Huano Elf vs. Gazzew U4Tx RGB

Overview

When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Elf and Gazzew U4Tx RGB present two distinct yet appealing options. The Huano Elf, a linear switch, is celebrated for its POK top housing, which enhances acoustics and delivers a rich, deep sound signature. With a medium-light actuation feel, the Elf offers a smooth and satisfying typing experience, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists seeking speed and responsiveness without the distraction of tactile feedback. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB is a tactile switch that combines the pronounced "thock" sound of the U4T switch bottoming out with the whisper-quiet topping out of the U4, creating a refined sound profile. It provides a sharp tactile bump that enriches the typing experience and delivers more tactile feedback, ideal for those who prefer a sensory connection to their keystrokes. Ultimately, both switches have unique attributes catering to different preferences—whether it's the fluidity of the Elf or the refined tactility of the U4Tx RGB. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you best.

By the numbers

Huano Elf Linear

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Elf and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB, it is evident that they have both similarities and differences that contribute to their overall performance. The Huano Elf utilizes a top housing made of polyketone (POK), which is renowned for its smoothness due to its coefficient of friction of 0.04. This is marginally higher compared to the Gazzew U4Tx RGB's proprietary blend, known as "boba plastic," which emphasizes softness and sound quality. While the POK material excels in strength and durability, offering wear resistance 14 times greater than POM, the Gazzew blend focuses on enriching the acoustic profile of the switches, which results in a more pleasant auditory experience. In essence, the Elf's top housing prioritizes physical robustness and performance, whereas the U4Tx RGB's top housing emphasizes sound quality.

For the bottom housings, both switch designs deploy materials that promote a deep and full sound profile. The Huano Elf is made with nylon, a classic material that adds a duller and rounder sound due to its softer properties; this absorption of sound contributes to a more pleasant typing experience. In comparison, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB uses the same proprietary Gazzew blend for its bottom housing, thus reinforcing the soft sound characteristics shared by both models. While the specific materials differ—nylon for the Elf and the proprietary blend for the Gazzew—the end result is a sound profile that remains rich and deep. The bottom housing material inherently influences the bottom-out feel and sound, meaning that users of both switches can expect similar qualitative experiences despite the differences in material composition.

Ultimately, the interplay of these housing materials leads to unique, yet comparable experiences when typing on the switches. The Huano Elf’s emphasis on durability and slightly smoother action via its POK top housing contrasts with the Gazzew U4Tx RGB’s focus on auditory pleasure through its softer proprietary blend. However, the similar focus on sound richness in their bottom housings suggests that both switches can achieve a fulfilling acoustic experience. When pressed, while the Elf provides strong tactile feedback from its durable POK material, the U4Tx RGB enhances that experience with a softer touch. Thus, while the materials differ fundamentally, the desired outcomes in terms of sound and tactile satisfaction align, allowing users to enjoy comparable results when using either switch.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, the differences in actuation force and bottom out force become evident. The Huano Elf features an actuation force of 42 grams, while the actuation force for the U4Tx RGB is unknown. The bottom out force for the U4Tx RGB is 65 grams, a medium-heavy resistance, but the Elf's bottom out force information is not available. Given the data, the Elf is clearly the lighter option due to its known actuation force, making it more suitable for prolonged typing sessions or gaming, as the lighter weight reduces fatigue. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB, with its higher bottom out force, may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial and tactile typing experience. Without the Elf's bottom out force, direct comparisons in that aspect can’t be made, but if it were available, a similar bottom out force might imply a comparable overall typing experience. Ultimately, users looking for a softer touch should gravitate toward the Huano Elf, while those seeking a firmer feedback should consider the Gazzew U4Tx RGB.

Travel distance

Both the Huano Elf linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch have an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when you press down on either key, the distance you feel as the switch travels from the top to the bottom is the same. As a result, users can expect similar performance and tactile feedback when using either switch, making them equally suitable for those who prioritize a consistent keypress experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Huano Elf linear switch produces a deep sound signature, delivering a resonant thock when bottoming out, thanks to its POK top housing designed to enhance acoustics. This gives it a rich and satisfying sound while typing, though it may not be as quiet at the peak as the U4Tx RGB. The Gazzew U4Tx RGB switch offers a more refined auditory profile, merging the deep thock when bottoms out with a quieter stealthy sound during the key's release. This makes the U4Tx RGB great for users who appreciate an elevated auditory experience while still keeping noise levels manageable. It's essential to note that sound can also be influenced by the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps, which means that specific acoustics may vary across different setups for both switches.

When it comes to feel, the Huano Elf switch provides a medium-light tactile experience that contributes to a generally smooth typing experience, ideal for users who prefer less resistance while typing. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switch features a sharp tactility that stands out, adding an enticing element to each keystroke that caters to those who enjoy a more pronounced feedback. This difference in tactility allows users to choose their preferred level of engagement, with the Elf being more subtle and the U4Tx RGB delivering a satisfying bump.

In conclusion, the Huano Elf linear switch is favored for its deep sound signature and lighter feel, making it excellent for users who prefer a smooth typing experience with pleasant acoustics. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switch offers a refined auditory experience with a more pronounced tactile bump, which may appeal to those seeking an engaging typing sensation with controlled acoustics. Depending on user preference, both switches can provide satisfying experiences, making the choice between them largely a matter of personal taste and typing style.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Huano Elf linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a switch that offers a smooth, lightweight feel with a satisfying deep sound signature, the Huano Elf is an excellent option. Its POK top housing enhances acoustics, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more relaxed typing experience without the distraction of noise. On the other hand, if you seek a switch that provides a medium-heavy feel combined with a pronounced tactile bump and refined sound profile, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB is designed for you. The U4Tx features a luxurious "thock" sound when bottoming out, paired with the quiet stealth of topping out, making it suitable for those who appreciate tactile feedback while maintaining a quieter environment. In essence, choose the Elf for a lighter, smooth typing experience and the U4Tx RGB for a more tactile, auditory pleasure during your typing sessions.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Elf Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more