Huano Elf vs. Outemu Milk Blue

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Elf and Outemu Milk Blue each offer distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Huano Elf is a linear switch recognized for its smooth travel and minimal resistance, featuring a POK top housing that enhances acoustics and delivers a deep sound signature. With a medium-light feel, the Elf is perfect for users seeking a quiet and satisfying typing experience without the tactile feedback. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Blue is a clicky switch that stands out for its audible click and tactile bump, providing an engaging typing experience perfect for those who enjoy the satisfying feedback of each key press. While the Elf excels in smoothness and sound quality, the Milk Blue offers a more pronounced auditory experience that can enhance typing rhythm. 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 Milk Blue Clicky

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Elf and the Outemu Milk Blue, a distinct contrast emerges in their top housings. The Huano Elf features a POK top housing, made from polyketone, which offers exceptional durability and a smooth typing experience due to its higher coefficient of friction. This material's strength is notable, with a wear resistance significantly superior to POM, and its shock resistance surpasses that of Nylon and POM as well. In contrast, the Milk Blue employs polycarbonate for its top housing, which is celebrated for its clearer sound profile and aesthetic advantages due to its translucency. While the POK material contributes to a smooth and clacky typing experience, the polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, making each switch distinctly different despite both being effective in their respective roles.

On the other hand, both the Huano Elf and the Outemu Milk Blue utilize nylon for their bottom housings, establishing a base similarity in terms of sound profile and material properties. Nylon is known for its sound-absorbing capabilities, yielding a deeper and fuller auditory experience when typing. Thus, while the top housings introduce contrasting sound dynamics—smooth and clacky versus sharp and crisp—the shared nylon material in the bottom housing harmonizes their lower-end acoustics. This uniformity in the bottom housing serves to generate a more rounded sound profile across both switches, showcasing the traditional yet effective nature of nylon as a housing material in mechanical switches.

Combining these materials, the Huano Elf and the Outemu Milk Blue provide unique auditory experiences shaped by their top housings, while still offering a full, rich sound stemming from their nylon bottom housings. The POK and polycarbonate materials influence how the switch behaves during a key press and release, establishing differing tactile sensations and overall sound profiles. The essential role of each housing material ensures that while the switches produce varied experiences, the qualities associated with nylon remain consistent. This interplay highlights how different material combinations can yield distinctive yet complementary results, ultimately leading to satisfying and engaging typing experiences.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch to the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, we see a notable difference in actuation force but limited information on bottom-out force. The Elf switch features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, whereas the Milk Blue requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams. This discrepancy means that the Elf switch may be more comfortable for extended typing sessions, making it suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch, while the Milk Blue, with its heavier actuation force, can create a more substantial feel for those who enjoy a firmer keypress. Unfortunately, both switches have unspecified bottom-out forces, which prevents a direct comparison in that regard. Overall, users seeking a lighter, more effortless experience would gravitate toward the Huano Elf, while those preferring a stronger feedback might opt for the Outemu Milk Blue.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Elf linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, we find distinct differences that cater to varying preferences among users. The Huano Elf features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it one of the shorter options available, while the Outemu Milk Blue has a more traditional travel distance of 4 mm. This difference means that the Elf offers a slightly quicker response time, which may appeal to gamers seeking rapid feedback, whereas the Milk Blue provides a more substantial depth that some users might prefer for a more tactile experience. Therefore, if you favor a snappier and more responsive feel, the Huano Elf would be the better choice, while those who appreciate a deeper keypress might lean towards the Outemu Milk Blue.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Huano Elf linear switch is characterized by a deep sound signature, thanks to its POK top housing, which is specifically designed to enhance acoustics. This depth contributes to a more resonant and satisfying auditory experience as you type. In comparison, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch prioritizes a crisp, distinct click sound that is typical of clicky switches, providing audible feedback with each keystroke, enhancing tactile interaction. It's important to note that sound perception can vary depending on board materials and keycap choices, meaning that both switches can potentially deliver different audio experiences based on their specific configurations.

When considering feel, the Elf switch offers a medium-light actuation force that lends itself to a comfortable typing experience, allowing for smooth and consistent keystrokes without exerting much effort. This makes it a great option for users who favor a lighter touch while typing. On the other hand, the Milk Blue switch features a heavier tactile bump accompanied by a pronounced click, requiring a bit more force to actuate. This satisfying resistance is ideal for typists who appreciate tactile feedback, as it provides a clear indication of actuation and overall engagement with the keyboard.

In conclusion, while the Huano Elf linear switch shines with its deep sound and medium-light feel, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch stands out for its crisp and distinct auditory feedback paired with a more tactile and firm typing experience. Both switches cater to different preferences, so a user’s choice will ultimately depend on whether they prioritize a smooth, quieter typing experience or a more tactile and audible sensation. With both options, you can achieve satisfying results by aligning them with your specific typing style and sound preferences.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Huano Elf linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a smooth, effortless keystroke with a subtle but satisfying acoustic signature, the Huano Elf is a fantastic option, particularly for tasks requiring prolonged typing sessions where noise levels matter. Its medium-light feel makes it suitable for both casual and competitive typing without causing finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you thrive on tactile feedback and distinctive auditory confirmation with each keystroke, the Outemu Milk Blue is likely more up your alley. Its clicky nature offers an engaging typing experience, making it especially appealing for users who appreciate a more pronounced sound and feel while typing. Therefore, consider your typing environment, the kind of feedback you prefer, and whether you prioritize sound or silence when making your decision between these two switches.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Elf Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Milk Blue Clicky

$3.10 per 10

Learn more