perfectly. Ultimately, your preference between these two switches will depend on your desired combination of responsiveness and depth.
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 Mini i comes in at $6.00 per 10 switches.
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
When it comes to sound, the Huano Elf linear switch is known for its deep sound signature, thanks in part to its POK top housing which enhances acoustics. This results in a more robust auditory presence while typing, appealing to users who enjoy a richer acoustic feedback. In contrast, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch offers a more muted sound profile, designed to minimize distractions in office environments. Its neutral sound makes it suitable for various settings, providing a pleasant but restrained auditory experience that caters to both beginners and experienced typists seeking a more discreet option.
In terms of feel, the Elf switch is characterized by its medium-light actuation force, offering a smooth and satisfying typing experience that allows for effortless key presses. The overall sensation is likely to be linear and consistent throughout the press, providing a seamless flow with minimal resistance. Conversely, the Mini i switch is bouncier and more tactile, providing gentle resistance that enhances typing feedback. This switch exhibits a snappy response, making it feel lively and engaging while still maintaining an easy-to-press quality that reduces finger fatigue during extended periods of use. The tactile feedback is subtle yet noticeable, appealing to users who appreciate a slightly bumpy feel without overwhelming sensations.
In summary, while both the Huano Elf and Gateron Mini i switches offer unique qualities suitable for different typing environments, they cater to varied preferences. The Elf's deep sound and fluid feel favor those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory experience, while the Mini i’s muted sound and tactile feedback are geared toward professionals seeking a quiet yet responsive typing surface. Ultimately, choosing between them depends on whether you prioritize sound richness or a balanced tactile response, as both can deliver satisfying results based on what you're looking for in your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To summarize, when choosing between Huano Elf linear switches and Gateron Mini i tactile switches, consider your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you prioritize a smooth typing experience with a deep sound signature and a medium-light feel, the Elf linear switches are an excellent choice. They shine in a setting where acoustics matter, delivering a satisfying stroke for those who enjoy consistent keystrokes without tactile bumps. These switches can enhance your gaming experience or serve well for personal projects, where expressiveness in sound and feel contributes to the overall enjoyment. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch that balances comfort and professionalism, particularly for long hours of typing in an office environment, the Gateron Mini i is the way to go. Its gentle tactility and muted sound profile create an inviting atmosphere that is both responsive and unobtrusive, making it suitable for shared spaces. The lightweight actuation and subtle feedback ensure that your typing remains effortless and fatigue-free. Ultimately, your choice should hinge on the type of typing experience you want to cultivate: expressive and engaging with the Elf, or smooth and professional with the Mini i.
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