Huano Elf vs. KTT Purple Star
An in-depth look at the Huano Elf and the KTT Purple Star switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Elf and the KTT Purple Star present two intriguing options for enthusiasts seeking a linear switch experience. The Huano Elf is celebrated for its POK top housing, which enhances acoustics to deliver a deep sound signature, combined with a medium-light actuation feel that many typists find satisfying. This makes the Elf an excellent choice for those who appreciate audio feedback during their typing sessions without sacrificing comfort. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star stands out with its all-POM construction, providing a notably buttery smooth typing experience and a neutral sound signature that appeals to users who favor subtlety over sonic depth. With a very light 45g bottom-out, the Purple Star is especially ideal for lighter typists or those who seek effortless keystrokes. Both switches cater to different preferences in sound, feel, and typing style, making them worthy contenders in the mechanical keyboard market. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Huano Elf and the KTT Purple Star demonstrates a fascinating interplay between durability, sound profile, and tactile feedback, reflecting the distinct design philosophies of each switch. The Elf features a top housing made of POK, a highly durable material known for its smooth operation and remarkable properties, such as a lower coefficient of friction compared to traditional materials like POM. This characteristic of POK contributes to a premium typing experience marked by a smooth and clacky feedback. Conversely, the KTT Purple Star incorporates POM for its top housing. While POM has a slightly higher coefficient of friction, it is known for producing a deeper and more muted sound profile, creating a contrasted auditory experience compared to the sprightlier notes produced by the Elf's POK top.
When considering the bottom housings, a notable difference arises. The Huano Elf utilizes nylon, which is well-regarded for its soft, sound-absorbing properties, leading to a fuller and rounder auditory experience during typing. In contrast, the KTT Purple Star maintains a cohesive sound profile with its POM bottom housing, similar to its top housing, but emphasizes the muted characteristics that POM provides. This choice allows KTT to create a consistently deep sound that is universally appealing but may lack the variation and resonance offered by the nylon in the Elf. Thus, while both switches aim to deliver an engaging typing sensation, the texture and tonal qualities differ significantly due to the specific materials chosen for their respective housings.
In summary, although both the Huano Elf and the KTT Purple Star utilize high-performance materials, their distinctions define their unique sound profiles and feel. The Elf's combination of POK and nylon results in a brighter acoustic character with a notably clearer contrast between the top and bottom housings, while the Purple Star's reliance on POM throughout ensures a smoother and more consistent sound, albeit on the muted end of the spectrum. This variation in material choice informs the overall typing experience and may cater to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, the richness of sound and tactile feedback is a balance of these materials, and each switch conveys its own interpretation of performance based on the engineered pairings of their respective housings.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, we see some noteworthy differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Elf has an actuation force of 42 grams, which is slightly lighter than the Purple Star's actuation force of 43 grams, making the Elf the more suitable choice for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, especially during long sessions at work or gaming. However, the Elf does not have a specified bottom out force, while the Purple Star has a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating a more significant resistance when fully pressed down. This contrast means that while the Elf may provide ease of actuation with a gentler touch, the Purple Star delivers a heavier, more substantial feel when hitting the key's bottom. Thus, the KTT Purple Star is the heavier switch overall, appealing to users who prefer a firmer feedback, whereas the Huano Elf is lighter and potentially more comfortable for extended use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Elf linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, it's evident that the Elf has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Purple Star offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Elf the more favorable choice for those who enjoy a bit more depth in their keystrokes, as its travel distance is 0.1 mm longer. Conversely, the Purple Star caters to gamers and typists looking for quicker response times, given its shorter travel distance. Overall, if you prioritize a swift and less abrupt feel, the Purple Star may be the better fit. However, if you prefer a more traditional and hearty keystroke experience, the Huano Elf would be your ideal option.
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 Purple Star comes in at $4.88 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 known for its deep sound signature, which resonates well thanks to its POK top housing designed to enhance acoustics. This results in a rich and satisfying auditory experience during typing. In contrast, the KTT Purple Star linear switch offers a more neutral sound signature, which tends to be less pronounced but maintains a very smooth auditory output. Users of the Purple Star can expect a low-pitched, mellow sound, making it comfortable but perhaps less immersive than the Elf's deeper tones. Ultimately, while both switches promise a pleasant typing experience, the Elf leans into a more pronounced acoustic presence, while the Purple Star maintains a quieter demeanor.
Feel-wise, the Elf switch has a medium-light feel that provides a satisfying typing experience, offering a balance that can be appreciated by many typists. This balanced resistance allows for fluid typing without overwhelming the fingers. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star switch features a very light actuation force of 45g, making it particularly appealing for light typists. The Purple Star offers a mild typing experience that is easy to press, encouraging clean and swift keystrokes and minimizing finger fatigue during extended use. While the Elf presents a more moderate resistance that feels solid, the Purple Star caters to those who prefer an almost effortless touch.
In conclusion, both the Huano Elf and the KTT Purple Star linear switches exhibit unique qualities in sound and feel that cater to different preferences. The Elf offers a deeper sound and a medium-light resistance, making it fulfilling for those who enjoy a rich acoustic experience coupled with solid feedback. Conversely, the Purple Star presents a lighter actuation with a smoother, more neutral sound profile, ideal for typists seeking a gentle touch on their keystrokes. Each switch provides a distinct typing experience, allowing users to choose based on their sound and feel preferences, while both can yield satisfying results in their own rights.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Huano Elf linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, it’s essential to consider your personal typing style and sound preferences. If you’re looking for an engaging and acoustically pleasing experience, the Huano Elf is a great option, particularly if you value a medium-light feel and a sound signature that adds depth to your typing. This makes it particularly suitable for those who enjoy a bit of character in their keyboard sound without compromising comfort. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and effortless typing experience with lower resistance, the KTT Purple Star is your best bet. The lighter 45g bottom-out force not only caters to light typists but also reduces finger fatigue during long hours of use. Furthermore, its mild characteristics and low-pitched sound profile create a more neutral typing experience, which can be ideal for those who prefer a simple and approachable feel without any extremes. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your interaction with your keyboard—opt for the Elf when you seek an enjoyable acoustic experience, or choose the Purple Star for a soft, easy-to-use switch that enhances comfort and efficiency.
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