Huano Elf vs. TTC Silent Red

Overview

When it comes to the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Elf and TTC Silent Red offer distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Huano Elf switch is celebrated for its unique POK top housing, which enhances acoustics and produces a rich, deep sound signature that, paired with its medium-light feel, provides a satisfying typing experience. This switch is ideal for those who appreciate auditory feedback while typing, making it a great choice for gamers and typists alike who enjoy a noticeable response with each keystroke. In contrast, the TTC Silent Red switch excels in delivering a whisper-quiet experience, perfect for those who require a serene typing environment, such as in office spaces or shared living conditions. With its smooth, consistent movement and a padded bottom-out feel, the Silent Red offers a buttery, polished touch, prioritizing comfort and noise reduction. While both switches provide a linear typing experience, their acoustic profiles and tactile feedback greatly differ. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Huano Elf Linear

TTC Silent Red Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Huano Elf and the TTC Silent Red switches exhibit both similarities and distinct characteristics that contribute to their overall performance and sound profiles. For the top housing, the Huano Elf utilizes POK (polyketone), which offers a smooth operation owing to its low coefficient of friction and exceptional durability. With a wear resistance that significantly outperforms POM and superior shock resistance compared to Nylon, POK ensures that the Elf's switches provide a lively and clacky sound. In contrast, the Silent Red leverages polycarbonate for its top housing. This material, known for its stiffness, creates a sharper and more resonant sound profile, particularly when illuminated with RGB lighting due to its translucent nature. While both materials serve to enhance the tactile experience, the Elf’s POK emphasizes smoothness and resilience, while the polycarbonate of the Silent Red promotes a clearer and more vibrant auditory experience.

When examining the bottom housing, both the Huano Elf and the TTC Silent Red employ Nylon, a classic choice widely respected for its sound-dampening qualities. This shared characteristic means that when typing on either switch, users will experience a deeper and fuller sound profile, largely due to Nylon's ability to absorb sound and create a rounder auditory output. Despite the differences in their top housing materials, the use of Nylon in both switches aligns them in terms of the tactile and acoustic experience when the key is pressed down. Thus, while the switches may cater to different sound profiles due to their upper housing materials, the shared Nylon bottom ensures that users will discern the comforting fullness in sound regardless of the specific switch chosen.

Ultimately, when considering the combined effects of both top and bottom housing materials, the nature of sound produced by the Huano Elf and TTC Silent Red becomes a balance of each component's qualities. The POK top of the Elf contributes to a smooth, engaging experience during key release, while the polycarbonate top of the Silent Red offers a sharper sound during the same action. Conversely, both switches deliver a fuller sound when pressed down, illuminating the similarities brought by the Nylon bottom housing. Thus, while distinct attributes might characterize each switch, the synergy of their materials ultimately leads to comparable performance and auditory outcomes, ensuring an engaging typing experience across both designs.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Huano Elf linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Huano Elf features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, making it more suitable for prolonged typing sessions or gaming, as it requires less effort to register keystrokes. In contrast, the TTC Silent Red has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a firmer push. While the Elf lacks a specified bottom out force, the Silent Red's bottom out force is measured at 63.5 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. This implies that the Silent Red might feel heavier overall, especially when fully pressing down on the key. Ultimately, if you seek a lighter touch for extended use, the Huano Elf is the better choice, whereas the TTC Silent Red caters to users who favor a stronger resistance during typing.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Elf linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, there is a slight difference worth noting. The Huano Elf switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Silent Red measures at 3.7 mm. This makes the Elf the shorter of the two, offering a more responsive feel that gamers often seek, as it allows for quicker actuation. On the other hand, the Silent Red, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial typing experience for individuals who prefer a deeper key press. Therefore, if you value rapid response times, the Huano Elf would be the preferable choice, whereas those who appreciate a more pronounced actuation may find the TTC Silent Red more appealing.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound profiles of the Huano Elf linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, there are notable distinctions that cater to different environments and preferences. The Elf switch is characterized by its deep sound signature, which resonates nicely but is not overpowering, making it pleasant for both the user and those nearby. In contrast, the Silent Red is designed specifically for discretion, boasting a muted sound profile that effectively minimizes the typical noise associated with mechanical switches, making it an excellent choice for office or shared living spaces. The deeper timbre of the Elf switch may provide more an auditory feedback, while the Silent Red prioritizes a quieter experience, helping maintain a harmonious atmosphere where silence is valued.

In terms of feel, the Huano Elf switch delivers a medium-light typing experience that balances between tactile satisfaction and ease of use. While it may not be overly heavy, it provides enough resistance to feel engaged during typing. The TTC Silent Red stands out with its buttery, polished feel, which offers a smooth and effortless keystroke experience. This switch not only feels gentle under the fingers but is also designed to be mild and approachable for users of all typing styles, making it ideal for those who prefer a uniform sensation throughout their key presses. The padded bottom-out feel further enhances comfort, which is particularly beneficial for long typing sessions.

In conclusion, while the Huano Elf switch offers a deeper sound and a medium-light feel, the TTC Silent Red excels in providing a muted auditory experience and an exceptionally smooth keystroke. If you favor a switch that strikes a balance between auditory feedback and subtlety, you might lean towards the Elf. However, for those prioritizing a silent environment with a seamless typing feel, the Silent Red is a formidable option. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value acoustic resonance or a hushed typing experience without sacrificing comfort and smoothness.

Conclusion

To sum up, choosing between the Huano Elf linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences regarding sound and feel during typing. If you enjoy a unique sonic experience that is both immersive and satisfying, the Elf switch may be the right choice for you. With its enhanced acoustics and medium-light feel, it can provide a delightful typing sensation, especially suited for those who appreciate a deeper sound signature while typing. However, if you prioritize a quieter environment, such as in an office or shared living space, then the TTC Silent Red is an excellent option. Its muted sound profile ensures a peaceful atmosphere while offering a buttery smooth keystroke experience that feels polished and refined. Additionally, the Silent Red's medium-heavy bottom-out force provides a more definitive typing feedback, which may be preferred for users who like a firmer key response. In conclusion, consider your typing environment and sound preferences to select the switch that will best enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Elf Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

TTC Silent Red Linear

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

Learn more