Huano Elf vs. Outemu Peach

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice can significantly impact your typing experience, and two popular linear options are the Huano Elf and the Outemu Peach. The Huano Elf switches are celebrated for their POK top housing, offering enhanced acoustics and a rich, deep sound signature that complements a medium-light feel, resulting in a satisfying tactile experience as you type. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach switches are designed for those who prefer an ultra-light typing sensation: they are not only remarkably lightweight but also feature a silenced mechanism, making them ideal for users who desire a whisper-quiet and smooth operation. While both switches cater to linear enthusiasts, their unique characteristics can cater to different preferences and typing styles. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that’s right for you.

By the numbers

Huano Elf Linear

Outemu Peach Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$3.40 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Elf and the Outemu Peach, the most significant distinction lies in the top housings of each switch. The Elf utilizes a polyketone (POK) material for its top housing, which boasts a commendable coefficient of friction at 0.04, slightly higher than the Outemu Peach's nylon top housing, which registers at 0.03. This difference suggests that while both materials offer smooth operation, the POK material may provide a marginally enhanced responsiveness and tactile experience. Furthermore, the POK material demonstrates exceptional durability, outpacing POM by a factor of 14 in wear resistance. On the other hand, the Peach's nylon top housing is well-regarded for its softer texture, which contributes to a fuller, rounder sound profile but does not match the durability and shock resistance of POK. This leads to contrasting experiences when typing, with the Elf likely delivering a more pronounced tactile feel and sound, while the Peach offers a softer and more muted auditory experience.

The bottom housings of both the Huano Elf and Outemu Peach present a noteworthy similarity, as both utilize nylon, a classic choice that effectively enhances the overall sound quality of the switches. The consistent use of nylon in both models results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, due in part to the material's ability to absorb sound. This characteristic is crucial, as the bottom housing plays a significant role in defining the bottom-out sound and feel when keys are pressed. Although the materials may differ in the top housing segment, the shared nylon composition of both switches' bottom housings ensures that users will ultimately experience a similar warmth and depth in sound, regardless of which switch is being utilized.

In essence, the distinct materials in the top housings of the Huano Elf and Outemu Peach lead to different tactile and auditory experiences, while the shared nylon composition in their bottom housings creates a harmonious sound quality. This division of qualities allows for an intricate interplay between the two housing types, with the POK top housing facilitating a smooth and durable response, in contrast to the softness of the nylon, which enhances sound absorption. Consequently, users opting for either switch will notice the unique characteristics influenced by the top housing while still enjoying a familiar auditory profile when actuating the keys, thanks to the nylon bottoms. This nuanced combination ensures that both switches cater to different preferences while achieving similar results in a fundamental aspect of their performance.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch and the Outemu Peach linear switch, notable differences can be seen in their actuation forces, although the bottom out force for the Elf is currently unknown. The Huano Elf requires an actuation force of 42 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Outemu Peach, which has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams. This difference means that typists or gamers who prefer a lighter touch might find the Peach more comfortable for extended use, while those who appreciate a more substantial feel may lean towards the Elf despite the former's attributes. Regarding bottom out forces, the Outemu Peach has a specified bottom out force of 50 grams, giving it a definitive pressure feedback when fully pressed down, while the Huano Elf's bottom out force remains unspecified. If the Elf were to have a comparable bottom out force, it would likely provide a similar bottoming experience as the Peach. Thus, users looking for a softer key feel for prolonged typing sessions might favor the Outemu Peach, while those seeking more resistance might opt for the Huano Elf.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Elf linear switch and the Outemu Peach linear switch, a noticeable difference emerges. The Elf boasts a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Peach is slightly shorter at 3.3 mm. This makes the Peach the more responsive option, appealing to gamers who prefer quicker actuation for faster response times. In contrast, the Elf, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial feel that some users enjoy, particularly those who appreciate a deeper keystroke. For those who seek a balance between depth and speed, both switches offer different experiences, allowing users to select based on personal preference for either a shorter or longer travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the Huano Elf linear switch boasts a deep signature, attributable to the POK top housing that enhances acoustics, offering a distinct auditory experience that sets it apart. In contrast, the Outemu Peach linear switch excels in delivering a more neutral sound, aided by its silenced construction. This results in a muted quality that minimizes the clattering sounds often associated with other mechanical switches, making it ideal for users in shared or quieter environments. While the Elf provides a richer audio experience, the Peach caters to users looking for a more subdued auditory footprint.

When it comes to feel, the Huano Elf switch delivers a medium-light actuation force that makes for a satisfying typing experience, striking a balance between responsiveness and comfort. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach switches are characterized by their lightweight and gentle resistance, giving them a feathery feel. The mild and polished nature of the Peach switches allows for smooth keystrokes, providing a gentle and refined typing sensation. Overall, the Elf offers a more definitive weight and feedback in its keypress, while the Peach provides a more effortless typing experience that won't overwhelm the user.

In summary, the Huano Elf linear switch provides a deep sound signature with a medium-light feel suitable for those who appreciate more auditory feedback during typing. Conversely, the Outemu Peach switch offers a muted, neutral sound profile and a light, polished feel, making it an excellent choice for users seeking a quiet and smooth typing experience. While both switches cater to distinct preferences in sound and tactile feedback, they ultimately deliver differing typing experiences that can satisfy various users based on their environment and personal taste.

Conclusion

To conclude, the decision between Huano Elf linear switches and Outemu Peach linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use case. If you gravitate toward a deeper sound signature and a medium-light feel that provides an engaging typing experience, the Huano Elf is an excellent choice, especially if you appreciate enhanced acoustics for both work and leisure. Its unique POK top housing design further elevates the auditory experience, making it suitable for environments where sound quality matters. On the other hand, if you prioritize a feather-light typing feel and a softer, more muted sound profile, the Outemu Peach is the way to go. These switches are particularly suited for those who type for extended periods and prefer a gentler resistance, making them ideal for quiet settings like offices or shared spaces. In summary, consider the sound and feel you desire in your typing experience, as well as where you'll be using your keyboard, to help guide your choice between these two very distinct yet appealing linear switches.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Elf Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Peach Linear

$3.40 per 10

Learn more