Huano Elf vs. Outemu Silent Green
An in-depth look at the Huano Elf and the Outemu Silent Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Elf and the Outemu Silent Green present compelling options, each catering to different preferences and typing styles. The Huano Elf boasts a unique POK top housing that enhances acoustics, resulting in a deep sound signature paired with a medium-light feel, which many users find satisfying for both typing and gaming. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Green, while also a linear switch, is designed with noise reduction in mind, making it ideal for quiet environments where sound can be a distraction. The Elf’s emphasis on acoustic quality may appeal to those who appreciate a richer auditory feedback, while the Silent Green is perfect for users who prioritize a more subdued typing 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Huano Elf and Outemu Silent Green switches utilize markedly different housing materials that greatly influence their overall sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Elf features a top housing made of POK (polyketone), a material celebrated for its smoothness and durability. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, POK provides a slightly gentler feel compared to the Outemu's polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its sharp, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffer characteristics. While both materials contribute to unique sound and touch sensations, the POK material's robust durability—14 times stronger than POM and significantly more shock-resistant than nylon—positions it as an exceptional choice for creating long-lasting, reliable switches. The clacky sound profile associated with POK also tends to contrast with the crisp and clear notes generated by polycarbonate.
When examining the bottom housings, the differences between the Huano Elf and Outemu Silent Green are further highlighted. The Elf employs a nylon bottom housing, which is traditionally known for delivering a deeper, fuller sound due to its softer composition. This characteristic allows for sound absorption that fosters a warmer typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Green switches feature a polycarbonate bottom housing, which aligns with the material used in their top housing. This uniformity in housing material contributes to a consistent high-pitched and resonant sound across the switch, creating a distinctly sharp auditory experience as compared to the rounded tones of the Elf derived from its nylon. The nylon's absorption capabilities lead to a more muted bottom-out sound, while the polycarbonate's stiffness amplifies the acoustic clarity.
Ultimately, while the Huano Elf and Outemu Silent Green switches employ differing materials that distinctly shape their auditory and tactile profiles, both approaches can yield positive experiences based on user preference. The divergent characteristics of POK and nylon in the Elf converge to create a smooth, clacky feel accompanied by a deeper sound, while the Outemu's dual polycarbonate design works in concert to provide a sharper, crisper auditory experience. In cases where the materials differ, the interaction of the softer nylon reflects a rounded bottom-out sound, while the dual polycarbonate design seeks to maintain high clarity throughout the switch's action. By selecting switches based on the desired auditory profile, users can enjoy tailored experiences that highlight the unique advantages of each housing material.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation forces. The Elf switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, making it easier to press and potentially more comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Silent Green requires a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel while typing. Regarding bottom out forces, the Silent Green has a defined bottom out force of 60 grams, indicating the resistance felt when the key is fully depressed. However, the bottom out force for the Elf is unavailable, making direct comparisons difficult. With this information, it's clear that the Huano Elf is the lighter switch, while the Outemu Silent Green is heavier overall, providing a firmer typing experience. Therefore, users seeking a lighter switch may lean towards the Elf, while those desiring more resistance may prefer the Silent Green.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Huano Elf linear switch measures 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Silent Green linear switch has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This indicates that the Elf switch is the shorter option, providing a more responsive feel that some gamers may prefer for quicker key presses. Conversely, the Silent Green, with its 4 mm travel distance, offers a more pronounced depth that might be favored by users who appreciate a fuller tactile experience when typing or gaming. For those seeking faster response times, the Huano Elf could be the better choice, while the Outemu Silent Green may appeal to individuals who value a deeper keystroke. Overall, the distinct differences in travel distance cater to varying preferences among users, with the Elf switch promoting speed and the Silent Green emphasizing depth.
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 Silent Green 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 best known for its deep sound signature, enhanced by its POK top housing, which contributes to a richer acoustic profile during use. This makes it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a more immersive auditory experience while typing. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Green linear switch lacks specific sound characteristics that are widely recognized, leaving potential users without a clear auditory signature to associate with it. However, it’s essential to remember that the overall sound produced by a switch can vary greatly depending on the choice of keyboard, mounting style, and keycap materials.
When it comes to feel, the Elf switch offers a medium-light actuation force that combines a satisfying responsiveness without being too heavy. This balance allows for a comfortable typing experience that suits both casual users and competitive typists alike. The feel of the Silent Green, however, is not well-defined, making it more challenging to compare directly. Without specific descriptions of the feel, it’s hard to say how it would stack up against the Elf in terms of tactile feedback and overall typing enjoyment.
In conclusion, both switches cater to different preferences, particularly in sound and feel. The Huano Elf linear switch stands out with its deep sound and balanced typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Green remains somewhat ambiguous regarding its qualities in these areas. For those seeking a more pronounced auditory experience and a satisfying feel, the Elf may be preferable, while others might find a different appeal if they choose the Silent Green. Ultimately, personal testing will be crucial, as individual preferences play a significant role in the enjoyment of mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the Huano Elf linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch ultimately hinges on your priorities in sound, feel, and typing experience. If you favor a switch that provides a satisfying and immersive acoustic experience with a medium-light tactile feel, the Elf's design, which includes a POK top housing for enhanced acoustics, would be an excellent choice. This switch excels in scenarios where a deeper sound signature and pleasant typing sensation are desired, making it particularly appealing for casual typing or gaming where feedback and enjoyment are key. In contrast, if you prefer a more traditional and firm typing experience with a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, the Outemu Silent Green switch might suit your needs better. It's an ideal option if you're looking for a switch that minimizes noise, making it perfect for quieter environments such as office spaces or shared work areas. Ultimately, it boils down to your individual preferences—whether you value sound dynamics and a lighter feel or need a more durable and quieter typing option.
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