Huano Elf vs. Gateron Type A

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Huano Elf and the Gateron Type A can significantly influence your typing experience. The Huano Elf stands out with its POK top housing, which enhances acoustics and produces a deep sound signature, complemented by a medium-light feel that many users find satisfying during long typing sessions. This switch is often favored by those who appreciate a tactile feedback experience without too much resistance. On the other hand, the Gateron Type A, part of the innovative "Project Rehash" / SLAY series, redefines traditional switch characteristics with its meticulously crafted travel distances and cutting-edge lubing techniques. This medium-weight switch offers a well-balanced typing experience, characterized by a deeper sound signature that appeals to users looking for a more subdued auditory backdrop. With both switches catering to distinct preferences in typing feel and sound, making a choice may depend on whether you lean towards an engaging, acoustically rich experience with the Elf or a more subdued yet satisfying ride with the Type A. 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

Gateron Type A Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$4.70 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Huano Elf and Gateron Type A switches exhibit notable differences in their top housing materials, which can significantly influence the overall performance and sound profile of the switches. The Elf's top housing is constructed from POK (polyketone), a material renowned for its high durability and low friction properties. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, POK provides a smooth keystroke experience, greatly influencing the tactile feel during typing. In contrast, the Type A features a nylon top housing, a traditional material known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. While nylon has a coefficient of friction slightly lower at 0.03, its softer nature allows it to absorb sound more effectively, resulting in a sound that is perceived as duller and rounder compared to the crisper sound produced by the POK material of the Elf.

Both the Huano Elf and Gateron Type A utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which contributes similarly to the acoustic characteristics of both switches. The use of nylon, recognized for its sound-absorbing properties, ensures that typing on either switch provides a rich, thumpy sound that many users appreciate. This commonality means that regardless of the differences in the top housing materials, the bottom housing helps to mitigate the overall tonal differences. The consistent nylon bottom in both switches ensures that users will experience that deeper and fuller sound profile when bottoming out, which is crucial for those who appreciate auditory feedback while typing.

Ultimately, the differences between the Huano Elf and Gateron Type A can lead to contrasting typing feels, primarily due to the choice of top housing materials. The POK material of the Elf enhances smoothness and durability, allowing for a snappier response during release, which reflects in its actuating feel. In contrast, the nylon top of the Type A lends itself to a more muted sound during key releases, contributing to a softer overall typing experience. While both switches benefit from nylon in their bottom housings, the divergence in top materials creates distinct typing sensations that cater to varying user preferences. Thus, users seeking a switch with a more pronounced auditory feedback may gravitate towards the Type A, while those desiring a smoother, more durable switch might prefer the Huano Elf.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch to the Gateron Type A linear switch, there are notable differences in actuation force, which can influence user preference based on typing experience. The Huano Elf features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, making it a suitable choice for those looking for a more effortless typing experience, perfect for extended use at work or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Gateron Type A has a higher actuation force of 50 grams, appealing to users who prefer a heftier feel when pressing keys. While the Huano Elf's bottom out force is unknown, the Gateron Type A has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is categorized as medium-light and indicates that it provides noticeable resistance when bottoming out. Consequently, those who enjoy a lighter overall switch will gravitate towards the Huano Elf, while those who prefer a more robust typing experience will favor the Gateron Type A, especially due to its known bottom out resistance.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Elf linear switch and the Gateron Type A linear switch, the Elf features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Type A offers a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Huano Elf the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times due to the reduced distance required for actuation. On the other hand, the Gateron Type A, with its 4 mm travel distance, provides a deeper feel that some users may prefer for a more satisfying tactile experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches depends on individual preferences for responsiveness versus depth in the keystroke.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound profiles of the Huano Elf and Gateron Type A linear switches, the Elf switch is characterized by its deep sound signature due to its POK top housing, which enhances acoustics. This results in a resonance that many typists find satisfying. On the other hand, the Gateron Type A offers a more nuanced sound experience; while it leans towards the deeper end of the spectrum, it is described as neutral, which makes it suitable for a variety of environments. Additionally, the Type A has a subdued quality that dampens the noise to a more subtle level, making it less distracting in shared spaces. The overall sound you experience from both switches will be influenced by the keyboard's construction and the keycap materials, meaning that users can achieve a blend of both qualities depending on their setup.

In terms of feel, the Huano Elf is noted for its medium-light actuation force, which contributes to a comfortable and satisfying typing experience, appealing particularly to those who prefer a less strenuous keypress. In contrast, the Gateron Type A is positioned as a medium-weight switch, providing a more defined resistance that many users find engaging, especially for longer typing sessions. These differences in actuation force may sway users toward the Elf for a lighter touch or the Type A for a more substantial feedback under their fingers. However, the feel can be subjective and heavily depends on individual preference, including how users adapt to the switch's resistance and tactile characteristics.

In conclusion, both the Huano Elf and Gateron Type A linear switches provide unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different typing preferences. The Elf excels in producing a deep and acoustically rich sound with a medium-light experience, while the Type A features a more neutral and subdued sound, coupled with a medium-weight feel that many users appreciate. While each switch has its distinct attributes, users can achieve tailored results based on their keyboard setup, ensuring that both options can enhance the typing experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the Huano Elf linear switch and the Gateron Type A linear switch, consider the specific characteristics and experiences you desire from your mechanical keyboard. If you’re looking for a switch that delivers a unique acoustic experience with a deep sound signature, the Elf is an excellent choice. Its enhanced acoustics and medium-light feel can create a satisfying, immersive typing atmosphere, making it ideal for enthusiasts who prioritize an enjoyable auditory feedback during typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a more balanced and versatile switch that fits a wide range of uses—from general typing to gaming—the Gateron Type A would be more appropriate. With its medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams and neutral, subdued sound profile, the Type A is suitable for both beginners and seasoned users alike, allowing for a pleasant yet unobtrusive experience in home or office environments. Ultimately, your choice should align with your preferences for sound, feel, and the types of tasks you'll be using your keyboard for.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Elf Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Type A Linear

$4.70 per 10

Learn more