Huano Elf vs. Outemu Cream Yellow
An in-depth look at the Huano Elf and the Outemu Cream Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Elf and the Outemu Cream Yellow stand out for their distinct characteristics and user experiences. The Huano Elf, a linear switch, is celebrated for its POK top housing, which enhances acoustics and delivers a deep sound signature alongside a medium-light actuation force for a satisfying typing experience. This makes the Elf an excellent choice for gamers and typists who prefer a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke, ideal for rapid key presses and an overall quiet operation. In contrast, the Outemu Cream Yellow is a tactile switch that provides a noticeable bump at the actuation point, offering feedback that can be particularly beneficial for those who appreciate a more responsive typing feel, making it preferable for precision typing tasks. Both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles; the Elf encourages fluidity and speed, while the Cream Yellow emphasizes tactile feedback. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Comparing the housing materials of the Huano Elf and the Outemu Cream Yellow switches reveals some significant differences, particularly in the top housing materials. The Huano Elf features a POK (polyketone) top housing, celebrated for its smoothness and durability. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, it slightly surpasses the Outemu Cream Yellow’s nylon top housing with a coefficient of 0.03. While both materials provide a conducive typing experience, the POK's wear resistance makes it notably stronger than nylon, allowing it to endure prolonged use without degrading in performance. The POK's superior shock resistance also contributes to a crisper, more responsive feel, which enhances the typing experience thanks to its ability to absorb impact better than POM and Nylon.
While the top housings diverge, the bottom housings of both switches are made from nylon, a classic choice known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The similarity in using nylon for both switches creates a sense of consistency in the overall auditory feedback during typing. Nylon is inherently softer, allowing for sound absorption that generates a duller and rounder sound, which is pleasant for typists who prefer less noise. This shared material for the bottom housings means that the acoustical properties and feel when bottoming out on a key are expected to be alike in both the Huano Elf and the Outemu Cream Yellow switches, regardless of the differences in their top housings.
Ultimately, the combination of POK and nylon in the Huano Elf and the dual nylon housing of the Outemu Cream Yellow creates a nuanced typing experience. While the top housing of the Elf augments the smoothness and responsiveness, the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing maintains a consistent sound profile between the two switches. The differing top materials will result in unique tactile feedback, especially noticeable during the release phase of a keypress, whereas the nylon bottom ensures that both switches deliver a satisfying bottom-out feel and sound. Thus, while the switches provide distinct characteristics due to their top housing, their shared bottom material unifies the overall typing experience in terms of acoustics and feedback.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Huano Elf linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, we find distinct differences that influence typing preference. The Huano Elf has an actuation force of 42 grams, making it the lighter option, while the Outemu Cream Yellow requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Elf does not provide a bottom out force, leaving us without a basis for direct comparison in that regard. In contrast, the Cream Yellow has a bottom out force measured at 60 grams, indicating a firmer push when fully depressed. For users who favor a lighter switch for prolonged typing sessions, the Huano Elf may be preferable; on the other hand, those who like a more substantial typing experience might gravitate towards the heavier feel of the Outemu Cream Yellow. Ultimately, the lack of a defined bottom out force for the Elf makes it challenging to wholly compare the switches beyond their actuation forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Elf linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, the Elf has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cream Yellow measures at 3.3 mm. This makes the Cream Yellow the shorter option, giving it a slight advantage in response time, which can benefit gamers seeking quick interactions. Conversely, the Huano Elf, with its longer travel distance, offers a more pronounced keypress experience that some users may prefer for its depth and tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches hinges on whether the user values responsiveness with the shorter switch or a more substantial keypress with the longer one.
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 Outemu Cream Yellow comes in at $3.10 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
The sound signature of the Huano Elf linear switch stands out with its deep tonal quality, largely attributed to its POK top housing, which enhances the acoustics and provides a richer auditory experience when typing or gaming. This makes the Elf switch particularly appealing for users who appreciate a pronounced sound profile in their mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch does not have a specified sound quality, so it’s difficult to draw direct comparisons. However, it’s worth noting that the sound produced by any switch, including the Cream Yellow, can vary depending on the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used alongside it.
In terms of feel, the Huano Elf's medium-light actuation offers a balanced typing experience, making it suitable for long sessions of work or gaming without causing fatigue. The tactile feedback, although not explicitly mentioned, can be inferred to provide pleasantly responsive typing. The Cream Yellow switch, labeled as tactile, suggests a different feel that likely includes that characteristic tactile bump, offering a distinct feedback moment when actuated. While the specifics regarding the Cream Yellow's tactile feedback are unspecified, avid users of tactile switches often enjoy that signature bump, which can enhance typing accuracy.
In conclusion, the Huano Elf linear switch offers a satisfying deep sound with a medium-light feel, making it a solid choice for those who favor auditory feedback and comfort during long typing sessions. The Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, while lacking detailed sound characteristics, potentially provides a different tactile experience that could appeal to users who prioritize feedback in their keystrokes. For those seeking to enrich their mechanical keyboard experience, both switches offer unique qualities, and the choice ultimately depends on whether one prefers a linear experience with enhanced sound or a tactile feedback sensation.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Elf linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, your choice ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you appreciate a smooth and fluid keystroke with a lighter touch, then the Huano Elf's medium-light feel and superior acoustics might be the ideal option for you. This switch is designed to provide a satisfying typing experience, making it perfect for gamers and typists who favor rapid, uninterrupted keystrokes without tactile bumps. Conversely, if you enjoy a more defined typing experience with a solid feedback mechanism, the Outemu Cream Yellow's medium 60-gram bottom-out force offers a nice tactile bump that can enhance your typing precision and comfort, particularly for long writing sessions. This makes it a suitable choice for users who prefer that tactile sensation to reaffirm their key presses. In essence, your decision should align with whether you prioritize a smooth, linear feel or a tactile feedback experience, ensuring your keyboard serves your particular style of typing or gaming effectively.
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