Huano Elf vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Huano Elf and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Elf and Gateron Silent Ink Black both offer unique tactile experiences that cater to different typing preferences. The Huano Elf is renowned for its POK top housing, which enhances acoustics and produces a rich, deep sound signature, paired with a medium-light feel that many users find particularly satisfying. This switch is ideal for those who enjoy a bit of auditory feedback while typing and prefer a more engaging keystroke. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black is designed for quiet environments, making it perfect for users who prioritize discretion over sound. With its silenced mechanism and a plush, pillow-like bottom-out feel, this switch minimizes noise without sacrificing the smoothness of the keypress. Both switches cater to different needs and preferences; while the Elf emphasizes an enjoyable auditory experience, the Silent Ink Black prioritizes a muted and polished feel. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Elf and the Gateron Silent Ink Black, distinct differences arise between their top and bottom components, impacting the overall auditory and tactile experience of each switch. The Elf features a POK top housing, known for its smooth operation and durability, with a lower coefficient of friction than that of the Gateron's INK blend. This results in a smoother keypress with a clacky sound profile that highlights a different auditory character compared to the pointed and high-pitched quality attributed to the Gateron’s proprietary INK blend. While both switches yield satisfying sound outputs, the Elf's upper housing leans towards a more robust tactile feedback, driven by its excellent shock resistance, making it particularly appealing to users looking for reliability alongside auditory satisfaction.
In contrast, both switches utilize different materials for their bottom housings. The Elf employs nylon, a classic yet softer plastic that absorbs sound, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This contrasts with the Silent Ink Black's bottom housing, which also features the proprietary INK blend. While the Gateron housing maintains a tonal consistency with its upper part, its pointed sound may create a more resonant experience during bottoming out. This difference is significant because the bottom housing greatly influences how a switch sounds when fully pressed down, affecting the overall user experience. Therefore, while both switches exhibit clackiness due to the nature of their designs, the source of that sound is embodied differently, resulting in potentially varying acoustic outcomes.
Ultimately, the combination of these materials showcases how the qualities of each housing contribute to the overall function of the switches. If the materials were the same, one could achieve similar auditory and tactile experiences by manipulating the shapes and internal designs of the switches. However, given that they are distinctly different, it becomes evident that the specific characteristics of POK and nylon in the Elf versus the INK blend in the Gateron Silent Ink Black provide them each with unique strengths that define their performance. Users may prefer one over the other based on tactile feel and the kind of sound profile they seek, underscoring the subjective nature of switch selection in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, there is a noticeable difference in their actuation forces, with the Elf requiring a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the heavier 60 grams of the Silent Ink Black. This lighter actuation force of the Elf may be more suitable for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, making it ideal for extended use during work or gaming sessions. However, the Silent Ink Black has a more substantial feel with its higher actuation force, appealing to those who enjoy a firmer push while typing. Additionally, the bottom out force for the Elf is unavailable, while the Silent Ink Black features a bottom out force of 70 grams, categorized as medium-heavy. This further emphasizes the heavier overall feel of the Silent Ink Black, making it the preferable choice for individuals seeking a more pronounced tactile feedback when bottoming out. Overall, if you favor a lighter and more relaxed typing experience, the Huano Elf is the better option, whereas the Gateron Silent Ink Black will cater well to those who prefer a heavier touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Huano Elf linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, there is a noticeable difference between the two. The Elf features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Ink Black has a longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This means that the Elf switch offers a slightly shorter distance compared to the Silent Ink Black, which aligns with a trend favoring quicker response times in gaming scenarios. While both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, the shorter travel distance of the Elf may appeal more to gamers seeking rapid key presses, whereas the Silent Ink Black offers a more traditional, deeper feel that some users might prefer for a more tactile experience. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your preference for responsiveness versus depth.
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 Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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
The Huano Elf linear switch produces a deep sound signature, thanks to its POK top housing designed for enhanced acoustics. This results in a more pronounced auditory experience that can be satisfying for typists who enjoy a richer sound profile while typing. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black is characterized by its muted sound, offering a significantly softer and quieter output. This switch is ideal for environments where noise reduction is a priority, allowing for discreet typing. While both switches cater to different acoustic preferences, users can expect a notable disparity in the sound output, with the Elf providing a more vibrant experience compared to the almost inaudible feedback of the Silent Ink Black.
When it comes to feel, the Elf switch is renowned for its medium-light actuation force, which strikes a balance between comfort and responsiveness, making it suitable for both casual typists and gamers alike. The Elf aims to deliver a satisfying typing experience, encouraging a more dynamic interaction with the keyboard. Conversely, the Silent Ink Black excels in providing a silky and polished feel. The combination of its smooth operation and minimal resistance enhances the overall typing experience, ensuring that each keystroke feels refined and effortless. While the Elf may offer a more pronounced response during typing, the Silent Ink Black offers a cushy, pillow-like bottom-out that can feel plush and gentle.
In conclusion, choosing between the Huano Elf and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switches ultimately depends on personal preferences regarding sound and feel. The Elf is better suited for those who appreciate a deeper sound profile and a more engaged typing experience, while the Silent Ink Black is perfect for users seeking a quiet environment and an exceptionally smooth keystroke. By understanding these qualitative differences, newcomers can make an informed choice that aligns with their typing needs and ambient settings.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Huano Elf linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you prioritize an engaging typing experience with a medium-light feel and appreciate deeper acoustics, the Huano Elf switch may be the ideal fit for you. Its POK top housing enhances the sound signature, making it great for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback during typing. On the other hand, if you find yourself in a quieter workspace or simply prefer a more subdued typing experience, the Gateron Silent Ink Black is likely the better option. With its cushioned bottom-out feel and muted sound profile, this switch excels in minimizing audio distractions while offering a silky and polished typing experience. Consider the environment you’ll be typing in and the physical feel you desire from your switches to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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