Huano Elf vs. Outemu Purple
An in-depth look at the Huano Elf and the Outemu Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often boils down to personal preference, particularly when comparing the Huano Elf switches, known for their smooth linear action and enjoyable acoustics, to the Outemu Purple switches, which offer a tactile bump for those who prefer feedback while typing. The Elf switches feature a POK top housing that enhances sound dynamics, producing a deep sound signature that pairs well with their medium-light actuation force, making them ideal for a satisfying and quiet typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple switches, recognized for their distinct tactile feedback, can provide a more pronounced feel, helping typists to register each keystroke with confidence. While the Elf switches cater to those who appreciate a fluid, uninterrupted typing experience, the Purples might appeal to users who favor a responsive action with audible feedback. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
50g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Huano Elf and the Outemu Purple switches present an intriguing contrast, particularly when examining their top housings. The Elf utilizes POK (polyketone), a material renowned for its exceptional smoothness due to a slightly higher coefficient of friction (0.04) compared to LY (0.03). This characteristic allows for a seamless typing experience, coupled with notable durability—being 14 times more wear-resistant than POM and exhibiting superior shock resistance compared to Nylon and POM. In contrast, the Outemu Purple features polycarbonate as its top housing material, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. The translucency of polycarbonate also enhances visual aesthetics, especially in RGB applications, making it an appealing choice for those seeking both performance and aesthetics in keyboard switches. While the Elf’s POK offers a smooth and clacky experience, the Purple's polycarbonate delivers a higher-pitched sound, emphasizing the divergence in auditory and tactile feedback each switch provides.
However, when it comes to the bottom housings, both the Huano Elf and Outemu Purple switches utilize nylon—a classic material recognized for its sound-dampening properties. Nylon's inherent softness allows it to absorb sound effectively, which results in a deeper and fuller auditory experience for the user. Thus, despite the differences in their top housings, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing that ensures a rounded, muted sound profile characteristic of nylon materials. This shared construction means that the deeper sound will be preserved in both switches, providing a consistent experience in terms of sound output, regardless of the upper material differences.
The overall performance of a switch is significantly influenced by the interaction between its top and bottom housings. For the Elf and Purple, this means that while they may differ in their top housing performance—smoothness and sound sharpness versus crispness and aesthetics—the nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches maintain a rich, deep audio profile. Consequently, when physically engaging either switch, the user will observe that the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound during release. This layered interaction highlights how the POK and polycarbonate materials function complementarily, providing both switches with unique sound signatures and tactile feel—resulting in distinct yet overlapping user experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, we see distinct differences in actuation force, which influences typing feel and experience. The Elf switch has an actuation force of 42 grams, making it a lighter option, suitable for extended typing sessions without fatigue. Conversely, the Outemu Purple switch features a heavier actuation force of 50 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a firmer push feel. Both switches lack available data for their bottom out forces, making direct comparisons in that aspect impossible. Overall, those who favor a lighter switch may lean towards the Huano Elf, while those who enjoy a heavier keystroke should opt for the Outemu Purple.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Elf linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, the Elf offers a shorter distance of 3.6 mm, while the Purple switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This difference in travel distance may influence user preference based on their typing style and needs. Gamers, for instance, might lean towards the Elf switch for its quicker response due to the shorter travel distance, facilitating faster key presses. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke and a tactile feedback experience may favor the Purple switch, which provides a deeper press at 4 mm. Ultimately, selection between these two switches will depend on whether the user prioritizes responsiveness or tactile depth in their typing 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 Purple 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
In terms of sound, the Huano Elf linear switch is characterized by a deep sound signature thanks to its POK top housing, which enhances acoustics and produces a rich audio profile during keystrokes. This deep, rounded sound can provide a more satisfying auditory experience compared to many other switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple tactile switch does not come with a clear description of its sound. However, it’s important to remember that sound can be influenced by various factors like the keyboard case material, plate type, and keycap selection, so users may find their own unique sound profiles regardless of the switch type.
When it comes to feel, the Huano Elf switch is known for its medium-light actuation force, creating a balance that many typists and gamers appreciate for its responsiveness and ease of use. This makes it particularly well-suited for prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. Conversely, information about the feel of the Outemu Purple switch is not provided, leaving its tactile response and actuation characteristics as unknowns. Tactile switches typically offer a bump at the actuation point, which can add to the typing experience, but without specific details, it’s challenging to draw definitive comparisons.
In conclusion, while the Huano Elf linear switch stands out for its deep sound and medium-light feel, the Outemu Purple switch lacks a detailed description to compare its sound and feel effectively. Users looking to experience satisfying acoustics and a responsive typing feel may prefer the Elf, but those curious about the Purple should consider personal experimentation or seek out user reviews to better understand its characteristics. Ultimately, both switches can contribute to a pleasurable typing experience, yet the Elf provides more clarity in its qualities.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Elf linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a smooth, linear feel with an enhanced acoustic experience, the Huano Elf switch is an excellent option. Its unique POK top housing promotes a deep sound signature which can be particularly satisfying for those who enjoy a quieter typing experience while still maintaining feedback. This makes the Elf suitable for both casual use and longer typing sessions where you might prioritize comfort and sound enjoyment. On the other hand, if you prefer tactile feedback and enjoy a more pronounced actuation point, the Outemu Purple switch would likely be a better fit for you. Its tactile bump can enhance your typing precision, making it ideal for gamers and typists who appreciate a more responsive switch. Both switches have their unique strengths, so consider what aspects of typing—like sound signature or tactile feedback—are most important to you as you make your choice.
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