Huano Elf vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the Huano Elf and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When navigating the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly impact your typing experience. Two popular linear options are the Huano Elf and the KTT Pine switches, each offering unique attributes that cater to different preferences. The Huano Elf switches are renowned for their POK top housing, which enhances acoustics and delivers a deep sound signature combined with a medium-light feel, making them ideal for users seeking a satisfying and immersive typing experience. Conversely, the KTT Pine switches are characterized by their medium-heavy resistance and delightful buttery smoothness, attributed to a polished, factory-lubed finish that ensures effortless key travel. While the Elf focuses on a deeper sound and lighter touch, the Pine prioritizes a creamy, low-pitched auditory experience paired with a heavier feel. Both switches have their strengths, catering to varied typing styles and personal preferences. 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
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Elf and the KTT Pine, distinct differences become apparent in their sound profiles and structural properties. The Huano Elf features a POK top housing, which is notable for its low coefficient of friction at 0.04, making it one of the smoothest options available for switch construction. In contrast, the KTT Pine utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, known for producing a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffer composition. While both materials contribute to a unique auditory experience when typing, the Elf's POK material is designed for a smoother and clackier feel, whereas the Pine’s polycarbonate aims for clarity and resonance, making each switch cater to different preferences in sound and tactile feedback.
The bottom housings of each switch further illustrate their differences, with the Huano Elf employing nylon and the KTT Pine again opting for polycarbonate. Nylon is traditionally favored for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper, fuller acoustic profile that often provides a softer and more muted typing experience. The KTT Pine's use of polycarbonate in the bottom housing echoes the characteristics of its top housing, offering a higher-pitched and crisper sound due to its more rigid structure. This contrast in materials not only affects the auditory experience but also influences the overall tactile feedback when pressing the keys, highlighting how different combinations of materials can lead to diverse user experiences even within the same category of mechanical switches.
Lastly, the combination of these materials in each switch influences their overall performance and user enjoyment significantly. For the Huano Elf, the pairing of POK and nylon optimizes for smoothness and durability while delivering a cushioned sound, perfect for those who prefer a more subdued typing experience. Conversely, the KTT Pine’s dual polycarbonate construction accentuates clarity and brightness, ideal for users who desire an exhilarating typing sensation enriched by RGB lighting through its translucent housing. Both switches, while utilizing different materials, showcase how the interplay of housing types can achieve specific auditory and tactile results, allowing users to select the switch that best fits their personal preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch to the KTT Pine linear switch, there are notable differences in actuation force. The Elf has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a softer touch, ideal for prolonged typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the KTT Pine requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, providing a firmer feel that some typists may appreciate for its substantial feedback. While the Elf does not have an available bottom out force measurement, the KTT Pine has a bottom out force of 58 grams, indicating that it requires more effort to press the key all the way down. Therefore, while the Huano Elf is the lighter option in terms of actuation force, the KTT Pine offers a heavier feel, particularly at the bottom of the keypress. Users seeking comfort during long periods of use may gravitate towards the Elf, while those favoring a more robust keystroke sensation may prefer the KTT Pine.
Travel distance
The Huano Elf linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Pine linear switch features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference of 0.4 mm makes the Elf the shorter option, which can provide a faster response time favored by gamers looking for quick keypress actions. In contrast, the Pine's 4 mm travel distance allows for a more substantial feel, appealing to those who prefer a deeper and more pronounced keystroke. Ultimately, if you opt for the Huano Elf, you may enjoy a snappier typing experience, whereas the KTT Pine may cater to those who appreciate a sturdier, more tactile press.
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 KTT Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $4.15.
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 switch features a unique POK top housing that enhances its acoustics, producing a deeper sound signature that should provide a pleasant auditory experience while typing. Although specifics about its sound characteristics were not detailed, it is designed to create a satisfying typing noise. In contrast, the KTT Pine linear switch is known for its bassy and low-pitched sound profile. This switch delivers a rich, deep tone reminiscent of bass sounds, which can make typing feel more pronounced and engaging. The combination of these different sound attributes suggests that while both switches focus on creating an enjoyable auditory experience, the Pine may provide a more bass-heavy response compared to the balanced depth of the Elf.
When considering the feel of the switches, the Huano Elf switch has a medium-light feel that is geared towards a satisfying typing experience, likely providing a good balance between resistance and softness. The KTT Pine, on the other hand, is characterized as medium-heavy, offering a distinctly buttery and creamy typing sensation. With factory lubrication minimizing friction, the Pine is engineered for an effortless key travel experience that feels smooth and seamless. This contrast in feel highlights that while the Elf may provide a lighter and more playful typing experience, the Pine's substantial resistance and silky finish offer a more grounded and luxurious touch.
Overall, the Huano Elf and KTT Pine linear switches provide distinct auditory and tactile experiences. The Elf’s deeper sound profile accompanied by its medium-light feel presents a uniquely satisfying typing experience, while the Pine delivers a rich, bassy sound with a heavier yet buttery smooth keystroke. Depending on personal priorities—whether one prefers a lightweight and balanced feel versus a heavier and smoother sensation—either switch could appeal to different types of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Both options will lead to a gratifying typing experience, albeit with nuanced differences that cater to various preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the Huano Elf linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences regarding tactile feedback, sound profile, and typing experience. If you are seeking a switch that offers a medium-light feel and a unique acoustic quality, the Elf is an excellent choice. Its design enhances acoustics, delivering a deep sound signature that can elevate your typing experience for daily tasks or casual gaming. However, if you prefer a more substantial typing force with a buttery smooth feel, the KTT Pine is ideal. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force and polished, factory-lubed finish create an effortless typing experience, making it suitable for long typing sessions or gaming where responsiveness is key. Whether you desire the satisfying yet lighter touch of the Elf or the creamy, smooth keystrokes of the Pine, weighing these characteristics against your personal needs will help you select the perfect switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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