Huano Elf vs. Outemu Gold

Overview

When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preference and typing style, and two prominent options to consider are the Huano Elf and the Outemu Gold. The Huano Elf is a linear switch renowned for its POK top housing, which enhances acoustics and delivers a deep sound profile, combined with a medium-light feel that many users find satisfying for extended typing sessions. This switch is a great option for those who prefer smooth keystrokes without any tactile feedback, making it ideal for gaming and typing alike. In contrast, the Outemu Gold is a clicky switch that offers a distinctive auditory feedback with each keystroke, catering to users who enjoy a more traditional typing experience with pronounced clicks. While the Elf promotes a quieter atmosphere with its smooth operation, the Gold caters to those who thrive on auditory confirmation of their keystrokes. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Huano Elf Linear

Outemu Gold Clicky

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials used in the Huano Elf and the Outemu Gold switches present a fascinating contrast when examining their respective top construction. The Elf utilizes a polyketone (POK) for its top housing, which is celebrated for its smoothness due to a coefficient of friction of 0.04. This makes the Elf feel incredibly responsive while typing, contributing to its clacky sound profile. In contrast, the Gold switch employs polycarbonate for its top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound. The rigidity of polycarbonate enhances resonance, resulting in a clearer auditory experience, particularly beneficial for switches that incorporate RGB lighting because of its translucency. Thus, while both materials are designed to optimize sound and performance, the Elf's POK facilitates a smooth typing experience, whereas the Gold’s polycarbonate fosters a crisp and vibrant sound.

When examining the bottom housings of both switches, an interesting parallel can be drawn. Both the Huano Elf and Outemu Gold make use of nylon for their lower housings, a classic material known for its ability to absorb sound. This shared material results in a deeper and fuller sound profile that typists often appreciate, emphasizing the rounded auditory experience associated with nylon. The softness of the plastic means that both switches will produce a more muted sound upon bottoming out, fostering a comfortable typing experience. Despite the differences in their upper housings affecting the sound profile when releasing the key, the shared nylon material in the bottom housing ensures that both switches deliver a consistent and rich sound when pressed down.

Overall, the combination of materials in each switch offers a unique yet somewhat complementary experience. The differentiation in the top housing materials enables distinct sound characteristics—the Elf leaning toward smoothness and the Gold toward clarity—while the uniformity of nylon in the bottom housing grounds both switches in a deeper auditory experience. Thus, although the switches employ different materials in their tops, their bottom housings create a shared sensibility that enhances the overall typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch with an actuation force of 42 grams to the Outemu Gold clicky switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams, we can observe that the Elf switch is the lighter option, making it potentially more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended use or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Gold requires a slightly heavier push, offering a more substantial typing feel that might appeal to users who appreciate a firmer response. While the Elf's bottom out force remains unspecified, the Gold’s bottom out force is 60 grams, indicating that it provides a distinct transition upon bottoming out. This differentiation can lead to varied experiences; for example, users of the Gold may find themselves exerting more force overall when pressing a key all the way down. Therefore, while both switches cater to different preferences, the lighter actuation force of the Huano Elf supports extended usage with less fatigue, whereas the Outemu Gold offers a more tactile and robust feedback for those seeking a heavier touch.

Travel distance

The Huano Elf linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch differ in their travel distances, with the Elf measuring 3.6 mm and the Gold at 4 mm. This makes the Huano Elf the shorter of the two, which caters to gamers seeking faster response times due to its reduced travel distance. In contrast, the Outemu Gold provides a longer travel distance, offering a more traditional feel that some may prefer for a more substantial keypress experience. While both switches can be suitable depending on user preference, if responsiveness is a priority, the Elf's 3.6 mm travel distance would likely be the better choice, whereas if a deeper tactile sensation is desired, the Gold's 4 mm travel distance would be more appealing.

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 acoustic experience while typing. This is largely attributed to its POK top housing, designed specifically to enhance acoustics. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold clicky switch does not have a well-documented sound profile, making it difficult to characterize its acoustic qualities accurately. However, it’s essential to remember that the sound produced by any switch can vary significantly based on the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.

When evaluating the feel of the switches, the Elf offers a medium-light resistance, providing a satisfying typing experience that strikes a balance between ease of key presses and feedback. This makes it suitable for prolonged typing sessions without inducing fatigue. In contrast, the feel of the Outemu Gold switch is not clearly outlined, leaving an unknown aspect regarding the tactile feedback and resistance compared to the Elf.

In conclusion, the Huano Elf linear switch delivers a distinctively deep sound and a comfortable medium-light feeling, making it a solid choice for those who value both acoustics and tactile experience in their typing. Meanwhile, the Outemu Gold clicky switch remains somewhat of an enigma in terms of sound and feel characteristics. If you are seeking a typing experience, the Elf clearly stands out, while the Gold may require additional exploration to fully understand its offerings.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Huano Elf linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch largely depends on your personal preferences in typing feel and sound. If you appreciate a smooth and quiet typing experience, the Huano Elf switches provide a medium-light force that allows for swift key presses without much resistance. Additionally, their uniquely designed POK top housing enhances acoustics, producing a satisfying and deep sound signature, making them ideal for environments where noise levels need to be kept in check, such as shared workspaces or late-night gaming sessions. On the other hand, if you enjoy a tactile feedback with an audible click that engages your typing experience, the Outemu Gold switch is the better choice. With a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, the Gold offers a more pronounced resistance that can enhance your typing accuracy and satisfaction, particularly if you favor a more deliberate approach to your key presses. In short, opt for the Huano Elf if you prioritize a quieter and smooth experience, while choosing the Outemu Gold will suit you if you prefer distinct tactile feedback and sound during your typing.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Elf Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Gold Clicky

$3.10 per 10

Learn more