Huano Elf vs. Outemu Cream Pink

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Elf and the Outemu Cream Pink both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences among typists and gamers. The Huano Elf is celebrated for its POK top housing, which enhances acoustics and delivers a deep sound signature, combined with a medium-light actuation force that makes typing feel satisfying and responsive. This design is ideal for those who appreciate a tactile feedback in a smooth linear switch, making it perfect for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Pink, while lacking notable distinct features, presents a reliable linear option that many users find attractive for its consistency and straightforward performance. Its ease of use makes it a solid choice for gamers seeking quick keystrokes without distractions. Both switches have their merits, so the decision ultimately hinges on individual preferences regarding sound and feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Huano Elf Linear

Outemu Cream Pink Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Huano Elf and Outemu Cream Pink switches exhibit both similarities and differences that significantly influence their performance and sound profiles. Notably, the Huano Elf features a POK top housing, a material characterized by its low coefficient of friction (0.04) and excellent shock resistance, surpassing both Nylon and POM. This allows for a notably smooth and durable switch experience, making the Elf a compelling option for those seeking precise and responsive keystrokes. In contrast, the Outemu Cream Pink relies on a classic nylon top housing, known for its sound-absorbing properties that create a fuller and more rounded auditory profile. While both materials can lead to a smooth typing experience, the tactile and auditory feedback may vary due to the differing nature of POK and Nylon.

Delving deeper into their bottom housings, both switches utilize nylon, signaling a shared approach to sound absorption and overall tactile experience. The nylon bottom housing across both models contributes to a deeper sound profile, characterized by a softer feel that enhances the overall typing experience. As a well-accepted classic in switch design, nylon's acoustic properties ensure that both the Huano Elf and Outemu Cream Pink produce a similar underlying sound quality, making them well suited for users who prioritize rich auditory feedback while typing. However, the differences lie in the impact of the top housings, as the POK material of the Elf can create a distinct sound signature and keystroke feel compared to the softer nylon of the Cream Pink's construction.

Ultimately, the combined characteristics of the Huano Elf and Outemu Cream Pink switches reveal how housing material influences both feel and sound. The POK material in the Elf's top housing brings strength and smoothness that enhances the typing experience, particularly during key release. Conversely, the shared nylon bottom housings ensure a consistent warmth and roundness to the bottoming-out experience. When it comes to achieving similar results in terms of auditory satisfaction, the presence of nylon in both models harmonizes their sound characteristics, despite the contrasting textures and responses led by their differing top housings. This nuanced approach to material selection results in unique yet comparable typing experiences for users.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch and the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch, we see significant differences in their actuation forces. The Huano Elf has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Cream Pink's 50 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. However, the bottom out force of the Huano Elf is unknown, which leaves a gap in our ability to fully compare the feeling of bottoming out between the two switches. In contrast, the Cream Pink's bottom out force is 65 grams, which indicates a medium-heavy resistance that many users might appreciate for a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the Huano Elf appeals to those seeking a lighter switch, while the Outemu Cream Pink caters to users who enjoy a firmer keystroke feeling.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Elf linear switch and the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch, we find a notable difference in their respective measurements. The Huano Elf switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Cream Pink switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Elf offers a shorter travel distance, which could appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times. Conversely, the Cream Pink, with its longer travel distance, may be favored by those who appreciate a more pronounced tactile feedback during key presses. Overall, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Huano Elf would be the better choice, while the Outemu Cream Pink might be preferable for those who enjoy a deeper keystroke feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Huano Elf linear switch stands out with a deep sound signature, largely due to its POK top housing, which enhances acoustics and contributes to a more resonant typing experience. This switch provides a satisfying auditory feedback that can add to the overall enjoyment of using a mechanical keyboard. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch lacks specific sound characteristics in the information provided, making it difficult to compare directly. However, it's important to note that the sound produced by any switch can be influenced by various factors, such as the keyboard configuration and keycap materials used.

When it comes to feel, the Elf switch is known for its medium-light actuation force, which allows for a comfortable typing experience. This makes it suitable for those who prefer a switch that doesn't require a lot of effort to press down while still providing a pleasing tactile response. The Cream Pink, unfortunately, does not have a defined feel mentioned in the available information, making it challenging to assess its tactile experience compared to the Elf switch.

Overall, while the Huano Elf linear switch clearly offers a deep sound signature and a medium-light feel, the lack of specific details about the Outemu Cream Pink’s sound and feel leaves some questions unanswered. If you’re seeking a satisfying auditory experience and a comfortable typing experience, the Elf may be the better choice. Without comparable characteristics available for the Cream Pink, preferences will largely depend on individual experimentation and use in conjunction with various boards and keycaps.

Conclusion

To sum up, when choosing between the Huano Elf linear switch and the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch, your preference and typing style will play a crucial role in making the best decision. If you value a keyboard that not only feels satisfying but also delivers a distinct auditory experience, the Elf switch would be more suited to your needs. Its unique POK top housing enhances acoustics, resulting in a deep sound signature while providing a medium-light feel that can be a joy for prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a firmer actuation with a more robust and weighted feel, the Cream Pink switch, with its medium-heavy 65 grams bottom-out force, would be a better match for you. This switch may impart more deliberate control, making it suitable for those who enjoy heavy and tactile feedback in their typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches depends on whether you prioritize the auditory and light touch of the Elf or the more substantial and controlled experience offered by the Cream Pink.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Elf Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Cream Pink Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more