Huano Elf vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the Huano Elf and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, two popular contenders in the linear switch category are the Huano Elf and the Outemu Silent Yellow. The Huano Elf is renowned for its POK top housing, which enhances acoustics and provides a deep sound signature that enhances the overall typing experience. With a medium-light feel, the Elf offers a satisfying tactile response that many users appreciate for both gaming and typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch is designed to minimize noise without compromising on performance, making it an appealing choice for those in shared spaces or for late-night gaming sessions. Though both switches provide a smooth linear feel, their unique characteristics cater to different preferences—whether you prioritize the auditory feedback of the Elf or the quiet operation of the Silent Yellow. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that perfectly fits your needs.
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
2.20 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
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Elf and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches, a clear difference emerges in their top housings. The Elf utilizes POK, or polyketone, which is noted for its smoothness and durability. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, it stands slightly above the Silent Yellow’s top housing, which is made from polycarbonate. While polycarbonate lends itself to a crisper and more resonant sound profile due to its rigidity, POK offers a clickier feel when typing, supported by its exceptional wear resistance and shock absorption qualities. Thus, while both materials contribute to a pleasant typing experience, their sound signatures differ, with POK providing a smoother and more stable feel compared to the clearer, high-pitched tones of polycarbonate.
On the other hand, both the Huano Elf and Outemu Silent Yellow switches share a common material for their bottom housings: nylon. This classic material is favored among switch builders for its sound dampening properties. The use of nylon in both cases results in a deeper, fuller sound profile, as the softer plastic absorbs more sound compared to harder alternatives. This similarity means that regardless of the differences found in the top housings, the bottom housings contribute significantly to the overall acoustic experience, offering a consistent base for both switches that bolsters a rounder sound.
Overall, the combination of differing top and matching bottom housing materials serves to create unique experiences for each switch. The Elf's POK top provides a smoother tactile feedback and slightly clackier sound upon key release, while the Silent Yellow's polycarbonate top introduces higher-pitched sounds and sharpness that appeals in RGB configurations. However, their shared nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches achieve a resonant and rounded sound, demonstrating how a blend of materials can yield varied touch and auditory elements in the same product line.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces and overall feel. The Huano Elf has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, while the Outemu Silent Yellow requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Elf is generally more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch, making it ideal for long typing sessions or gaming marathons without fatigue. In contrast, the Silent Yellow has a greater bottom-out force of 60 grams, indicating a firmer resistance when pressing the switch all the way down, which may appeal to those who desire a more substantial and robust typing experience. While the bottom-out force for the Elf is unspecified, the presence of a heavier bottom-out force in the Silent Yellow adds an element of feedback that some users may prefer. Overall, the Huano Elf is the lighter option, while the Outemu Silent Yellow is the heavier one, catering to different user preferences in typing and gaming experiences.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distances of the Huano Elf linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch reveals a clear distinction; the Elf features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Yellow has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Consequently, the Elf switch offers a shorter travel distance, making it potentially more responsive, which can be advantageous for gamers seeking quick reaction times. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow's longer travel distance may appeal to those who favor a more substantial typing experience, as it provides a deeper keypress that some users find more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference: gamers might lean towards the Huano Elf for its speed, while typists who enjoy a more pronounced key press may opt for the Outemu Silent Yellow.
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 Yellow 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 distinguished by its deep sound signature, largely attributed to its POK top housing, which enhances the acoustics and delivers a solid auditory experience when typing. This provides a resonance that many users find satisfying and engaging. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch has no specific sound profile mentioned, making it difficult to draw a direct comparison. However, the sound produced by any switch can also vary significantly based on the keyboard build and choice of keycaps, which may influence the overall auditory experience for both switches.
When it comes to feel, the Elf switch is noted for its medium-light actuation, providing a balance that many typists appreciate for long typing sessions without undue fatigue. This make it suitable for users who prefer a slight resistance without being overwhelmingly stiff. In contrast, the Silent Yellow linear switch does not have a defined feel mentioned, leaving its tactile experience open to interpretation. Users of both switches can expect a linear feel that is typically smooth, but those familiar with the Elf may have a more tailored experience due to its specified actuation weight.
In conclusion, while the Huano Elf linear switch offers a distinct deep sound signature and a medium-light feel that many find enjoyable, the characteristics of the Outemu Silent Yellow remain unclear in both sound and tactile description. For those seeking a more refined auditory and tactile experience, the Elf is likely to provide a more satisfying option, while the Silent Yellow's properties may align with preferences for less defined linear switches. Ultimately, the choice may come down to personal preference and specific use cases, with an understanding that factors such as keyboard construction and keycap selection will also play a significant role.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Huano Elf linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, it's essential to consider your personal typing preferences and environment. If you value a lighter feel and wish to achieve a deeper sound profile while typing, the Huano Elf switch is a great choice. Its unique POK top housing enhances acoustics, delivering a satisfying auditory experience that complements its medium-light actuation. This makes it ideal for casual typing and gaming sessions where feedback and sound quality are important. On the other hand, if you prefer a sturdier typing experience with a medium resistance, the Outemu Silent Yellow is your go-to option. With its bottom-out force of 60 grams, it offers a solid sensation that is less likely to lead to finger fatigue over extended typing periods. Additionally, the Silent Yellow's quieter operation is beneficial if you're in a shared workspace or need to keep noise levels down. Ultimately, your choice between these switches should hinge on whether you prioritize sound and lightness in your typing experience or prefer a more robust and quieter option.
Mentioned in this article
