Huano Elf vs. Outemu Silent Ocean

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Elf and Outemu Silent Ocean are two noteworthy options for enthusiasts seeking a linear switch experience. The Elf is celebrated for its unique POK top housing, which not only enhances acoustics but also provides a deep sound signature that pairs with a medium-light actuation force, resulting in an enjoyable and satisfying typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Ocean aims to create a quieter environment for users who prefer minimal sound distractions, making it ideal for shared workspaces or late-night gaming sessions. While both switches share the linear characteristic, appealing to those who appreciate smooth keystrokes without tactile feedback, they offer different experiences that cater to varied preferences in feel and sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

Huano Elf Linear

Outemu Silent Ocean Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When examining the housing materials of the Huano Elf and the Outemu Silent Ocean, we discover both distinctions and noteworthy similarities that influence their sound profiles and overall performance. The Huano Elf utilizes POK (polyketone) for its top housing. This material offers a slightly higher coefficient of friction compared to the Outemu Silent Ocean's polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. The POK material’s combination of smoothness and exceptional durability, such as its noteworthy wear resistance and shock resistance, contrasts with the crystalline resonance of polycarbonate that enhances RGB lighting aesthetic appeal. Thus, while both materials aim to improve the switch experience, they do so in fundamentally different ways, highlighting the unique auditory feedback each type of housing aspires to deliver.

Regarding the bottom housing, both the Huano Elf and the Outemu Silent Ocean feature nylon, a classic material prized for its sound absorption qualities. This shared use of nylon means that both switches will produce a deeper, rounder sound profile when typing, thanks to the softer nature of the plastic. The similarity in the bottom housing ensures that regardless of the differing top materials, the switches will exhibit comparable auditory characteristics from this foundational aspect. Hence, the common nylon bottom contributes a consistent element of fullness to the sound, demonstrating that while the top housings diverge in composition and resultant acoustics, the nylon components create a unifying sound experience.

In summary, the interplay between the distinct materials of the top and bottom housings plays a critical role in the overall performance of both switches. The Huano Elf's POK top offers a durable, smooth experience that emphasizes clackiness upon release, contrasting with the Outemu Silent Ocean's polycarbonate top that enhances sharpness and resonance. However, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a rich, deep sound profile for both switches, showcasing that even when certain materials differ, the convergence in nylon provides a baseline sound experience that is both familiar and satisfying to users. This dual-material approach in key switches exemplifies how varied tactile feedback and distinctive sound qualities can coexist in producing a well-rounded typing experience.

Weight

In comparing the Huano Elf linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, we find notable differences in actuation force and bottom out force. The Huano Elf has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, compared to the 45 grams of the Outemu Silent Ocean. This means that typists or gamers who prefer a lighter touch may gravitate towards the Elf switch, as it allows for easier and potentially longer use without fatigue. However, the Silent Ocean offers a more substantial typing experience with a bottom out force of 65 grams, which provides a defined tactile feedback when the key is fully pressed down. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Elf switch remains unspecified, making it difficult to determine how it compares in terms of depth of keypress feedback. Overall, the Huano Elf is the lighter option, while the Outemu Silent Ocean can be considered the heavier choice with its medium-heavy bottom out force, catering to those who favor a firmer key feel.

Travel distance

The Huano Elf linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Elf switch offers a shorter travel distance compared to the Silent Ocean. Gamers who prioritize quick response times may find the Elf switch more appealing due to its reduced distance, allowing for faster key presses. In contrast, the Silent Ocean, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial feel, catering to those who prefer a more deliberate and hearty actuation. While both serve distinct preferences, the Elf's shorter distance might be favored for rapid gameplay, whereas the Silent Ocean could be preferred for a more traditional typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Huano Elf switch is known for its deep sound signature, thanks in part to its POK top housing, which enhances acoustics to deliver a rich auditory experience during typing. The combination of materials and design can produce a pleasant resonance that many users find appealing. On the other hand, details regarding the sound characteristics of the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch are not specifically documented, leaving its acoustic profile somewhat unknown. It’s important to note that the overall sound produced by any switch can heavily depend on complementary factors such as the chosen keyboard plate, the case material, and the type of keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, the Huano Elf switch offers a medium-light actuation force that strikes an excellent balance between responsiveness and comfort. This allows for a satisfying typing experience where the keys engage without requiring excessive force. Conversely, the feel of the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch is not explicitly detailed; thus, we can’t make a direct comparison. However, both switches being linear suggests that users can expect a smooth keystroke without tactile bumps or clicks.

In summary, while the Huano Elf linear switch is celebrated for its deep sound signature and comfortable medium-light feel, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch remains more of a mystery, particularly regarding its auditory and tactile characteristics. If you prefer a well-defined sound profile and a known tactile experience, the Elf switch may be the better choice. However, if you are open to experimentation, the Silent Ocean could offer surprising qualities worth discovering, potentially leading to a satisfying experience similar to that of the Elf, especially if you prioritize a linear switch’s inherent smoothness.

Conclusion

In summary, when deciding between the Huano Elf linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, your personal preferences and typing environment play crucial roles. If you prioritize an enhanced acoustic experience and a medium-light feel, the Elf is an excellent choice, particularly for those who enjoy a satisfying typing sensation without the fatigue that can come from heavier switches. The Elf’s unique POK top housing contributes to its remarkable sound profile, making it ideal for users who appreciate deep, rich auditory feedback from their keystrokes. On the other hand, if you are looking for a sturdy switch that provides a medium-heavy feel with a bottom out force of 65 grams, the Silent Ocean may be more suitable for you. This switch could be beneficial in settings where durability is key or for users who prefer tactile feedback alongside a quieter typing experience. Ultimately, consider your typing habits, whether you value sound and lightness or weight and heft, as these factors will help guide you to the best choice for your mechanical keyboard needs.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Elf Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Silent Ocean Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more