Huano Elf vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the Huano Elf and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Elf and Gateron Mountain Top both offer unique characteristics tailored to different typing preferences and environments. The Huano Elf is celebrated for its POK top housing, which enhances acoustics and produces a deep sound signature, making for an engaging typing experience with a medium-light feel. This switch is ideal for users who enjoy tactile feedback and a satisfying auditory response during their typing sessions. On the other hand, Gateron's Mountain Top switches are designed with office environments in mind, providing a quiet yet not entirely silent typing experience. They balance a subdued sound profile with a comfortably light actuation, making them perfect for users who prioritize discretion in professional settings while still desiring an enjoyable typing experience. Both switches cater to different needs—whether you lean towards the richly resonant Elf or the subtle convenience of the Mountain Top, your choice will significantly impact your overall typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best 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
The housing materials of the Huano Elf and the Gateron Mountain Top switches present a fascinating contrast, particularly through their top housings. The Elf utilizes a POK material, which is recognized for its lower coefficient of friction (0.04), thereby providing a smoother keypress compared to the Gateron Mountain Top's nylon top housing, which has a slightly higher coefficient of friction. While nylon is known for offering a softer and more muted sound profile, the durable characteristics of POK make it an excellent choice for creating switches that not only feel smooth but also boast impressive longevity. This difference in material affects the tactile experience; while the Elf's POK housing enhances responsiveness and durability, the Mountain Top’s nylon contributes to a softer texture and a deeper sound profile. Thus, while both switches aim to create an enjoyable typing experience, they diverge significantly in the feel and auditory feedback provided during use.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Huano Elf and the Gateron Mountain Top utilize nylon, highlighting an area of similarity between the two. This shared material means that users will experience comparable auditory qualities when bottoming out the switch, as nylon's inherent characteristics help absorb sound, leading to a fuller, more rounded auditory signature. Given that both switches feature nylon for their bottom housings, they are likely to deliver similar bottom-out sensations. This layered effect means that the sound and feel when a key is fully pressed will resonate in a characteristic manner attributed to the nylon, regardless of the differences presented in the top housings.
Ultimately, while the Huano Elf and Gateron Mountain Top switches both incorporate nylon in their bottom housings, the differences in the top housing materials—POK versus nylon—create a compelling variation in tactile and auditory experiences. The Elf's POK top housing enhances the switch's smoothness and responsiveness, while the Mountain Top's nylon top, although softer, offers a different level of acoustic richness. Consequently, when evaluating overall performance, users might select one over the other based on their preference for either smoothness or sound depth. Combining these characteristics allows for a rich diversity in switch types, suiting various gaming or typing preferences and auditory experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, we see some notable differences in actuation force and bottom out force. The Elf has an actuation force of 42 grams, while the Mountain Top is slightly lighter at 40 grams. This means that the Gateron switch may provide a more effortless typing experience, which can be appealing for users who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force for the Huano Elf is unknown, whereas the Gateron Mountain Top has a defined bottom out force of 50 grams. This indicates that the Mountain Top requires a firmer push to bottom out, resulting in a more pronounced tactile feedback for users who prefer that stronger push feel. In summary, the Huano Elf is the heavier option in terms of actuation force, while the Gateron Mountain Top provides a lighter experience overall, especially for those who might appreciate a lighter switch for prolonged use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Elf linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, the Elf features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Mountain Top has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This indicates that the Elf switch offers a more pronounced key press, appealing to users who enjoy a deeper feeling when typing or gaming, whereas the Mountain Top's lesser travel distance may provide faster response times, catering to gamers who prefer a snappier action. Ultimately, if you're looking for a switch with a shorter travel distance for increased responsiveness, the Gateron Mountain Top would be the better choice, while those who appreciate a greater travel depth would likely favor the Huano Elf.
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 Mountain Top 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 switch offers a deep sound signature, thanks to its unique POK top housing, which enhances acoustics for a more pronounced auditory experience. This makes it more suitable for those who enjoy a richer acoustic profile. In contrast, the Gateron Mountain Top switch is engineered for quiet operation, making it ideal for office environments. While it maintains a subdued sound signature that avoids being entirely silent, it leans towards a more neutral sound profile, striking a balance that caters to both home and professional settings. Thus, the Elf provides a more engaging auditory experience, while the Mountain Top offers a discreet typing environment.
In terms of feel, the Elf switch is characterized by a medium-light actuation force, providing a satisfying and responsive typing experience. Conversely, the Mountain Top switches are noted for their bouncy and easy-to-press sensation, requiring minimal force and allowing for effortless key presses. This gentle resistance creates a comfortable experience that helps reduce finger fatigue, especially during long typing sessions. Additionally, the Mountain Top switches carry various descriptors such as snappy and subtle, adding layers of responsiveness and a mild typing experience that is approachable for a wide range of users. The Elf may not offer the same breadth of tactile qualities, but its medium-light feel is nonetheless effective for enjoyment and practicality.
In conclusion, while both the Huano Elf and Gateron Mountain Top linear switches cater to distinct preferences, they provide valuable options depending on the user's needs. The Elf excels in delivering a deeper sound profile with a satisfying feel, making it great for those who appreciate rich acoustics and engaging typing sensations. On the other hand, the Mountain Top prioritizes quiet operation and comfort, making it perfect for office use or shared spaces. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, either switch can lead to a rewarding typing experience with slight variations in character.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Huano Elf linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing needs and environment. If you’re seeking an engaging and satisfying typing experience with enhanced acoustics, the Elf switch is an excellent option. Its medium-light feel and deeper sound signature can create a more enjoyable atmosphere, making it ideal for casual use and home environments where you can appreciate the full auditory feedback. On the other hand, if your primary concern is discretion, especially in office settings, the Gateron Mountain Top switch stands out due to its balanced, quiet operation and bouncy feel. Its design ensures that you can type comfortably with minimal noise, making it suitable for continuous work without disturbing your colleagues. Thus, whether you're in pursuit of an immersive typing experience or a subtle and efficient workplace solution, these switches each have their distinct advantages that cater to different users.
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