Huano Elf vs. Outemu Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Huano Elf and the Outemu Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Elf and the Outemu Milk Tea present two distinct typing experiences tailored to different preferences. The Huano Elf, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth keystrokes and medium-light feel, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who seek a fast and uninterrupted input with a satisfying deep sound signature, thanks to its POK top housing designed for enhanced acoustics. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Tea is a tactile switch that delivers a noticeable bump during actuation, providing valuable feedback to help typists know when a key press has been registered, ideal for those who enjoy a more traditional typing experience. While both switches offer unique advantages—smoothness versus tactile feedback—they cater to different needs and preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Ly
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Elf and the Outemu Milk Tea switches, notable differences emerge, particularly in the top housing. The Elf's top housing is crafted from POK material, recognized for its smoothness and durability. It boasts a lower coefficient of friction (0.04) compared to LY (0.03). This difference results in a clackier auditory experience when typing, supported by POK's impressive wear resistance and shock absorption properties. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Tea's top housing uses LY, which, while also providing a bright sound signature, does not offer the same level of durability and performance as POK. Users may find that the Elf’s switches yield a more satisfying tactile experience due to the superior characteristics of the POK material.
Both the Huano Elf and Outemu Milk Tea switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which offers a distinct auditory experience. The use of nylon is a common choice for switch housings due to its softer texture, which contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile. Both switches will create a duller and rounder sound when pressed, thereby enhancing the overall typing experience. Given that the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel, users can expect a consistent auditory experience across both switch types, regardless of the differences in their top housing. This shared characteristic provides a reliable foundation from which the nuances of each switch can be appreciated.
The contrasting qualities in the top housing materials are complemented by the similarities in the bottom housing, illustrating how the overall performance of a switch is shaped by both halves. While the Huano Elf exhibits a smooth and durable top housing with POK, the Outemu Milk Tea features a bright and resonant LY top housing. However, both switches deliver a rich auditory profile at the bottom, thanks to their shared use of nylon. Overall, while the top housing sets apart the two switches in sound and performance characteristics, the nylon bottom housing ensures a commonality in the depth of sound experienced during typing, allowing enthusiasts to appreciate the unique traits brought forth by each material.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, we can observe notable differences in their actuation forces. The Elf has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, while the Milk Tea requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Huano Elf may be more suitable for users who favor a lighter touch, allowing for extended typing sessions without as much fatigue. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea, with its heavier actuation force, may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing, possibly enhancing the tactile feedback experience. Unfortunately, the bottom out forces for both switches are unavailable; therefore, we cannot directly compare this aspect. However, if both switches had similar bottom out forces, it would ensure a consistent typing experience at the maximum depth of the keypress. In conclusion, if you prioritize a lighter touch for longer work or gaming sessions, the Huano Elf is the better option, while the Outemu Milk Tea may suit those who appreciate a firmer, more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Huano Elf linear switch measures 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This places the Huano Elf in the category of a shorter travel distance, which can be beneficial for gamers seeking rapid response times. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Tea, with its longer travel distance, caters to those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback when typing, offering a sensation that some may find more satisfying or less abrupt. This difference in travel distance indicates that while both switches offer unique benefits depending on user preference, the Elf switch is designed for those who prioritize speed, whereas the Milk Tea switch is aimed at users who appreciate a deeper keystroke experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Elf has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Elf for $3.29.
The Outemu Milk Tea comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
The Huano Elf switch is celebrated for its deep sound signature, which is enhanced by its POK top housing that contributes to an overall rich acoustic profile. When typing, this switch produces a satisfying sound that can be both resonant and pleasant, making the experience of typing or gaming more enjoyable. In contrast, while the specific sound qualities of the Outemu Milk Tea switch aren’t specified, it's important to note that the sound characteristics can vary based on several factors, including the keyboard it is used with and the specific keycap material. Therefore, while the Elf’s sound is well-documented, the Milk Tea’s acoustics remain less clear.
In terms of feel, the Elf switch is known for delivering a medium-light tactile experience, providing a unique balance that ensures a comfortable and responsive action for the user. This lightness can make it suitable for extended typing sessions, reducing fatigue, while still offering enough resistance to feel satisfying. On the other hand, the feel of the Outemu Milk Tea switch is not extensively detailed, leaving certain aspects of how it interacts with your fingers a mystery. Like the sound, the tactile feedback of the Milk Tea switch can depend on the keyboard setup and the user’s personal preferences.
Combining both the sound and feel aspects, the Huano Elf linear switch stands out with its distinct deep acoustics and a balanced medium-light feel, making it a well-rounded option for users seeking a tactile and auditory experience. The comparison with the Outemu Milk Tea, however, leaves some aspects unaddressed, especially in terms of its sound and precise feel characteristics. For users considering both options, familiarity with how different setups can influence the experience can lead to satisfactory results, even if the qualities of the Milk Tea remain somewhat elusive.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Elf linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch boils down to your specific preferences in typing feel and sound. If you appreciate a smooth, uninterrupted keypress and desire a medium-light feel along with a rich acoustics profile, the Elf is an excellent choice. It's ideal for those who enjoy rapid, fluid typing, whether for gaming or prolonged writing sessions, without the distraction of additional tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced tactile response that gives you a satisfying bump with each keystroke, the Milk Tea switch would be the better option. This switch is suited for typists who enjoy feeling their input more distinctly, allowing for a more engaged typing experience. Ultimately, consider what aspects are most important to you: if it’s a smooth and quiet experience, go with the Elf; if you crave tactile feedback for better confirmation while typing, the Milk Tea would serve you well.
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