Huano Elf vs. Outemu Dustproof Purple

Overview

When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to the unique characteristics of each type. The Huano Elf switch, a linear option, is celebrated for its POK top housing, which enhances acoustics and delivers a deep sound signature, creating a satisfying typing experience with its medium-light feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Purple switch offers a tactile experience that provides noticeable feedback during each keystroke, ideal for typists who enjoy a more pronounced response from their keyboard. Both switches cater to different preferences: if you prioritize a smooth, uninterrupted typing experience, the Elf may be your go-to, while the tactile nature of the Dustproof Purple could be appealing if you appreciate feedback and a dynamic typing sensation. 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 Dustproof Purple Tactile

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Huano Elf and the Outemu Dustproof Purple switches exhibit distinct differences in their top housing materials, which ultimately result in contrasting sound profiles and user experiences. The Elf utilizes a POK (polyketone) material for its top housing, which is noted for its low coefficient of friction and exceptional durability. With a friction coefficient of 0.04, it offers a remarkably smooth typing experience, surpassing the LY material in that regard. The durability of POK is also impressive, boasting wear resistance that is 14 times stronger than POM and shock resistance better than Nylon. In contrast, the Dustproof Purple employs polycarbonate for its top housing, known for its stiffer structure that produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The translucent nature of polycarbonate can enhance the aesthetic appeal of RGB lighting, resulting in a more visually engaging output despite the differences in tactile feedback and sound quality.

When it comes to bottom housing materials, both switches utilize nylon, which contributes similarly to the overall typing experience. Nylon is recognized as a classic material for switch housings, and both the Huano Elf and Outemu Dustproof Purple benefit from its soft, sound-absorbing properties. The nylon bottom housing in both switches helps create a deeper and fuller sound profile, regardless of the distinctions in their top housing materials. This similarity in bottom housing results in a consistent auditory experience, where the deeper tones produced give users a satisfying feel during key presses. The soft characteristics of nylon ensure that both switches deliver a rounded and rich sound signature that typists may appreciate across different use cases.

Ultimately, the combination of the different top and bottom housings in each switch leads to a layered auditory experience. While the Elf's POK top housing contributes to a smoothness ideal for quick typing, the polycarbonate top of the Dustproof Purple enhances clarity, creating two distinct sound profiles when the key is released. Both switches share the commonality of using nylon for their bottom housings, uniting their deeper sound characteristics. Thus, while they diverge in their top materials, the respective nylon bases ensure that both switches provide a fulfilling typing experience, showcasing how differences in top housing can modulate sound and feel while maintaining a satisfying bottom-end response.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Purple tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Huano Elf has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, particularly during extended sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Purple requires a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial tactile feedback while typing. Additionally, the Outemu switch has a well-defined bottom out force of 65 grams, indicating a firmer resistance when the key is fully depressed, which is classified as medium-heavy. Meanwhile, the bottom out force for the Huano Elf is unavailable, making any direct comparisons challenging. As a result, while the Elf is designed for users seeking a lighter touch, the Outemu Dustproof Purple offers a weightier option for those who prefer a more pronounced typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Elf linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Purple tactile switch, there is a noticeable difference in their specifications. The Huano Elf has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is shorter than the Outemu Dustproof Purple's travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Elf switch can offer a more responsive typing experience, making it potentially better suited for gamers who value quick response times. In contrast, the Dustproof Purple switch, with its longer travel distance, may appeal more to users who prefer a deeper key feel and a more substantial tactile response when typing. Therefore, those who favor immediacy and responsiveness might opt for the Huano Elf, while those who prefer a more traditional and hearty typing experience may lean towards the Outemu Dustproof Purple.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Huano Elf linear switch is renowned for its deep sound signature, which contributes to a rich auditory experience while typing. The use of a POK top housing enhances the acoustics, allowing for a more resonant and full-bodied sound. This can create a satisfying auditory feedback that many users find enjoyable. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Purple tactile switch does not have a notable sound profile specified, which leaves its audio characteristics somewhat ambiguous. However, it's important to remember that the overall sound produced by either switch can also significantly depend on factors such as the specific keyboard build and the type of keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, the Huano Elf switch is characterized by a medium-light actuation force, providing a pleasant typing experience that strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort. This often results in a smooth keystroke that many users appreciate, particularly during long typing sessions. In contrast, the feel of the Outemu Dustproof Purple tactile switch is not clearly defined, making it difficult to directly compare; however, tactile switches typically offer a noticeable bump to indicate actuation, which might lead to a different typing experience compared to linear switches like the Elf.

In conclusion, the Huano Elf linear switch offers a deep sound signature and a medium-light feel that many find satisfying, particularly for those who appreciate a more immersive typing experience. The Outemu Dustproof Purple's tactile qualities remain uncertain, leaving room for further exploration. If you prefer a defined auditory and tactile experience, you might lean towards the Elf switch, while those seeking a different feel may want to investigate the Outemu Dustproof Purple more closely, as personal preference plays a significant role in a keyboard's overall enjoyment.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Elf linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Purple tactile switch, consider your personal preferences regarding typing feel and sound. If you appreciate a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke with a lighter touch, the Elf switch would be the better choice; it's engineered to provide a satisfying yet gentle typing experience, perfect for those who enjoy a linear feel without any tactile bump. This makes it suitable for both gaming and typing, ideal for long sessions where comfort and acoustics are key. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced keystroke with a tactile bump that gives feedback on actuation, the Dustproof Purple would be more to your liking. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 65 grams can offer a more deliberate feel, which many typists find rewarding, especially for tasks that benefit from enhanced precision. Furthermore, the Dustproof Purple is designed to provide its own signature sound, which could be appealing if you're looking for a switch that delivers a satisfying auditory experience. Ultimately, your choice between these switches should reflect your typing style: go for the Elf for a smooth, quiet experience, or select the Dustproof Purple if you enjoy tactile feedback and a more pronounced sound.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Elf Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Dustproof Purple Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more