Huano Elf vs. Outemu Maple Leaf

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Elf and the Outemu Maple Leaf offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Huano Elf, a linear switch, features a POK top housing designed to enhance acoustics, producing a satisfying deep sound signature and a medium-light feel that promotes smooth keystrokes – ideal for gamers and typists seeking a fluid and uninterrupted typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Maple Leaf stands out as a tactile switch, providing a noticeable bump feedback to signal key actuation. This tactile response can enhance typing accuracy and satisfaction, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a more engaging feel while typing. Each switch embodies unique characteristics that contribute to its appeal; while the Elf is perfect for those desiring effortless key presses and crisp acoustics, the Maple Leaf offers a traditional typing feel that many users cherish. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

Huano Elf Linear

Outemu Maple Leaf Tactile

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Huano Elf and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches showcase notable contrasts and shared characteristics that influence both sound and feel during use. The Huano Elf utilizes a POK material for its top housing, which offers a smooth and durable touch due to its very low coefficient of friction (0.04) compared to the softer nylon material used in the Maple Leaf's housing. While the POK material excels in wear resistance—being 14 times stronger than POM—and provides superior shock resistance, the Maple Leaf’s nylon top housing is appreciated for its deeper, rounder sound profile, enhanced by the material's sound-absorbing properties. This fundamental difference in material selection contributes to the unique auditory experience provided by each switch, with the Elf favoring a more clacky sound and the Maple Leaf leaning towards a smoother, deeper tone.

On the other hand, both the Huano Elf and Outemu Maple Leaf switches employ nylon for their bottom housings, which creates a unified auditory experience between the two models. The use of nylon in the bottom housing contributes significantly to the overall sound profile, absorbing sound and producing a fuller and more rounded sound when typing. This similarity means that while there are key differences in the top housing, both switches exhibit robust sound characteristics that stem from their nylon bottom housings. Consequently, users can expect a familiar acoustic response from both switches when they bottom out, linking them through shared material properties even as the switches differentiate themselves with their respective top housings.

In terms of performance dynamics, the distinctions between the top housing materials significantly affect user experience. While the Huano Elf’s POK top enhances smoothness and durability during actuation, delivering a sharper sound on release, the Outemu Maple Leaf’s nylon top softens the acoustic profile, leading to a more muted and absorbed keystroke. This divergence means that while both switches retain a level of similarity through their nylon bottoms, the overall tactile feedback and sound experience can vary widely based on the top housing material. Ultimately, the housing materials of the Huano Elf and Outemu Maple Leaf serve to illustrate the balance between performance and auditory quality, showcasing how different materials can lead to varied but complementary outcomes in the realm of mechanical keyboards.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch with the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, notable differences in actuation force and available information on bottom out force are evident. The Elf boasts a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, which can make typing for extended periods more comfortable, particularly for users who prefer a lighter touch in their keyboards. In contrast, the Maple Leaf has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, contributing to a more robust typing feel that some users may find more satisfying or substantial. While the bottom out force of the Huano Elf is unavailable, the Maple Leaf has a bottom out force of 65 grams, indicating a firmer response when the key is fully depressed. This characteristic lends itself to a more pronounced tactile experience for those who enjoy feedback in typing. Ultimately, the Elf is the lighter switch, ideal for prolonged use, while the Maple Leaf is the heavier option, catering to those who favor a stronger force during keystrokes.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Elf linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, notable distinctions emerge. The Huano Elf has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Maple Leaf measures a shorter 3.3 mm. This difference means that the Maple Leaf provides a more responsive feel, which can be beneficial for gamers looking for quicker key actuation. On the other hand, the Elf's longer travel distance could cater to those who prefer a more pronounced and deeper keystroke experience. Thus, if you're seeking faster response times, the Outemu Maple Leaf might be the ideal choice, whereas the Huano Elf will deliver a more substantial depth in each press.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Huano Elf linear switch is well-regarded for its deep sound signature, which is enhanced by its POK top housing designed for improved acoustics. This results in a satisfying auditory experience that many users appreciate during their typing sessions. On the other hand, the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch does not have a notable sound profile attached to it, leaving a gap in the auditory experience that enthusiasts might seek out when comparing switches. It's important to remember that the overall sound produced by any switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard plate, case materials, and keycap choices, which can alter the result regardless of the switch itself.

When it comes to feel, the Elf switch is characterized by a medium-light resistance, providing a comfortable typing experience that allows for quick and easy key presses without excessive fatigue. This balance makes it an attractive option for users who prefer a smooth linear switch. Conversely, the feel of the Outemu Maple Leaf has not been defined, so it’s challenging to make a direct comparison regarding its tactile feedback or resistance. In terms of feel, the Elf clearly stands out with a more defined physical characteristic appreciated by typists.

Overall, while the Huano Elf linear switch offers a well-defined auditory experience and a comfortable typing feel with its medium-light characteristics, the Outemu Maple Leaf lacks specific qualities that would allow for a comprehensive assessment. For those looking for a satisfying sound and feel, the Elf provides both, while the Maple Leaf may require further exploration to evaluate its subjective qualities fully.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Huano Elf linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and the typing experience you seek. If you prefer a smoother, quieter typing experience with a medium-light feel, the Elf switch is an excellent choice. Its unique POK top housing enhances acoustics, providing a satisfying deep sound profile that makes it ideal for a serene work environment or late-night gaming sessions. Conversely, if you enjoy tactile feedback that gives you a noticeable bump with each keypress, you might find the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch to be more to your liking. With its medium-heavy 65-gram actuation force, this switch offers a more pronounced feel and can be particularly satisfying for typists who appreciate the tangible response while typing or gaming. Therefore, your decision should be guided by whether you prioritize a smooth, acoustic-focused experience or a tactile, engaging feeling during your interactions with the keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Elf Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Maple Leaf Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more