Huano Elf vs. Outemu Dustproof Brown
An in-depth look at the Huano Elf and the Outemu Dustproof Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, understanding the nuances between various options can significantly enhance your typing experience. The Huano Elf switch is a linear switch, characterized by its smooth keystrokes and absence of tactile feedback, making it ideal for gamers and typists who prioritize fluidity and speed. Its POK top housing not only contributes to a deep sound signature but also provides enhanced acoustics, offering a medium-light feel that many users find satisfying. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Brown switch features a tactile bump that provides satisfying feedback with each keystroke, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a tactile response while typing. This switch is designed to minimize dust accumulation, contributing to its durability and reliability. While the Elf switch excels in smoothness and sound quality, the Dustproof Brown is preferred for its tactile feel and longevity. 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the Huano Elf and the Outemu Dustproof Brown, notable differences emerge in the composition of their top housings while their bottom housings share the same material. The Huano Elf utilizes a POK material for its top housing, which is celebrated for its low coefficient of friction and remarkable durability. With a wear resistance 14 times stronger than POM and superior shock resistance compared to nylon and POM, the POK contributes to a smooth, clacky keystroke experience. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Brown employs polycarbonate as its top housing material, renowned for generating a sharper, crisper sound profile due to its stiffness and translucency. This polycarbonate also facilitates RGB lighting well due to its clarity. While the Elf’s POK emphasizes a buttery feel with a warm sound signature, the Dustproof Brown showcases brightness and resonates clearly.
Both switches share a nylon bottom housing, a choice that highlights the harmonious blend of sound profiles achievable between them. Nylon's softer nature results in a deeper, fuller sound due to sound absorption capabilities, making it the ideal material for producing a rounder auditory experience. Consequently, when testers utilize either the Huano Elf or the Outemu Dustproof Brown, the sound profile at the bottom-out point will resemble closely despite differences in the top materials. This similarity in the bottom housing showcases the versatility of nylon in achieving a satisfying auditory feel across various switch designs, regardless of their top materials.
Ultimately, the two switches present an intriguing study in contrasting design philosophies, represented by their choice of top housing while maintaining equivalent properties in their bottom housing. The Elf's application of POK fosters a smooth, resilient experience while the Dustproof Brown's polycarbonate generates a vibrant, resonant sound. Typing on both can yield differing sensations due to the top housing influences while the shared nylon bottom ensures a deep and rich sound quality, highlighting the interplay of materials in shaping overall keyboard experience. Although different in specific sound characteristics when typing, players can expect a similar depth of sound at the bottom of the stroke, creating a unique convergence of design and material qualities.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces and bottom out forces. The Huano Elf features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, which could appeal to users who prefer a switch that allows for extended typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Brown has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, providing a bit more resistance that some users may find offers a more substantial typing experience. As for the bottom out force, the Elf's value remains unknown, whereas the Dustproof Brown has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, indicating a firmer feel when pressing keys all the way down. Therefore, if you favor lighter typing with quick actuation, the Huano Elf would be more suitable, whereas the Outemu Dustproof Brown would appeal to those looking for a heavier feel and a clearer tactile response during use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Elf linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch, we find that the Elf switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Dustproof Brown measures 4 mm. This means that the Dustproof Brown switch has the longer travel distance, providing a more substantial key press experience that some users may prefer for a hearty feel. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Huano Elf switch allows for quicker key presses, which can be particularly advantageous for gamers seeking faster response times. Ultimately, if you're looking for a snappier performance, the Elf switch would be the better choice, whereas the Dustproof Brown caters to those who appreciate a deeper key press.
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 Brown 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
In terms of sound, the Huano Elf linear switch offers a distinct auditory profile characterized by a deep sound signature, a result of its specialized POK top housing that enhances acoustics. This can create a rich and satisfying tone during typing, which many users find appealing. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Brown switch lacks a defined sound personality in the provided details, making it difficult to compare directly. However, it is essential to note that the overall sound experience may vary significantly based on the keyboard’s construction, the type of keycaps used, and individual user preferences.
When it comes to feel, the Huano Elf switch provides a medium-light resistance, contributing to a smooth and enjoyable typing experience. This makes it both approachable for newcomers and satisfying for more seasoned users who appreciate a softer bottom-out. In contrast, there is no specific information available regarding the tactile feedback or overall feel of the Outemu Dustproof Brown switch. This leaves a gap in direct comparison; however, tactile switches generally provide a noticeable bump which can enhance typing precision.
In summary, the Huano Elf linear switch stands out with its deep sound profile and medium-light feel, presenting an enjoyable experience for those who prefer a smooth typing action coupled with pleasing acoustics. The Outemu Dustproof Brown switch, while lacking detailed information on sound and feel, is indicative of a tactile switch that may offer unique characteristics upon use. Ultimately, if you are looking for distinct audio and a specific tactile sensation, the Elf may be the more suitable choice, whereas the characteristics of the Dustproof Brown remain uncertain.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Huano Elf linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch, your decision largely hinges on your typing preferences and what you seek from your keyboard experience. If you prefer a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke with a medium-light feel and a deep acoustics signature, the Elf switch could be an excellent fit for you. This switch is ideal for those who enjoy quiet typing without the feedback of a tactile bump, making it a great option for both gaming and typing tasks where speed and fluidity are priority. On the other hand, if you appreciate a defined tactile feel that provides feedback with each keypress, the Dustproof Brown may be the better choice, especially since it has a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 65 grams. This switch suits users who like the reassurance of tactile responsiveness while typing, which can enhance typing accuracy and aid in a more deliberate typing style. Ultimately, consider your usage habits and personal touch preferences—if you lean towards a smoother experience, go for the Huano Elf; if you favor tactile feedback, the Outemu Dustproof Brown is likely to serve you better.
Mentioned in this article
