Huano Elf vs. TTC Silent Bluish White (V2)
An in-depth look at the Huano Elf and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often comes down to personal preference and usage scenarios, and two popular options in the market are the Huano Elf and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2). The Huano Elf, a linear switch, is celebrated for its POK top housing, which enhances acoustics and produces a rich, deep sound signature. With a medium-light actuation force, this switch provides a smooth and satisfying typing experience that many gamers and typists appreciate for its unimpeded travel. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) is a tactile switch that boasts a medium tactile bump, offering a satisfying level of resistance and feedback with each keystroke. This switch is specifically designed to operate quietly, making it an excellent choice for those in shared spaces or office environments where noise reduction is a priority. While both switches offer unique and appealing attributes—smoothness and sound for the Elf and tactile feedback and quiet operation for the Silent Bluish White—each caters to different typing preferences and scenarios. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
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
The housing materials of the Huano Elf and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switches reflect distinct characteristics that shape their overall performance and sound profiles. The Elf utilizes a polyketone (POK) material for its top housing, which is known for its low coefficient of friction (0.04) contributing to a smooth typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Bluish White (V2) employs a polycarbonate top housing, which offers a stiffer composition that enhances the clarity and brightness of the sound profile produced. While both materials provide unique auditory experiences, the Elf's POK material tends to produce a smoother, clackier sound, whereas the polycarbonate of the Silent Bluish White (V2) results in a sharper and crisper tone. This distinction highlights the tonal differences attributed to the choice of top housing, even though both materials serve to improve the switch's functionality.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Huano Elf and the Silent Bluish White (V2) utilize nylon, a plastic common among switch housings. The nylon's inherent properties give both switches a richer and fuller typing experience, characterized by a deeper sound profile. Despite being made from the same material, the results differ slightly due to the impact of the top housing materials on the switches' overall sound signature. For instance, while the lower frequencies dominate in both cases thanks to the nylon, the sharper sound from the polycarbonate top in the Silent Bluish White (V2) contrasts with the more rounded and clacky sounds from the Elf’s POK top. This suggests that although the nylon may provide a consistent deeper effect across both switches, the differing top housings can result in a nuanced auditory experience.
When considering the influence of the housing materials on the overall sound and feel of the switches, it's essential to appreciate how the different materials interact. The combination of a smooth POK top and nylon bottom in the Elf creates a unique blend of tactile feedback and auditory response, while the Silent Bluish White (V2) pairs a sharper top with the same nylon bottom, resulting in a distinct but complementary sound experience. As a result, while both switches may share similar nylon characteristics in their bottom housings, the variation in their top housings leads to unique outcomes during use. This comparison reveals that while similar materials can be used, the specific combinations and interactions vastly influence the final sound and feel of the switches, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch, we find that both share the same actuation force of 42 grams, making them equally responsive to keystrokes. However, the major difference lies in their bottom out forces; the Silent Bluish White (V2) has a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the bottom out force for the Huano Elf is unavailable. As such, we can infer that the Elf switch may potentially bottom out at a lighter force, resulting in a softer feel upon deeper presses. This could appeal to users who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended use. Conversely, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2), with its heavier bottom out force, provides a more substantial feel, ideal for users who enjoy a stronger push during typing. Thus, while both switches share a similar actuation force, their bottom out characteristics differentiate them, catering to different preferences in typing feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Elf linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch, we find that the Elf features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Bluish White (V2) measures slightly shorter at 3.5 mm. This indicates that the Huano Elf has a more pronounced depth, which can provide a more substantial tactile feedback that some users may prefer for a satisfying typing experience. In contrast, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2)'s shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers and those seeking quicker responsiveness in their keystrokes. Overall, while both switches are fairly close in distance, the Elf offers a longer travel, which may cater to users who appreciate a more traditional feel, whereas the Silent Bluish White (V2) aligns with the trend towards shorter, more responsive 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 TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Bluish White (V2) for $4.63.
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 produces a deep sound signature that is rich and immersive, making it distinctive for those who appreciate a more pronounced auditory experience while typing. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) offers a notably muted sound, engineered to minimize the typical noise associated with mechanical switches. This makes the Bluish White (V2) particularly appealing to users in office environments or shared living spaces, where a quieter typing that does not disturb others is desired. The sound characteristics of both switches can be influenced by external factors such as the choice of keyboard housing and keycaps, but one can expect the Elf to bring a noticeably deeper tone compared to the almost whisper-like sound of the Silent Bluish White.
Regarding feel, the Huano Elf offers a medium-light pressure that contributes to a satisfying typing experience without being too stiff or demanding. In contrast, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) provides a mild tactile feedback with its stepped design, bringing a gentle but recognizable resistance during usage. The tactile bump is not overly pronounced, offering a subtle sensation that allows for a smooth, buttery typing experience. This switch is polished and refined, elevating the overall feel while providing a more laid-back typing experience compared to the Elf’s more direct feedback. Essentially, users of the Silent Bluish White can expect an approachable and smooth feel that still maintains a level of interaction during each keystroke.
In conclusion, both the Huano Elf linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch present unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Elf stands out with its deep sound signature and medium-light feel, appealing to those who enjoy an immersive typing experience. Meanwhile, the Silent Bluish White (V2) excels in providing a muted sound environment with a soft and subtle tactile response, perfect for quieter settings. Users seeking similar results may gravitate towards one based on their desired sound environment and tactile interaction, making the choice ultimately reflect personal preference and typing habits.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Elf linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and environment. If you seek a smooth, linear experience with a satisfying deep sound signature and a slightly lighter engagement, the Huano Elf could be your go-to option. It's ideal for those who enjoy a medium-light feel and appreciate the acoustics offered by its unique POK top housing. On the other hand, if you require a more tactile feedback with a moderate bottom-out force while still prioritizing a quiet atmosphere—such as in an office or shared space—the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) would be the better choice. With its muted sound and buttery feel, this switch provides a gentle typing experience that isn’t overwhelming, making it approachable for everyone. In summary, assess your preference for tactile feedback versus smoothness and consider your environment to determine which switch aligns best with your daily typing needs.
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