Huano Elf vs. Outemu Lotus

Overview

When exploring the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly impact your typing experience, and two compelling linear options are the Huano Elf and the Outemu Lotus. The Huano Elf stands out with its distinctive POK top housing, which enhances acoustics and delivers a deep sound signature alongside a medium-light feel, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate both auditory feedback and comfortable typing. In contrast, the Outemu Lotus, while less defined in its characterization, still offers a smooth linear experience, ideal for gamers and typists alike who seek a straightforward switch without distractions. Each switch presents unique advantages: the Huano Elf caters to those who prioritize sound and feedback, while the Outemu Lotus serves as a reliable choice for those who favor a simple, no-nonsense typing experience. 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 Lotus Linear

$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 Lotus switches showcase both distinctive and overlapping characteristics, contributing to their unique auditory and tactile experiences. The Huano Elf incorporates a POK (polyketone) top housing, recognized for its exceptional strength and low coefficient of friction (0.04). This results in very smooth actuation and remarkable durability, outperforming commonly used materials like POM and Nylon. The superior shock resistance of POK further enhances the switch's functionality, allowing for cleaner rebounds and a snappy feel when typing. In contrast, the Outemu Lotus features a traditional nylon top housing, which is softer and more absorbent of sound. The nylon's ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile brings a different auditory quality to the switch, resulting in a less crisp, more muted feedback compared to the Elf's top housing.

When exploring the bottom housings of each switch, there is a marked similarity in the materials used. Both the Huano Elf and the Outemu Lotus utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This shared material leads to a comparable auditory experience, primarily characterized by the deeper and more resonant sound profile that nylon provides. The softness of nylon contributes to the roundness of the sound produced as users bottom out. Since the bottom housing has a significant effect on the feel and sound when the key is pressed down, both switches will deliver a similar typing experience in this regard, blurring the line between the two in the context of bottom housing acoustics.

Overall, the material differences in the top housings set the Huano Elf and the Outemu Lotus apart, primarily affecting the sound upon key release. While the Elf's POK material offers a smoother and more durable experience, the Lotus's nylon top offers a more traditional, soft sound. However, with both switches having nylon in their bottom housing, users can expect a consistent deep sound profile when they press the keys down, as the properties of nylon play a crucial role in this interaction. Consequently, while the two switches are distinguished by their top housings, they converge in performance due to the similarity in their bottom materials, presenting a nuanced comparison of both design philosophies.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, notable differences in their actuation forces emerge. The Elf has an actuation force of 42 grams, making it a heavier option, while the Lotus requires only 35 grams of force to actuate, categorizing it as the lighter choice. In contrast to the Elf, the Lotus also features a bottom-out force of 50 grams, which is light and provides additional feedback when the key is fully pressed down. The bottom-out force for the Elf is unknown, leaving a gap in the comparison of the two switches. Generally, those who favor lighter switches, like the Outemu Lotus, may prefer them for extended typing or gaming sessions, while users who appreciate a more substantial feel might lean towards the heavier Huano Elf. Thus, the Outemu Lotus provides a lighter actuation and more definitive bottom-out experience compared to the Huano Elf.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Elf linear switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, we find that the Elf features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Lotus has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This indicates that if you prioritize a more responsive feel, the Outemu Lotus may be the better choice due to its shorter distance, which caters well to fast-paced gaming scenarios. Conversely, the Huano Elf, with its greater travel distance, offers a more significant keypress depth that may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Therefore, for those who value responsiveness, the Outemu Lotus is the optimal option, whereas the Huano Elf suits those wanting a deeper feedback with each keystroke.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Huano Elf linear switch is best known for its deep sound signature, which is enhanced by its POK top housing. This design specifically contributes to richer acoustics, providing a satisfying auditory experience that many users appreciate for typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Outemu Lotus linear switch lacks specific sound characteristics listed, making it challenging to draw direct comparisons. However, it's important to note that the sound performance of any switch can be influenced by factors like the choice of keyboard and keycap materials, so both switches may yield similar results depending on these components.

When it comes to feel, the Elf switch is characterized by a medium-light actuation force, which contributes to a pleasant typing experience with a smooth linear response. The lighter feel can enhance comfort during extended use, making it an appealing option for those who prioritize a gentle touch. In contrast, there's no specific information available on the feel of the Outemu Lotus switch, leaving its tactile feedback and actuation force unconfirmed. This lack of detail makes it difficult to directly compare the two, but it’s possible that users could find differing levels of satisfaction depending on their personal preferences.

In conclusion, the Huano Elf linear switch stands out for its deep sound profile and medium-light feel, making it a compelling choice for anyone looking for a satisfying typing experience. The Outemu Lotus linear switch remains somewhat of an enigma due to the lack of specific information on its sound and feel qualities. For users who prioritize auditory feedback, the Elf is clearly a stronger contender, while those who may find the characteristics of the Lotus appealing will need to explore further to determine their suitability. Ultimately, personal experience and experimentation will be key in deciding which switch aligns best with individual preferences.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the Huano Elf linear switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, your choice will depend largely on your personal preferences for key feel, sound signature, and typing experience. If you prioritize an enhanced acoustic experience and a nice balance between softness and feedback during your typing sessions, the Elf switch's unique POK top housing will offer you a deep sound signature along with a medium-light feel that makes it enjoyable for extended use. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly firmer typing experience, with the security of a measurable bottom-out force, you might gravitate toward the Outemu Lotus switch. While the Lotus does not have an extensive reputation in the same way the Elf does, its light 50 grams bottom-out force can provide a satisfactory and responsive feel for those looking for ease of keypress without compromising too much on feedback. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you lean more towards rich acoustics and a softer typing experience with the Elf, or if you're inclined to appreciate the reliable feel of the Lotus switch.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Elf Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Lotus Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more