Huano Elf vs. Durock Piano

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect linear switch for your mechanical keyboard build, the Huano Elf and the Durock Piano offer two distinct yet compelling options. The Huano Elf stands out with its POK top housing, designed to enhance acoustics, resulting in a deep, satisfying sound signature. Its medium-light actuation force makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer a comfortable typing experience without sacrificing responsiveness. On the other hand, the Durock Piano switches are celebrated for their unique proprietary material blend, which provides a silky, gliding push feel complemented by a deep and creamy audio profile. These switches are categorized as 'Bassy,' 'Frictionless,' and 'Silky,' making them particularly pleasing for those who value smooth keystrokes and rich sound. Ultimately, both switches deliver exceptional performance, yet they cater to different typing preferences and acoustic tastes. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Huano Elf Linear

Durock Piano Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$6.70

$5.57 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Huano Elf and Durock Piano switches provide a fascinating study in contrasts, particularly when examining their top housings. The Elf utilizes POK material, renowned for its low coefficient of friction and exceptional strength. With a friction coefficient of 0.04, POK offers a smooth typing experience while also boasting a remarkable wear resistance that is 14 times stronger than POM, along with superior shock resistance. This combination contributes to the Elf's reputation for producing smooth, clacky sounds, making it a great choice for enthusiasts seeking spirited auditory feedback. In contrast, the Durock Piano features a proprietary POM blend for its top housing. While specific details about the blend remain undisclosed, POM is generally known for its durability and stability, often providing consistent performance. Users can expect a uniquely satisfying sound profile from the Piano, but it may not deliver the same level of smoothness as the Elf’s POK.

Exploring the bottom housing materials, the differences continue to create unique sound profiles for both switches. The Elf features nylon for its bottom housing, a classic material recognized for its ability to absorb sound due to its softer composition. This property results in a deeper and rounder tonal quality when typing, contributing to what many enthusiasts find to be a rich auditory experience. On the other hand, the Piano again utilizes a proprietary POM blend for its bottom housing, which similarly aims to create a deep sound profile. However, without specific details on the POM blend, it's difficult to assess how it compares directly to the qualities of nylon. While both switches strive for a satisfying sound experience, the origins of the materials used shape how they achieve that end, with nylon likely lending a warmer, more muted sound compared to the potentially sharper characteristics of the POM blend.

Ultimately, both the Huano Elf and the Durock Piano switches create enjoyable typing experiences through their distinct material choices. The top and bottom housing materials each contribute uniquely to the overall sound and feel of the switches. Where the Elf leans toward a smooth and clacky feel thanks to POK combined with a deep-toned nylon, the Piano relies on the robust qualities of its proprietary POM blends to yield a satisfying, rich sound profile. While the designs may differ, enthusiasts can appreciate how each material serves its purpose in creating a distinctive auditory and tactile experience. Thus, despite the variances in material composition, both housing frameworks demonstrate the potential for unparalleled user satisfaction in mechanical keyboard design.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, we see a noteworthy distinction in their actuation forces. The Elf has an actuation force of 42 grams, while the actuation force for the Piano is unknown. This suggests that the Elf is on the lighter side, making it potentially more suitable for long typing sessions or gaming, where ease of actuation can enhance comfort. In contrast, the Piano’s bottom out force is measured at 63.5 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy, although the Elf's bottom out force remains unspecified. Since we lack the specific bottom out force for the Elf, a direct comparison can't be established there. However, given the known actuation force, users who prefer a lighter switch may lean towards the Huano Elf, while those who appreciate a heavier, more substantial typing experience might find the Durock Piano more appealing. Overall, the differences in actuation force indicate that the Elf is the lighter option, while the Piano provides a heavier feel at the bottom.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Elf linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Huano Elf has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Durock Piano features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Elf the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times due to its reduced distance. In contrast, the 4 mm travel distance of the Piano offers a more substantial feel, which some users may prefer for its depth and tactile engagement. Ultimately, if you favor quick and responsive keystrokes, the shorter Huano Elf would be the ideal choice, while those who appreciate a deeper press might lean toward the Durock Piano.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the Huano Elf switch features a deep sound signature that is further enhanced by its POK top housing, which is designed for improved acoustics. This contributes to a rich auditory experience while typing. In comparison, the Durock Piano linear switch is known for its creamy, bassy sound that provides a deeper and richer acoustic quality during keystrokes. The bassy characteristic can create an engaging typing environment, making it pleasant to type on. Both switches will exhibit their sound properties in conjunction with various keyboard builds and keycap choices, meaning that individual setups will profoundly influence the final sound experience.

When it comes to feel, the Elf switch has a medium-light actuation that lends itself to a satisfying typing experience, though specific nuances of the feel are not detailed. On the other hand, the Durock Piano switches are celebrated for their frictionless and silky characteristics, providing an incredibly smooth and effortless typing experience. This means that when pressed, the Pianos glide down with minimal resistance, making for a fluid and enjoyable interaction. The Elf may offer a similar approach in terms of ease of use, albeit with a different sensation that may not reach the same level of smoothness as the Durock Pianos.

In conclusion, while both the Huano Elf and Durock Piano linear switches have their distinctive sound profiles—with the Elf providing a deep acoustical presence and the Piano delivering a rich, bassy tone—they differ significantly in feel. The Elf offers a medium-light action, which may provide a level of satisfaction, while the Durock's frictionless and silky feel creates an exceptionally smooth typing experience. Ultimately, if you're seeking a deeper sound signature with adequate typing comfort, the Elf could serve well, but for a uniquely silky and frictionless experience, the Durock Piano arguably stands out. Individual preferences and typing styles will heavily dictate which switch serves you best.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Huano Elf and the Durock Piano linear switches boils down to your personal preferences in both feel and sound. If you prefer a lighter touch and a typing experience that delivers enhanced acoustics with a unique deep sound signature, the Huano Elf may be your go-to option. It is particularly suitable for those who enjoy a medium-light feel while typing, making it a great choice for extended typing sessions or general casual use. On the other hand, if you lean towards a more substantial typing experience with a medium-heavy actuation force, the Durock Piano is your best bet. Its creamy, bassy sound profile and silky smooth travel offer a frictionless experience that many enthusiasts find both satisfying and enjoyable, especially for gaming or high-intensity typing tasks. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your preferences for tactile feedback and acoustic qualities, as both switches shine in their respective areas.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Elf Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Durock Piano Linear

$6.70

$5.57 per 10

Learn more