Huano Elf vs. Outemu Dustproof Blue
An in-depth look at the Huano Elf and the Outemu Dustproof Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a crucial role, particularly when comparing the Huano Elf linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch. The Huano Elf is renowned for its POK top housing, which enhances acoustics and delivers a satisfying deep sound signature, all while providing a medium-light feel that many typists appreciate for a smooth and uninterrupted typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Blue, characterized by its tactile and clicky feedback, offers a nostalgic experience that many gamers and typists love, providing audible confirmation with each keypress that can be both satisfying and engaging. Each switch has its strengths; the Elf is ideal for those who prefer a quieter operation with a soft touch, while the Dustproof Blue is suited for those who value the auditory feedback of a clicky switch. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Huano Elf and the Outemu Dustproof Blue switches present distinct characteristics through their choice of housing materials, particularly in their top housings. The Elf utilizes POK (polyketone) material, which boasts a low coefficient of friction (0.04), granting it remarkable smoothness that enhances the overall typing experience. This material is notable for its strength and durability, being 14 times more wear-resistant than POM, and it demonstrates shock resistance that outperforms Nylon and POM. In contrast, the Dustproof Blue employs polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile upon keystrokes. This is attributable to polycarbonate's stiffness, which contributes to a clearer resonance, particularly advantageous for setups with RGB lighting due to its translucent quality. Although the Elf is designed for smoothness and durability, the Dustproof Blue focuses on producing a vibrant auditory experience.
When it comes to their bottom housings, both switches incorporate nylon, a widely recognized material for keyboard switches. The soft nature of nylon material fosters deeper and fuller sound profiles, allowing for a more muted auditory experience during typing. This shared choice in material between the two models indicates that both switches prioritize a classic sound, utilizing nylon's sound-absorbing qualities to create a rounder acoustic response. While both switches deliver a satisfying deeper tone during operation owing to their nylon bottom housings, the disparity between their top housings affects the overall auditory experience, especially regarding the clarity and high frequencies produced.
In summary, the combination of top and bottom housing materials plays a pivotal role in defining the switches' characteristics. While the Huano Elf’s POK top housing excels in smoothness and durability, the Outemu Dustproof Blue’s polycarbonate design enhances a lively sound profile. However, both switches successfully utilize nylon in their bottom housings, ensuring a rich and full sound experience that resonates well across the board. Thus, although the overall performance may vary due to the differing top materials, the harmonious qualities of the nylon bottom housing contribute to a consistent auditory depth in both switches, making them compelling choices for different user preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces and design characteristics. The Elf switch features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a softer touch, facilitating longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Dustproof Blue switch has a higher actuation force of 50 grams, appealing to those who favor a more substantial feel when typing. While the Elf's bottom out force is unspecified, the Dustproof Blue's bottom out force is 65 grams, indicating a medium-heavy resistance when fully pressed down. This makes the Dustproof Blue heavier overall, providing a firmer typing experience. Thus, for typists who prioritize lighter switches for extended use, the Huano Elf is the better option, while those who enjoy a stronger push should consider the Outemu Dustproof Blue.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the Huano Elf linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch differ, with the Elf measuring 3.6 mm and the Dustproof Blue at 4 mm. This makes the Huano Elf the shorter option, providing a more responsive feel that is often favored by gamers seeking quicker response times. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Blue, with its longer travel distance, offers a more substantial depth that some users may prefer for a more tactile experience. Thus, if you value a snappier action, the Elf would be your choice, while the Dustproof Blue is better suited for those who appreciate a heftier keystroke sensation.
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 Dustproof Blue 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
When it comes to sound, the Huano Elf linear switch is recognized for its deep sound signature, which can enhance the overall acoustics of your typing experience. This quality is amplified by its POK top housing designed specifically for this purpose, allowing it to produce a rich, full-bodied tone. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch's sound characteristics remain unspecified, but clicky switches in general are known for their distinct audible feedback that can be quite sharp and crisp. This difference in sound style is evident, as the Elf leans towards a deeper, more resonant profile while typical clicky switches like the Dustproof Blue offer more pronounced clicking sounds, which some users may find distracting or pleasurable depending on their typing preferences.
Regarding the feel, the Elf switch boasts a medium-light actuation force that promotes a smooth and satisfying typing experience, making it an excellent option for users who prefer a lighter touch without sacrificing responsiveness. Its linear nature means there’s no tactile bump, allowing for uninterrupted key presses. Conversely, the feel of the Outemu Dustproof Blue is likely to be characterized by a tactile bump and the auditory click that accompanies each keystroke. This tactile feedback can provide users with greater assurance of a successful key press but may result in a slightly heavier and more textured typing experience compared to the Elf, which prioritizes a more streamlined, fluid motion.
Ultimately, both the Huano Elf and the Outemu Dustproof Blue switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Elf's deep sound and medium-light feel may appeal to those who appreciate a smoother, less tactile typing experience, whereas the Dustproof Blue might attract users who enjoy the audible click and tactile feedback of a clicky switch. Depending on your typing style and auditory preference, you can expect distinct experiences from each switch, allowing you to choose the one that best fits your needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Huano Elf linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a smooth and quiet typing experience, the Elf switch might be the better option for you. It features a medium-light feel, making it perfect for long typing sessions without fatigue, and its acoustics provide a pleasing deep sound signature that many find satisfying. On the other hand, if you enjoy tactile feedback and audible clicks, the Outemu Dustproof Blue switch caters to those who appreciate a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 65 grams. This added resistance can enhance the typing experience for users who prefer a more deliberate keypress, coupled with the distinctive click that confirms each keystroke. In summary, choose the Huano Elf for a more subdued yet pleasant typing experience, while the Outemu Dustproof Blue is ideal for those who thrive on the auditory and tactile confirmations of a classic clicky switch.
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