Huano Elf vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Huano Elf and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that stand out are the Huano Elf and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, both of which fall into the linear switch category. The Huano Elf is well-regarded for its POK top housing, which enhances acoustics, and it produces a deep sound signature accompanied by a medium-light actuation feel, creating a satisfying typing experience that many users appreciate. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie boasts an all-POM construction that delivers not only a thocky sound profile but also exceptional smoothness during keystrokes, all at an accessible price point. While the Elf appeals to those seeking a unique acoustic quality and lighter typing sensation, the Sea Salt Smoothie is a great choice for users who prioritize a richer sound and a buttery smooth feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Elf and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, it is notable that they utilize different materials for their top housings. The Elf employs a POK (polyketone) material, which is celebrated for its smoothness and durability, boasting a low coefficient of friction (0.04) that enhances performance during use. This results in a clacky yet smooth feel while typing, making it a strong candidate for those seeking tactile satisfaction. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie's top housing is constructed from POM (Polyoxymethylene), known for producing a distinctively muted sound profile. The POM's coefficient of friction is lower (0.03), suggesting a slightly different tactile experience, focusing more on sound dampening than the sharp clarity offered by POK.
The bottom housing materials of the two switches introduce another layer of comparison. The Huano Elf utilizes a nylon bottom housing, characterized by providing a fuller, deeper sound profile due to its softer composition, which serves to absorb sound and reduce sharpness. This quality complements the clacky nature of the POK top housing, creating a blend of sound and feel that caters to users who appreciate a more rounded auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie's bottom housing is also made from POM, which similarly contributes to a deeper and more muted sound. While POM offers durability, its propensity to deliver a quieter, less aggressive sound contrasts with the richer audio footprint that nylon imparts.
In summary, while both the Huano Elf and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie feature a top and bottom housing made from different materials, they result in comparable auditory experiences due to the nature of their respective compositions. The Elf blends the smoothness and durability of POK with the deeper sound of nylon, while the Sea Salt Smoothie combines the unique sound of POM at both ends. This integration creates switches that cater to different preferences but ultimately achieves a deeper sound profile. If a user seeks a smooth typing experience paired with a muted sound, they could potentially achieve similar results through careful selection and testing of both switches, considering the strengths and weaknesses of each housing material.
Weight
The Huano Elf linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch offer distinct experiences in terms of actuation force. The Elf requires a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the smoother's 48 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience suitable for long hours at work or during extended gaming sessions. Both switches have an unknown bottom out force, which means we cannot draw a direct comparison in that aspect. However, the fact that the Elf is the lighter of the two suggests that users who enjoy a more delicate keystroke may find it more comfortable, while those who prefer a heavier, more substantial typing feel might opt for the Sea Salt Smoothie with its higher actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference for typing feel and comfort.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Elf linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, the Elf measures at 3.6 mm, while the Sea Salt Smoothie has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that if you're looking for faster response times, the Huano Elf, with its shorter travel distance, may be the more appealing choice for gamers seeking quick actions. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced typing experience, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie could be more suitable due to its longer travel distance, which may feel less abrupt. Ultimately, your preference for responsiveness versus depth will guide your decision between these two switches.
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 Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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 characterized by its deep sound signature, which offers a satisfying auditory experience that can be enhanced by its POK top housing designed for improved acoustics. This switch tends to produce a more subdued but rich tone, making it appealing for users who appreciate a thocky yet refined quality as they type. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch delivers a distinct thocky sound profile that stands out with its emphasis on a rich and crisp resonance. Both switches create appealing sounds, but subjective preferences may lead a user to favor one over the other depending on their desired typing acoustics and the overall configuration of their keyboard, including board and keycap choices.
When considering the feel of each switch, the Huano Elf features a medium-light actuation force, providing a smooth typing experience that allows for ease of typing without requiring much effort. This lighter tactile response is well-suited for users who enjoy rapid keystrokes and extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has a medium-weight feel, which might demand a bit more resistance but offers a rewarding sense of control and stability with each keystroke. This can appeal to typists who prefer a more balanced and grounded touch while still enjoying a high level of smoothness. Ultimately, both switches cater to different typing styles while maintaining good performance, appealing to different preferences in user tactile feedback.
In summary, both the Huano Elf and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switches provide unique sound and feel qualities that can enhance a user's typing experience in different ways. The Elf's deep sound and medium-light feel contrast with the Smoothie’s thocky audio and medium-weight sensation. Choosing between them will largely depend on personal preferences regarding sound profile and tactile feedback as well as the overall keyboard assembly. Both switches offer smoothness and reliability for users aiming for a fulfilling mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Huano Elf linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, consider how you prioritize sound and feel in your typing experience. If you’re looking for a unique sound signature characterized by a deeper, more satisfying acoustics with a medium-light actuation, the Huano Elf may be the more appealing choice. Its POK top housing contributes to this distinct sound while providing an enjoyable feedback during use. On the other hand, if you prefer a balance of smoothness and a thocky sound profile that maintains a medium-weight feel, then the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is likely the better fit for you. It excels in providing a quality experience at an accessible price point, perfect for those who enjoy a silky-smooth keystroke. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your preferences for sound and tactile feedback, ensuring that your mechanical keyboard truly matches your typing style.
Mentioned in this article
