Huano Elf vs. Outemu Red
An in-depth look at the Huano Elf and the Outemu Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Elf and the Outemu Red both offer a linear typing experience, but they cater to different preferences. The Huano Elf is renowned for its POK top housing, which enhances acoustics and delivers a deep sound signature, making each keystroke satisfying with its medium-light feel. This switch is perfect for those who value sound quality alongside a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Red is recognized for its straightforward design and reliable performance, making it a popular choice for gamers seeking a responsive and consistent feel without the distraction of noise. While both switches provide the ease of a linear feel that many typists and gamers appreciate, they embody different qualities that can significantly impact user experience. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.10 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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 Red switches present both notable similarities and meaningful differences, particularly in their top housing. The Huano Elf utilizes POK (polyketone) for its top housing, which is characterized by an exceptionally smooth action due to its low coefficient of friction (0.04). This material not only provides enhanced durability—being 14 times more wear-resistant than POM—but also offers superior shock resistance compared to both Nylon and POM. In contrast, the Outemu Red employs polycarbonate as its top housing material. Polycarbonate is known for its rigidity, leading to a sharper, more resonant sound profile that is ideal for aesthetically pleasing RGB lighting. While both materials can yield smooth switch operation, the Elf’s POK excels in durability, whereas the Red’s polycarbonate produces a distinctive sound profile that can be preferable for certain user preferences.
While their top housing materials differ significantly, the bottom housing for both switch models is made from nylon, bringing a level of consistency in sound characteristics. Nylon is a classic choice known for its softer texture, which absorbs sound effectively to create a fuller, rounder auditory profile. This shared material choice results in a similar typing experience for both the Huano Elf and Outemu Red when pressing down on the switches. When evaluating the overall sound produced while typing, both switches benefit from the nylon's sound-absorbing qualities, providing a deeper acoustical experience. This aspect highlights a connection between the two models, despite their differing top housing materials.
In terms of overall usability and experience, the combination of different top and bottom housing materials allows each switch to exhibit distinct feel and sound properties during operation. For the Huano Elf, the POK top contributes to its smooth action while the nylon bottom delivers warmth in sound. On the other hand, the Outemu Red’s polycarbonate top houses a clearer resonance while the nylon bottom enriches the overall depth of sound. Thus, when engaging with these switches, users will experience unique auditory feedback and tactile responses influenced by both the distinct top housing and the consistent bottom housing material. Overall, both switches provide different sensory experiences rooted in their composite housing materials, illustrating a blend of innovation and tradition in mechanical switch design.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces, which ultimately influence the typing experience. The Huano Elf has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, while the Outemu Red requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 46 grams. This means that the Elf may be more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions, whereas the Red may appeal to those who favor a more substantial push feel with a slightly heavier resistance. Regarding bottom out forces, the Outemu Red has a distinct bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a clear tactile feedback when fully pressed down. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Huano Elf is unknown, so we cannot compare it directly. Overall, if you’re looking for a lighter option, the Huano Elf is the way to go, while those who enjoy a heavier switch would likely prefer the Outemu Red.
Travel distance
The Huano Elf linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Red linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This difference indicates that the Elf switch provides a more responsive feel due to its shorter travel distance, which can be advantageous for gamers seeking quicker actuation and faster response times. On the other hand, the Outemu Red switch, with its longer 4.0 mm travel distance, may offer a more substantial and hearty feel, appealing to users who prefer a deeper key press. Ultimately, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Huano Elf is the better choice, whereas the Outemu Red caters to those who enjoy a more pronounced depth in their key presses.
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 Red 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
When it comes to sound, the Huano Elf linear switch is best known for its deep sound signature, which is enhanced by its POK top housing that contributes to better acoustics. This gives it a rich auditory profile, making each keystroke resonate in a pleasing manner. In contrast, the Outemu Red linear switch does not have a clearly defined sound profile noted, suggesting it may lack the acoustic enhancements found in the Elf. However, it is critical to remember that sound can vary significantly based on the keyboard itself, the type of board, and the keycaps used, meaning that a user could achieve a satisfying experience with either switch depending on their specific setup.
In terms of feel, the Elf linear switch provides a medium-light resistance, allowing for a pleasantly tactile experience that many users find satisfying for both typing and gaming. This balance makes it approachable for those new to mechanical keyboards, offering a comfortable touch without requiring excessive force. On the other hand, specific details about the feel of the Outemu Red switch are not readily available. However, it is common for linear switches in this category to maintain a relatively smooth action with less resistance, contributing to a lightweight feel suitable for fast-paced inputs.
In summary, when comparing the Huano Elf linear switch to the Outemu Red switch, the Elf stands out with its deep sound signature and medium-light feel, ideal for users looking for an acoustically engaging and responsive typing experience. Meanwhile, while the Outemu Red lacks specific auditory characteristics, it may still provide a similar smoothness typical of linear switches. Ultimately, both switches can cater to different preferences, and their performance may significantly vary based on your keyboard's components and individual usage style.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Huano Elf linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you value acoustics and seek a satisfying, deep sound signature alongside a medium-light feel, the Huano Elf could be your ideal pick, particularly if you're looking to enhance your typing experience in a way that feels both enjoyable and engaging. Its unique design with the POK top housing can make a notable difference in how you perceive the sound and feel of each keystroke. Conversely, if you prefer a more standardized linear switch that provides a consistent typing experience with a moderate bottom-out force of 62 grams, you might lean towards the Outemu Red. This switch may be more suitable for fast-paced gaming or for those who appreciate a balanced, responsive feel over an enhanced acoustic experience. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize sound and tactile feedback or a reliable, everyday typing and gaming performance.
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