Huano Elf vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Huano Elf and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, both the Huano Elf and the Gateron Smoothie Silver offer unique experiences tailored to different preferences. The Huano Elf switch is celebrated for its POK top housing that enhances acoustics, delivering a deep sound signature complemented by a medium-light feel, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a satisfying typing experience with a touch of auditory richness. Conversely, the Gateron Smoothie Silver stands out with its all-POM construction and remarkably short travel distance, providing lightning-fast actuation for gamers and typists who favor speed. With its thocky sound profile and unmatched smoothness, the Smoothie Silver caters to individuals seeking a feather-light touch combined with a creamy and subdued auditory experience. Each switch has its distinct allure, catering to varying needs whether you prioritize acoustics and feel or speed and smoothness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Elf and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches, it becomes evident that both adopts distinct approaches, particularly in their top and bottom housing choices which significantly influence the performance and acoustic characteristics of each switch. The Huano Elf utilizes a POK material for its top housing, recognized for its superior smoothness and low friction coefficient of 0.04. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie Silver opts for a POM material in its top housing, which, with a coefficient of friction of 0.03, is also known for contributing to a smooth feel. However, the POK material used in the Elf provides heightened durability, surpassing POM in wear resistance and shock absorption. This durability might lead to a more consistent performance over time, making the Elf potentially advantageous for prolonged use in a demanding typing environment.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both switches utilize different materials that impact sound and tactile feedback in distinct ways. The Huano Elf features a nylon bottom housing, known for its softer consistency that contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile while absorbing more sound to achieve a muted auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver's bottom housing is made from POM, which also elicits a deeper sound but is more aligned with a unique muted auditory quality. While both switches produce a sound profile that is on the deeper side, the use of nylon in the Elf may enhance the roundness of the sound, whereas the POM in the Smoothie Silver creates a distinctively different texture in sound, resulting in variations in the typing experience.
Despite these differences in material selection, both switches share a common goal of producing satisfying auditory feedback and tactile responses during use. The combination of top and bottom housing materials influences the overall sound and feel when typing. The smoother action of the Elf's POK material in the top may combine well with the nylon's sound-absorbing characteristics to create an enjoyable, yet distinct experience. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver’s POM top and bottom housings work in tandem to provide a unique sound profile and tactile feel. Both switches ultimately facilitate an engaging typing experience, showcasing how the interaction of different housing materials can yield similar results in terms of user satisfaction and sound quality, even when the specific compositions differ.
Weight
When comparing the actuation forces of the Huano Elf linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, the Elf has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the 45 grams of the Smoothie Silver. This difference may appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch, facilitating longer typing sessions without fatigue, making the Elf a better choice for extended work or gaming. However, since both switches have unknown bottom out forces, we cannot directly compare their overall force feedback when fully pressed down. Nonetheless, the Heavier actuation force of the Smoothie Silver offers a more substantial push feel for users who favor a stronger tactile experience when typing. Thus, if you are looking for a lighter switch, the Huano Elf is preferable, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver presents a heavier option for those seeking a more pronounced keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Elf linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, it is evident that the Elf switch has a longer travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Smoothie Silver measures slightly shorter at 3.4 mm. This difference may affect the overall feel and responsiveness of each switch. Gamers, who often prefer quicker response times, might gravitate towards the Smoothie Silver for its shorter travel distance, allowing for faster actuation. However, those who enjoy a more pronounced depth when typing may find the Huano Elf's 3.6 mm travel more satisfying, as it provides a more substantial key press experience. In this way, the choice between these two switches ultimately depends on personal preference regarding the balance between responsiveness and key feel.
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 Smoothie Silver has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie Silver for $2.60.
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 produces a deep sound signature, which is likely further enhanced by its POK top housing designed for optimal acoustics. This results in a rich, resonant tone that offers a satisfying auditory feedback during use. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch is characterized by its thocky sound profile, described as producing a deep, rich "thud" when the key is pressed and released. This low-pitched, subdued auditory experience contributes to a more mellow typing environment. Both switches provide unique sound signatures that can significantly change based on the keyboard and keycap choices.
When considering feel, the Huano Elf switches are celebrated for their medium-light actuation force, which offers a pleasurable typing experience as you engage with each key. The Gateron Smoothie Silver, in contrast, excels in providing a buttery and creamy sensation, wherein the keys glide effortlessly under your fingers, making each keystroke feel seamless and fluid. While the Elf offers a satisfying medium-light feedback, the Smoothie Silver focuses on delivering an exceptionally smooth typing experience, which may appeal to users who prioritize fluidity in their keystrokes.
In conclusion, both the Huano Elf and Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switches have their own distinctive qualities that cater to different preferences. The Elf offers a deeper sound and a satisfying, medium-light feel, while the Smoothie Silver shines with its thocky sound and incredibly smooth, almost buttery keystroke experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prefer a richer auditory experience paired with a balanced feel or a lighter, almost effortless touch combined with a deeper tonal quality. Either way, both options promise an enjoyable typing experience tailored to individual tastes.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Elf linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, it’s essential to consider your typing preferences, sound preference, and the overall experience you're seeking. If you're looking for a switch that offers a unique acoustic profile with a deep sound signature and a medium-light feel, the Huano Elf is likely the better choice for you. Its design enhances sound quality, making your typing experience not only satisfying acoustically but also enjoyable in terms of tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer something that prioritizes speed and smoothness, the Gateron Smoothie Silver is designed for rapid actuation, making it ideal for gamers or anyone who values quick typing. The Smoothie Silver’s buttery and creamy feedback, combined with a thocky sound, offers a luxurious keystroke that feels effortless. Ultimately, your choice should hinge on whether you prioritize an engaging auditory experience with the Elf or the silky-smooth performance of the Smoothie Silver.
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