Huano Elf vs. Outemu Brown

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, users often find themselves choosing between options like the Huano Elf and the Outemu Brown, each offering unique typing experiences. The Huano Elf, a linear switch, is prized for its POK top housing that enhances acoustics, delivering a deep sound signature paired with a medium-light actuation force, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke while gaming or typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown is a tactile switch known for its subtle bump at actuation, providing users with tactile feedback that many find satisfying for typing tasks, especially for those who appreciate the feel of physical feedback without the loud clicks often associated with other switches. Both options cater to different preferences—whether it's the smoothness of the linear Elf or the tactile stimulation of the Brown. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Huano Elf Linear

Outemu Brown Tactile

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials used in the Huano Elf and the Outemu Brown switches exhibit both similarities and contrasts that significantly influence their performance and auditory characteristics. The Elf utilizes a top housing made from polyketone (POK), which offers a higher coefficient of friction at 0.04 compared to the Outemu Brown's polycarbonate top housing, featuring a coefficient that allows for enhanced clarity and sound resonance. While POK is revered for its remarkable durability and strength, being 14 times more resistant to wear than POM, it produces a smooth yet clacky sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched tone that users might appreciate for its clarity, making each keypress distinctly audible. Therefore, while both switches deliver favorable sound profiles, the nuances of their materials result in different auditory experiences during typing.

On the bottom housing front, both the Huano Elf and the Outemu Brown share the classic material of nylon, which is well-known for producing a deep, fuller sound profile. This shared material results in a consistent auditory characteristic, regardless of the differing top housings. The nylon's ability to absorb sound better than harder materials creates a duller, rounder sound that can enhance the overall experience when typing. The implications of this are notable since the quality of the bottom housing directly influences the bottom-out sound, which would feel similar during use in both switches, even as the top housings contribute distinct acoustic properties.

When considering the overall performance and experience of the two switches, it becomes evident that while the design choices in the top housing differ—impacting the auditory sharpness and resonance—the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that a lush, deeper sound is maintained in both scenarios. The final output when typing on both the Huano Elf and Outemu Brown switches thus merges these characteristics, yielding a unique interplay of sound profiles. Ultimately, the combination of durable, smooth POK and the sharper polycarbonate contrasts against the consistent, muted softness of nylon, delivering users a multifaceted typing experience that is both profound and distinct.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, there is a notable difference in their actuation forces. The Elf has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a softer touch for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming marathons. In contrast, the Brown has a heavier actuation force of 53 grams, offering a more substantial feel that some typists may favor for its tactile feedback and satisfying resistance. While the bottom out force for the Elf switch is unfortunately unavailable, the Outemu Brown's bottom out force is recorded at 65 grams, categorized as medium-heavy. This means that the Brown switch not only requires more effort to actuate but also feels heavier when bottomed out, which might appeal to those who appreciate a firmer keystroke. Ultimately, if you prefer a lighter switch for extended use, the Huano Elf would be the better choice, whereas the Outemu Brown offers a heftier typing experience that some may find more satisfying.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Elf linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, the Elf measures 3.6 mm, while the Brown has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference highlights the Elf as the shorter option, making it more suitable for users seeking quicker response times, which is often preferred by gamers. In contrast, the Outemu Brown's longer travel distance may appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback and depth when typing. While both switches cater to different preferences, if you're looking for a more responsive feel, the Huano Elf would be the preferable choice, whereas the Outemu Brown would be better for those who appreciate a deeper keystroke experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Huano Elf linear switch is known for its deep sound signature, which can create a more satisfying acoustic experience for the user. The POK top housing enhances these acoustics, contributing to a fuller and more resonant sound when typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown tactile switch has no specific sound profile mentioned, but tactile switches generally produce a subtle "thock" sound upon actuation, which can be a bit quieter compared to linear switches. However, it’s important to remember that sound can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard's build materials and the keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, the Huano Elf switch offers a medium-light actuation force that leads to a fluid typing experience. This provides a balance between being light enough for rapid keystrokes while still offering enough resistance to avoid accidental presses. In contrast, the Outemu Brown switch features a tactile bump that signifies the actuation point, which adds an element of feedback that many typists appreciate. While the Elf emphasizes a smooth linear feel, the Brown’s tactile nature delivers a more pronounced sensation during typing, resulting in differing styles of engagement.

In conclusion, the Huano Elf linear switch provides a satisfying deep sound and a medium-light feel for an enjoyable typing experience, while the Outemu Brown tactile switch focuses on subtle acoustic feedback and a tactile feel. Both switches serve unique preferences, with the Elf being better suited for those who favor smoothness and sound, while the Brown appeals to those who appreciate tactile feedback. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize linear smoothness and acoustics or tactile feedback in your mechanical keyboard experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Huano Elf linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a smoother, more fluid keystroke without any tactile bump, the Elf switch might be a perfect match for you. Its lightweight feel and deep sound signature provide a satisfying typing experience, which is particularly appealing for gamers and those who prefer rapid keystrokes without distraction. On the other hand, if you appreciate tactile feedback while typing and prefer a more pronounced bottom-out force, the Outemu Brown's medium-heavy feel is likely to suit your needs better. The tactile bump provides clear engagement with each keystroke, making it ideal for typing tasks where you want to enhance accuracy and feedback. Ultimately, consider how you plan to use your keyboard—whether for gaming, typing, or a mix of both—and choose the switch that aligns best with your desired experience.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Elf Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Brown Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more