Huano Elf vs. TTC Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Huano Elf and the TTC Speed 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 TTC Speed Silver linear switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Huano Elf stands out with its POK top housing, which enhances acoustics and delivers a deeper sound signature, paired with a medium-light feel that creates a satisfying typing experience. This makes it an excellent option for those who appreciate a rich auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver is designed for users who prioritize speed and precision in their keystrokes. With a light-medium resistance and a reduced travel distance, these switches provide a quick and effortless actuation, making them ideal for gamers or anyone in need of rapid response times. While the Elf excels in sound quality and tactile satisfaction, the Speed Silver is the go-to for those craving efficiency and speed. 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.08 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 Speed Silver switches reveal notable distinctions that impact their sound and feel. The Elf utilizes a top housing made from POK material, which is characterized by its smoothness and durability. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, it provides a seamless typing experience that is only slightly less smooth than LY's 0.03. Additionally, POK's exceptional strength—14 times stronger than POM—and impressive shock resistance, being 2.3 times superior to Nylon, contribute to an enduring and robust design. In contrast, the Speed Silver's top housing is constructed from polycarbonate, which offers a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffer nature. This material's translucency also makes it ideal for RGB lighting applications, allowing for a visually appealing aesthetic that enhances the overall experience.
On the bottom housing front, both the Huano Elf and TTC Speed Silver utilize nylon, a classic choice among switch manufacturers. Nylon's softer characteristics help to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller typing experience for both switches. This shared material in the bottom housing emphasizes similar acoustic qualities, where the deeper sound produced during key presses brings a rounded warmth to the overall switch operation. Consequently, while the top housings vary in their properties—POK for smoothness and durability versus polycarbonate’s clarity and resonance—the nylon bottom housings align in their performance, fostering a cushioned and rich auditory feedback.
Ultimately, the combination of distinct top housing materials along with the shared nylon bottom housing creates a unique balance in both the Huano Elf and TTC Speed Silver switches. While the Elf's POK construction emphasizes durability and an incredibly smooth action, the Speed Silver's polycarbonate top allows for lively, distinct sound properties, making them feel quite different during use. However, both switches converge in their bottom housings, offering a consistent deep sound profile. Consequently, even though the top housings diverge significantly, the overall typing experience in terms of sound and feel achieves a certain cohesion through their shared nylon base, showcasing how varied materials can harmonize in switch design.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, we find some key differences in their actuation forces and bottom out experiences. The Huano Elf has a light actuation force of 42 grams, making it easier to trigger a keystroke, which can be advantageous for those who type or game for extended periods. In contrast, the TTC Speed Silver requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, which provides a more tactile feedback for users who prefer a stronger push feel. Regarding bottom out force, while the Speed Silver has a specified bottom out force of 55 grams, the Huano Elf's bottom out force is unknown, leaving its full experience unclear. Overall, those who favor a lighter switch may prefer the Huano Elf, while users who appreciate a heavier, more substantial typing experience would likely gravitate towards the TTC Speed Silver.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Elf linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, the Huano Elf features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Speed Silver has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Speed Silver switch is designed to provide a quicker response due to its shorter travel distance, making it potentially more appealing for gamers who prioritize speed and efficiency. On the other hand, the Huano Elf, with its longer travel distance, may deliver a more pronounced keystroke feel for those who prefer a deeper, more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus depth, but in practical terms, if you choose the TTC Speed Silver, you're likely to achieve a marginally faster action.
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 Speed Silver has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Speed Silver for $4.58.
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
When it comes to sound, the Huano Elf linear switch is known for its deep sound signature, primarily stemming from its POK top housing that enhances acoustics. This richer audio quality can provide a more immersive typing experience, particularly satisfying for users who appreciate a more resonant feedback while typing. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver linear switch is described as having a neutral sound profile. This means it produces a moderate sound level that suits a wide range of environments, making it versatile for both home and office use. The contrast between the deeper, fuller sound of the Elf and the balanced acoustic nature of the Speed Silver can influence your typing enjoyment based on personal preference.
In terms of feel, the Huano Elf switch offers a medium-light resistance, which facilitates a satisfying typing experience that balances ease of use with tactile feedback. This ensures that while users may feel a gentle pushback, they won't struggle when typing, making it comfortable for extended periods. Conversely, the TTC Speed Silver switch provides a light-medium level of resistance, positioning itself as a choice for individuals who prioritize speed and precision. Described as mild, the Speed Silver aims for a gentle typing experience, complemented by a polished finish that contributes to smooth key travel and reduced friction. Ultimately, both switches provide a pleasant typing feel, but the Speed Silver leans more towards speed-focused usability.
In conclusion, both the Huano Elf and TTC Speed Silver linear switches offer distinct auditory and tactile advantages, catering to different typing preferences. The Elf's deep sound and medium-light feel create an engaging yet comfortable typing environment, while the Speed Silver excels in providing a neutral sound and a smooth, swift feel designed for efficiency. Depending on whether you prioritize sound depth or typing speed, each switch can deliver a rewarding typing experience, allowing newcomers to find a suitable option that aligns with their personal preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Elf linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a satisfying and acoustically enhanced experience, the Elf could be your ideal choice, especially if you appreciate a deeper sound signature paired with a medium-light feel. This switch may suit you well if you're looking for a comfortable typing experience for extended use, making it a great fit for both casual typing and more intense gaming sessions where feedback and sound play a significant role. On the other hand, if speed and precision are your top priorities, the TTC Speed Silver is likely the better option. Its light-medium resistance and reduced travel distance allow for quicker actuation, making it perfect for fast-paced gaming or typing tasks where every millisecond counts. The Speed Silver also offers a neutral sound profile, which is adaptable for various environments, whether you're using it at home or in a professional setting. Ultimately, your decision should reflect what aspects—sound, feel, or performance—are most critical to your keyboard experience.
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