Huano Elf vs. Gateron Smoothie

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two notable contenders are the Huano Elf and the Gateron Smoothie, both of which are linear switches designed to provide distinct typing experiences. The Huano Elf is distinguished by its POK top housing, which enhances acoustics to deliver a rich, deep sound signature alongside a medium-light feel that many users find satisfying for both typing and gaming. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie stands out as an all-POM switch, hailed for its affordability without sacrificing quality. It offers a remarkably smooth keystroke that produces a thocky sound signature, appealing to those who enjoy a more subdued auditory feedback. While the Elf may appeal to users seeking a pronounced auditory experience, the Smoothie caters to those who prioritize an ultra-smooth feel and a creamy typing sensation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your specific needs.

By the numbers

Huano Elf Linear

Gateron Smoothie Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$3.00

$2.60 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Elf and the Gateron Smoothie, distinctive differences emerge in both the top and bottom housing components. The Elf's top housing is crafted from POK (polyketone), a material known for its impressive durability and low coefficient of friction, which enhances the overall smoothness of the switch. POK's attributes ensure that the Elf switch maintains superior wear resistance and shock absorption compared to Gateron’s POM (polyoxymethylene) top housing. While both materials facilitate smooth operation, the Elf's POK leans towards a lighted clack owing to its strong structure, while the Gateron's POM contributes to a subdued, yet pleasant, acoustic experience.

Examining the bottom housing, both the Huano Elf and the Gateron Smoothie feature different but relatively complementary materials. The Elf utilizes nylon, which is revered for its softer profile, lending a deeper and rounder sound due to its sound-absorbing properties. In contrast, the Smoothie employs POM, a plastic noted for producing a unique and pleasing sound that is also on the deeper side, albeit more muted than nylon. While the physical sound characteristics differ, both designs aim for a deeper auditory experience, hence users can achieve somewhat similar outcomes given that both bottom housings prioritize sound absorption and texture.

Overall, the combination of the differing top and bottom housing materials results in distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences for each switch. The Huano Elf’s POK and nylon combination yields a smooth, clacky feel with a full-bodied voice, while the Gateron Smoothie’s dual POM construction maintains a more muted and refined tone. Ultimately, if a user is seeking a balance between the heavier sound of the Elf and the refined acoustics of the Smoothie, both switch designs ultimately aim for robustness and durability, albeit through their individual material choices. The different characteristics brought forth by each switch's housing can be harmonized to attain a desirable typing experience, depending on the user's sound and tactile preferences.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, the actuation forces reveal a slight difference in feel. The Elf requires an actuation force of 42 grams, making it marginally heavier than the Smoothie, which demands only 40 grams to register a keystroke. This difference suggests that typists who favor a lighter touch may prefer the Gateron Smoothie, especially for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons where fatigue can be a concern. In terms of bottom out force, both switches have this measurement listed as unknown, so we cannot make a direct comparison in that area. However, since the Smoothie has a lower actuation force, we can infer that the overall experience may feel lighter compared to the Huano Elf, providing a slightly softer typing experience. Those who enjoy a stronger tactile feedback might gravitate toward the heavier Elf switch for a more substantial typing feel.

Travel distance

The travel distances of the Huano Elf linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch are both 3.6 mm, meaning they share the same key travel distance from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance suggests that users will experience comparable tactile feedback and actuation depth when using either switch. Consequently, those who prefer one switch over the other may find similar results in terms of key feel and responsiveness given their identical travel specifications.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Huano Elf linear switch produces a deep sound signature thanks to its POK top housing, which is designed to enhance acoustics, creating a rich auditory experience when typing. This deep tone contrasts with the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, which is characterized by a thocky and low-pitched sound profile. The thocky nature of the Smoothie results in a satisfying "thud" when keys are pressed, and its subdued qualities allow for a more subtle auditory experience compared to sharper-sounding switches. A user can expect a pronounced yet controlled sound from the Smoothie, making it suitable for tactile feedback without being overwhelming.

In terms of feel, the Elf offers a medium-light touch that results in an enjoyable typing experience, although specifics about its tactile characteristics remain undisclosed. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie is notable for its exceptionally smooth keystrokes, often described with terms like buttery, creamy, and silky. This results in a seamless typing sensation that feels effortless—almost like gliding over the keys. The Smoothie’s overall smoothness is likely enhanced either through factory lubrication or its construction materials, contributing to a fluid experience that many users find appealing.

In conclusion, the Huano Elf and Gateron Smoothie linear switches each bring unique qualities to the table, making them appealing options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Elf is known for its deep sound and satisfying typing experience, the Gateron Smoothie excels in providing smooth keystrokes and a rich, thocky auditory profile. Choosing between them will ultimately come down to personal preference regarding sound and feel; however, both switches promise a rewarding experience overall. Users looking for a satisfying auditory component may lean toward the Elf, whereas those who prioritize smoothness in their keystrokes might prefer the Gateron Smoothie.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the Huano Elf linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, consider your personal preferences regarding sound profile and typing feel. If you gravitate towards an enhanced acoustic experience with a medium-light feel, the Elf might be your go-to. Its POK top housing is designed to provide a distinct sound signature that many users find satisfying for both gaming and typing tasks. However, if you favor a more subdued, thocky sound that exudes a deep, rich tone, the Gateron Smoothie could be the better option. This switch offers remarkable smoothness and a buttery, creamy feel, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions where comfort is essential. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize an engaging auditory experience or the silky, effortless actuation that the Smoothie provides. Depending on your typing style and use case—be it gaming, typing, or general use—each switch has its unique strengths that cater to different user needs.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Elf Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Smoothie Linear

$3.00

$2.60 per 10

Learn more