Huano Elf vs. Outemu Dustproof Green
An in-depth look at the Huano Elf and the Outemu Dustproof Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly impact your typing experience, and two popular options are the Huano Elf and the Outemu Dustproof Green. The Huano Elf is a linear switch renowned for its smooth keystrokes and acoustic benefits stemming from its POK top housing, which produces a deep sound signature that many find satisfying. Its medium-light feel caters well to those who enjoy effortless typing with minimal tactile feedback, making it an ideal choice for gamers and typists alike who seek speed and consistency. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Green is a clicky switch that offers both auditory and tactile feedback, making each keystroke feel more pronounced. This switch is perfect for those who enjoy the satisfying "click" sound and physical bump that can enhance the typing experience, providing a more engaging feel for heavy typists who appreciate the rhythm and feedback. Both switches serve distinct preferences—whether you prioritize a smooth and quiet experience with the Elf or the tactile satisfaction of the Dustproof Green. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
80g
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 Green switches each demonstrate a distinctive selection of materials that influence their sound profile and overall durability. The Elf utilizes POK material for its top housing, which offers a smooth and slightly clackier feel due to its low coefficient of friction of 0.04, surpassing that of common materials like POM and nylon in both shock resistance and wear capacity. In contrast, the Dustproof Green opts for polycarbonate as its top housing material. Polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a brighter, crisper sound profile, ideal for enhancing clarity, especially in setups with RGB lighting. The interplay of these materials establishes different acoustic characteristics, with the Elf favoring a smoother operation while the Dustproof Green targets a sharper auditory feedback.
Both switches share a commonality in using nylon for their bottom housing, which introduces a deeper and fuller sound profile common to many mechanical keyboards. Nylon's absorbent qualities result in a softer, more rounded acoustic experience when a key is pressed, effectively muting higher frequency sounds that might be more pronounced in stiffer materials. Thus, while the Elf's top housing may produce a smooth sound when releasing the key, the shared nylon bottom housing means both the Elf and the Dustproof Green will produce a similar depth in sound during the key press. This common material choice enables users to experience a portability of sound aesthetics between the two switches, despite their distinctive top housing materials shaping the overall key feel and sound profile differently.
In summary, the contrast between the top housings of the Huano Elf and the Outemu Dustproof Green switches showcases the diverse impacts that material properties can have on mechanical switches. The Elf's POK provides a smooth, durable, and resilient top housing that lends itself to a slightly clackier feel, while the Dustproof Green's polycarbonate offers a sharper tonal clarity and aesthetic transparency perfect for illuminated setups. However, the identical nylon bottom housing in both switches ties the sound experience together, ensuring that while the performance and sound upon key release differ, the underlying thump experienced during keystrokes remains satisfyingly consistent. This synergy allows users to appreciate unique sound signatures and feel functionalities while also benefiting from the shared characteristics of nylon's acoustic prowess.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Huano Elf features a relatively light actuation force of 42 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a softer touch for prolonged typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Green has a significantly heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. As such, the Elf can be viewed as the lighter option, while the Dustproof Green is heavier, making it a better fit for those seeking more tactile feedback. However, since the bottom out force for the Elf is unknown, we cannot directly compare it in this context, but the available information suggests that the Green's heavier force would provide a distinct sensation when key presses are fully engaged.
Travel distance
The Huano Elf linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Elf switch the shorter option, providing gamers and users looking for quicker response times with a more immediate tactile feedback. In contrast, the Dustproof Green switch, with its traditional 4 mm travel distance, offers a more deliberate and deeper keypress, which some users may find more satisfying for typists or those who prefer a heightened sense of engagement with their keystrokes. Thus, if you're seeking responsiveness, the Elf is the better choice; however, if you value a richer typing experience with deeper actuation, the Dustproof Green would be preferable.
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 Green 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 is notable for its deep sound signature, which is enhanced by the POK top housing designed for improved acoustics. This results in a more resonant and satisfying auditory experience during typing, providing a pleasant backdrop that can be appreciated in various environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch lacks specific details about its sound profile, but being a clicky switch generally implies it might produce a sharp, distinctive click sound with each keystroke. It's important to recognize that the sound quality of any switch can be influenced by various factors, including the choice of keyboard and keycaps, which means that while the Elf offers a controlled and rich acoustic experience, the Dustproof Green may provide an entirely different auditory feedback.
When it comes to feel, the Huano Elf linear switch is characterized by a medium-light actuation force, which facilitates a smooth and comfortable typing experience, allowing for effortless key presses without excessive resistance. The linear nature of the switch means there is no tactile bump, making it suitable for those who prefer a seamless keystroke. Conversely, the details regarding the feel of the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch are not provided; however, one can expect a more tactile experience typical of clicky switches, which often includes a noticeable bump and audible click that can enhance feedback during typing. The differing mechanisms between these switches suggest that users may enjoy very different sensations: a smooth glide with the Elf versus a tactile and auditory encounter with the Dustproof Green.
In conclusion, the Huano Elf linear switch offers a distinctive deep sound profile and a medium-light feel that promotes a smooth typing experience, making it a favorable option for users seeking a quieter yet satisfying switch. The Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch, while lacking detailed sound and feel specifications, likely presents a different typing dynamic characterized by a tactile response and additional auditory feedback. Each switch caters to different preferences, and choosing between them will largely depend on whether one prioritizes the smoothness and sound richness of the Elf or the tactile clicks of the Dustproof Green.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Elf linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch, it's crucial to consider your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a smooth and quieter typing experience with a medium-light feel, the Elf switch is an excellent choice. Its distinctive POK top housing enhances acoustics, providing a satisfying deep sound signature that pairs well for tasks requiring prolonged typing without overly fatigue. On the other hand, if you prefer tactile feedback and the robust sound of a clicky switch, the Dustproof Green is the way to go. With a heavier bottom-out force of 80 grams, it delivers not only a pronounced audible click but also a firmer feel, making it great for typists who appreciate an engaging and crisp response with each keystroke. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you seek a more subdued and linear typing experience or a lively and clicky one that stimulates your senses while you type.
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