Huano Elf vs. Outemu Crystal Brown

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Elf and the Outemu Crystal Brown offer distinct experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The Elf switch is celebrated for its POK top housing, which enhances acoustics and produces a deep sound signature, while providing a medium-light actuation force that creates a satisfying and smooth typing experience ideal for fast-paced gaming and long writing sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Crystal Brown is a tactile switch known for providing a noticeable bump at the actuation point, giving users tactile feedback that enhances typing accuracy, making it a popular choice for typists who enjoy the reassurance of tactile response. While the Elf switch may appeal to those seeking a quieter and smoother option, the Crystal Brown caters to individuals who prioritize tactile feedback in their 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

Huano Elf Linear

Outemu Crystal Brown Tactile

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Huano Elf and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches exhibit distinct differences in their top housing materials, with the Elf utilizing a polyketone (POK) and the Crystal Brown employing polycarbonate. The POK material used in the Elf's top housing is characterized by its smoothness and exceptional durability; it boasts a coefficient of friction of 0.04, slightly higher than the 0.03 of laser-etched (LY) plastics. This property contributes to both a clacky typing experience and an increased wear resistance, making it a top contender for high-performance switches. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Crystal Brown is stiffer, resulting in a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. This rigidity enhances the clarity and resonance of tone, especially appealing to users who appreciate an RGB lighting aesthetic due to the housing's translucency. While both materials aim to create a pleasing user experience, their sonic outputs are notably different, informing the choice of switch based on the desired typing sound and feel.

On the other hand, both the Huano Elf and the Outemu Crystal Brown share a common ground in their bottom housing material—nylon—allowing for similar sound profiles when pressed. Nylon is a classic choice among switch builders, known for its softer composition, which leads to a deeper and fuller sound experience. This similarity means that despite the differing top housing materials, the bottom housing's influence remains consistent in terms of sound absorption, providing a duller, rounder finish to the keystroke. Both switches will, therefore, result in an experience replete with warmth and body, helping to offset the sharper sound created by their respective top housings. This alignment in bottom housing materials ensures that typing feels similarly satisfying across both switch types while reinforcing diverse acoustic characteristics based on their tops.

In conclusion, the different top housing materials of the Huano Elf and Outemu Crystal Brown create a balance in their overall performance, where the choice of sound and feel reflects personal preferences among users. The distinct durability and friction properties of polyketone, paired with the clarity provided by polycarbonate, contrast meaningfully against the commonality of the nylon base—highlighting how top and bottom housing materials influence a switch's auditory and tactile feedback. While the Elf garners attention for its robustness and smoothness, the Crystal Brown appeals to those drawn to a brighter sound complemented by a visually striking clear housing. Together, these switches demonstrate the rich possibilities in mechanical keyboard design, showcasing how differences and similarities can work cohesively within a single typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, we can observe a clear difference in their actuation forces. The Elf has an actuation force of 42 grams, making it the lighter option, which can be advantageous for users who prefer less fatigue during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Crystal Brown requires a slightly stronger actuation force of 45 grams, appealing to those who seek a more substantial keystroke feel. However, the bottom out force for the Huano Elf is not available, while the Crystal Brown's bottom out force is measured at 55 grams, classifying it as medium-light. This means that while both switches offer a different experience in terms of actuation force, the lack of information on the Elf's bottom out force leaves it uncertain how they compare in that regard. Overall, the Huano Elf is a lighter switch, potentially preferable for longer use, while the Outemu Crystal Brown provides a heavier experience that some users might find more satisfying.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Huano Elf linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, a distinct difference emerges. The Elf switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it noticeably shorter than the Crystal Brown, which features a travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Elf switch can offer gamers faster response times, which is particularly appealing for rapid keypresses. On the other hand, the additional depth of the Crystal Brown switch may be preferred by users who enjoy a more substantive feel when pressing down on keys. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference: those who favor responsiveness might opt for the shorter 3.6 mm distance of the Huano Elf, while those who seek a more traditional and hearty depth might lean towards the 4 mm travel distance of the Outemu Crystal Brown.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Huano Elf linear switch produces a deep sound signature, thanks to its POK top housing, which enhances its acoustic qualities for a more resonant typing experience. This makes it a great choice for those who appreciate a rich audio experience while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown does not have a specifically noted sound profile, which makes it challenging to draw a direct comparison. However, both switches' sound characteristics can also be influenced by external factors such as the keyboard frame or keycap materials, meaning users may experience different sound outputs depending on their specific setups.

In terms of feel, the Elf switch offers a medium-light actuation force, providing a smooth and satisfying typing experience that many users find enjoyable for both gaming and typing tasks. The tactile response of the Crystal Brown switch, however, has not been specified, making it difficult to directly compare its feel to that of the Elf. Generally, tactile switches are appreciated for providing feedback at the actuation point, which can enhance typing accuracy and comfort during extended use. The Elf's medium-light feel might offer a good balance for those who prefer softer switches, though without clear information about the Crystal Brown's actuation characteristics, it remains uncertain how they will feel in comparison.

In summary, the Huano Elf delivers a well-rounded auditory and tactile experience, particularly noted for its deep sound and medium-light feel. The Outemu Crystal Brown lacks specific descriptive qualities for both sound and feel, making it hard to determine how it might stack up against the Elf. For users looking to achieve a satisfying typing experience, the Elf's defining features make it an attractive option, while the Crystal Brown may appeal to those who enjoy tactile feedback, albeit with less known about its profile. Ultimately, personal preference and the specific keyboard setup will greatly influence the experience with either switch.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Huano Elf linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences regarding feeling, sound, and the type of feedback you seek from your keyboard. If you favor a smooth and silent typing experience, the Huano Elf switch is an excellent option, as it is designed to provide a deep sound signature and a satisfying medium-light feel while remaining unobtrusive. This makes it ideal for tasks requiring extended typing sessions or environments where noise might be a concern. On the other hand, if you appreciate tactile feedback that aids in typing accuracy and provides a more traditional keyboard feel, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch, with its 55 grams bottom out force, would be more suitable. The tactile bump offered by the Crystal Brown can enhance your typing experience, making it particularly appealing for both casual and more formal typing situations. Ultimately, considering your keyboard use case will help you decide which switch aligns best with your needs.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Elf Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Crystal Brown Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more