Huano Elf vs. Gazzew U4T

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly influence your overall typing experience, and two popular options are the Huano Elf and the Gazzew U4T. The Huano Elf switch, a linear option, is celebrated for its POK top housing that enhances acoustics, delivering a deep sound signature paired with a medium-light feel that many users find satisfying for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T offers a tactile experience, characterized by its harmonious combination of a bassy 'thock' and sharp tactile feedback, ensuring each keystroke is both audible and physically satisfying. While the Elf is ideal for those who prefer a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke, the U4T may appeal more to users who enjoy the extra sensory engagement that tactile switches provide. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.

By the numbers

Huano Elf Linear

Gazzew U4T Tactile

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials used in the Huano Elf and Gazzew U4T switches exhibit both similarities and differences that influence their performance and acoustic profiles. The Huano Elf utilizes a POK (polyketone) top housing, which boasts a very low coefficient of friction at 0.04, resulting in smooth operation. In contrast, the Gazzew U4T employs a proprietary blend of plastics, often termed "boba plastic," which is designed to produce a rich and deep sound profile owing to its inherent softness. While the Elf's POK material is notably strong and resilient, characterized by wear resistance that significantly eclipses traditional materials like POM and Nylon, the Gazzew U4T's softer approach allows it to attain its distinct acoustic qualities. Thus, while the Elf's top housing is optimized for durability and smoother action, the Gazzew's blend places more emphasis on sound characteristics, underscoring a fundamental difference in design intent.

Examining the bottom housing reveals noteworthy commonalities between the two switches. The Huano Elf showcases a nylon bottom housing, known for its deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, which contributes to sound dampening. The Gazzew U4T mirrors this concept, as its proprietary Gazzew blend is similarly designed to deliver a rich and deep audio experience, leveraging the advantages of softness. This parallel in bottom housing materials suggests that both switches aim to provide users with a satisfying sound resonation during keystrokes, enhancing the overall typing experience. Each switch thus utilizes the softer properties of its respective bottom housing to effectively absorb sound, producing a duller and rounder auditory response that many typists find appealing.

In terms of performance dynamics, the distinct characteristics of the top and bottom housings lead to a nuanced interaction during use. While the Huano Elf's POK top housing ideally contributes to a smoother action, enhancing the tactile feedback when pressing keys, the Gazzew U4T’s top housing emphasizes sound quality without compromising on tactile response. The bottom housing’s influence cannot be ignored; its design in both switches plays a significant role in shaping the bottom-out sound and feel. The cumulative effect of combining these materials toward a cohesive typing experience ultimately reflects the shared ambitions between the two designs: achieving a balance between tactile satisfaction and acoustic pleasure, despite their individual material philosophies.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, their actuation and bottom out forces highlight distinct differences suited for various preferences. The Huano Elf features a specified actuation force of 42 grams, making it a lighter option for those who type or game for extended periods. However, the bottom out force for the Elf is unavailable, which leaves one with uncertainty regarding how it feels when fully pressed down. In contrast, the Gazzew U4T has an unknown actuation force but boasts a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This suggests a more substantial typing experience, appealing to users who prefer a firmer feedback when engaging their keys. Thus, if you lean towards lighter switches that minimize fatigue, the Huano Elf would be more suitable, while those desiring a heavier tactile feel would find the Gazzew U4T to be a better fit, pending the unknown actuation force of the U4T.

Travel distance

The Huano Elf linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gazzew U4T tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Elf's travel distance notably shorter, aligning well with the preferences of gamers who seek quicker response times. Conversely, the U4T’s 4 mm travel distance offers a more pronounced feedback that some users may find more satisfying, especially those who enjoy a fuller keypress experience. Ultimately, if you're leaning towards a rapid and responsive typing or gaming experience, the Elf would be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance, whereas the U4T might appeal more to those who appreciate a deeper tactile feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Huano Elf switch is best known for its deep sound signature, which is characteristic of its design featuring a POK top housing that enhances acoustics. This combination results in a resonant auditory experience that many users find satisfying during typing sessions. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T switch captivates with its bassy and thocky sound profile. The deep, rich tones produced by the U4T create a robust auditory feedback, giving a satisfying 'thock' with each keystroke that is pleasant to the ears. While both switches provide rich sound experiences, their qualities differ—one is deep and resonant, while the other is bassy with a pronounced thock—adding a distinct flavor to each typing experience.

In terms of feel, the Huano Elf switch is known for its medium-light tactile response, providing a comfortable typing experience that encourages fluid movement across the keyboard. The lightness allows for effortless key presses, making it suitable for long typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Gazzew U4T switch is noted for its sharp tactile feedback. This intensity brings a pronounced tactile bump that users can feel distinctly with each keystroke, allowing for heightened awareness of each key press. While both switches cater to different preferences—the Elf promotes a smooth and gentle touch, whereas the U4T emphasizes a crisp tactile sensation—their unique characteristics offer distinct experiences for users.

In conclusion, when considering both the Huano Elf linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, you’ll find that the Elf provides a captivating deep sound with medium-light feel, while the U4T delivers a compelling thocky sound with assertive tactile feedback. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a smooth typing experience or a more pronounced tactile engagement. Each switch offers its own unique qualities, allowing newcomers to select based on personal preference in sound and feel.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Huano Elf linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a smoother, quieter experience with a medium-light feel, the Elf is the way to go. This switch is ideal for those who appreciate a satisfying typing experience without the distraction of loud sound and prominent tactile feedback; it's perfect for extended typing sessions or environments where noise may be an issue. On the other hand, if you crave tactile feedback and a more pronounced auditory experience, the Gazzew U4T excels with its medium-heavy actuation and thocky sound profile. This switch provides a delightful blend of sharp tactility and a rich, bassy sound that makes each key press feel rewarding. Ultimately, if you enjoy the physical sensations and feedback from your keystrokes, the U4T will likely enhance your typing experience significantly. Consider your priorities—be it sound, feel, or typing style—when making your decision, and you will find satisfaction in either choice.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Elf Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4T Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more