Huano Elf vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the Huano Elf and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Elf and Everglide Tourmaline Blue both promise unique typing experiences, but they cater to different preferences. The Huano Elf, characterized by its POK top housing, is renowned for its enhanced acoustics and offers a deep sound signature paired with a medium-light actuation, making it an appealing choice for those who value satisfying, tactile feedback without being overly hefty. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue is celebrated for its thocky sound profile and the additional bounciness provided by its lengthened single-stage spring. This switch strikes a balance with a standard spring weight, ensuring that it remains enjoyable and accessible to a broader audience. While the Elf focuses on acoustic enhancement along with a light feel, the Tourmaline Blue emphasizes a rich auditory experience combined with a playful tactile response. 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
59g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Elf and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, we see notable differences in their top housings. The Elf utilizes a POK material, known for its smooth and durable properties, which offers a low coefficient of friction (0.04) alongside remarkable shock resistance and wear durability. This contributes to a smooth typing experience while providing a clacky sound profile that many users appreciate. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue features a polycarbonate top housing. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate results in a sharper, more resonant sound profile, making it an ideal candidate for scenarios where clarity is essential, particularly with RGB lighting due to its translucency. Therefore, while both materials serve the purpose of housing the switches, they cater to different auditory experiences and tactile sensations.
The differences extend to the bottom housing materials as well, with the Elf utilizing nylon and the Tourmaline Blue using polycarbonate. Nylon, being a softer plastic, dampens sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller audio profile. This absorption helps create a rounder sound signature when typing, which many users might find comforting. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Tourmaline Blue provides a sharper, more pronounced sound, further amplifying the switch's responsiveness. As a result, the sound characteristics of these two switches vary significantly, with the Elf favoring a subdued and deeper typing sound, while the Everglide emphasizes a crisper auditory feedback.
Despite the differences in material composition, both switches offer unique experiences that can be appreciated depending on user preference. The combination of POK's durability and smoothness in the Elf contrasts with polycarbonate's clarity in the Tourmaline Blue. However, if a user desires a specific sound profile, they can mix and match switch configurations to achieve a personalized typing experience. For those familiar with typing on these switches, the bottom housing's material will greatly affect the bottom-out feel, while the top housing will primarily influence the sound upon key release. Ultimately, leveraging these distinctions allows users to identify which switch aligns more closely with their typing habits and acoustic preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch to the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, notable differences arise in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Elf has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a softer touch, ideal for long typing sessions and gaming. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue's actuation force is substantially heavier at 59 grams, providing a more pronounced tactile feedback that some users may find preferable for a substantial typing experience. While the Elf's bottom out force remains unspecified, the Tourmaline Blue has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is categorized as medium-heavy. This suggests that the Tourmaline Blue will feel more pronounced when the key is fully pressed down, contrasting with the lighter and potentially less strenuous feel of the Elf. Overall, those seeking a lighter switch should lean toward the Huano Elf, whereas users desiring a more substantial push should consider the Everglide Tourmaline Blue.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Elf linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, we find a distinct difference. The Elf switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option of the two. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue offers a longer travel distance of 4 mm. For gamers or users who prioritize rapid response times, the Elf switch may be more appealing due to its reduced travel distance. However, those who favor a more pronounced key press might prefer the Tourmaline Blue, as its longer travel distance provides a deeper tactile experience. Thus, the choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference for responsiveness versus key 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 Everglide Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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 stands out with its POK top housing that enhances acoustics, resulting in a deep sound signature. This makes for an immersive typing experience that resonates well with those who enjoy a richer auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue also delivers a deep, thocky sound profile, which adds a layer of satisfaction, particularly for those seeking a pronounced acoustic feedback. Both switches promise an engaging auditory experience, though the Elf may lean slightly more toward a distinct resonance, whereas the Tourmaline Blue offers a balanced sound suitable for various environments.
In terms of feel, the Elf features a medium-light actuation force which contributes to a satisfying yet responsive typing experience. It delivers a streamlined feel but isn’t described in great detail. In contrast, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue excels in this area with its buttery smooth keystrokes and bouncy feedback, primarily attributed to its lengthened single-stage spring. This switch requires minimal force to activate, making it pleasurable and ergonomic for extended use, and its mild characteristics provide a gentle typing experience that’s accessible for beginners and enjoyable for seasoned typists alike.
In conclusion, both the Huano Elf and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches offer distinct yet complementary qualities that can enhance your typing experience. While the Elf offers a rich acoustic profile paired with a medium-light feel, the Tourmaline Blue excels in a smooth and bouncing keystroke with a more neutral sound. Depending on your preferences regarding sound and feel, you could find satisfaction in either switch, offering different flavors of an engaging typist's journey while potentially achieving similar results in typing comfort and auditory satisfaction.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Huano Elf linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, your personal preferences and typing habits will play a crucial role in your choice. If you favor a switch that delivers a unique sound signature and a medium-light feel, the Elf might be your ideal option, providing an immersive and satisfying typing experience with its focus on acoustics and deep resonance. On the other hand, if you prefer a more balanced and versatile switch that caters to a wide range of users, the Tourmaline Blue would be a better fit. With its medium-heavy bottom-out force and buttery smooth keystrokes, this switch not only delivers a deep and thocky sound profile but also allows for effortless typing with reduced fatigue. Ultimately, if you’re looking for an engaging auditory experience and a light typing feel, go for the Huano Elf. Conversely, if comfort and versatility are your priorities, particularly for longer typing sessions, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue is the way to go. Your choice between these two switches will ultimately depend on whether you prioritize sound and feel or a balanced typing experience.
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