Huano Elf vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Huano Elf and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Elf and Gateron Weightlessness offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Huano Elf, a linear switch, is celebrated for its POK top housing that enhances acoustics, delivering a rich sound signature along with a medium-light feel, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate smooth keystrokes and a satisfying typing experience. In contrast, Gateron Weightlessness switches provide a tactile sensation that ranges from subtle to moderate, appealing to typists who enjoy feedback with each keystroke. Their balanced sound profile pairs well with the tactile nature, creating an enjoyable auditory experience. While the Elf may be ideal for users seeking a seamless and quiet typing experience, the Weightlessness caters to those who prefer a more interactive feedback with each press. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Huano Elf and Gateron Weightlessness switches present divergent characteristics in their top housing materials. The Elf features a POK top housing made from polyketone, which is notable for its extremely low coefficient of friction (0.04) compared to the Gateron Weightlessness's nylon top housing, which has a slightly higher coefficient. While the POK material provides a smooth typing experience due to its superior properties—such as wear resistance 14 times stronger than POM and remarkable shock resistance—the nylon used in the Weightlessness creates a sound profile that is deeper and rounder, thanks to its softer texture. The use of nylon in the Gateron switch, although less durable than POK, contributes to a distinct auditory experience, highlighting how different materials impact both the tactile and acoustic outcomes of the switch.
In terms of bottom housings, both the Huano Elf and the Gateron Weightlessness utilize nylon, which leads to a shared sound profile characterized by a fuller and deeper auditory experience. This similarity suggests that, regardless of the differences in their top housing materials, both switches will offer comparable sound quality due to the nylon's inherent properties. The use of nylon, recognized for its ability to absorb sound, ensures a muted and rounded sound when typing, thereby allowing both switches to deliver a satisfying auditory feedback during operation. This commonality emphasizes the role of bottom housing in influencing the overall sound profile of the switches.
Ultimately, the diverging top housing materials of the Elf and Weightlessness switches hint at different tactile experiences, while the uniform bottom housing allows for consistent sound outcomes. The POK top housing of the Elf may deliver a smoother switch actuation, while the nylon of the Weightlessness enhances sound dampening and depth. Meanwhile, the synergy between the respective housings means that both switches can provide satisfying performance in their unique right, inviting users to appreciate the unique tactile feel of the Elf alongside the deeper sound associated with the Gateron Weightlessness. By leveraging the strengths of both top and bottom housing materials, users can enjoy a well-rounded experience, whether they prioritize smoothness or acoustic richness.
Weight
The Huano Elf linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation forces. The Elf requires an actuation force of 42 grams, making it the lighter option compared to the Weightlessness, which demands a 50-gram actuation force; this places the Weightlessness in the heavier category. Unfortunately, both switches have an unknown bottom out force, preventing a direct comparison in that regard. For typists or gamers who prefer a lighter switch, the Elf may offer a more comfortable experience during extended use, while those who enjoy a firmer push will likely favor the Weightlessness due to its higher actuation force. Overall, the choice between these switches depends on individual preferences regarding typing feel and the desired level of force needed to trigger a keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Elf linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, the Elf switch takes the lead with a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Weightlessness offers a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This indicates that the Elf switch provides a slightly deeper feel, which can be appealing to those who prefer more tactile feedback and a less abrupt keypress. In contrast, the Weightlessness switch, with its shorter travel distance, may cater more to gamers or users who favor quicker response times, even though some may find it feels less substantial. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences for key feel and responsiveness, with the Elf being the option for those who appreciate a deeper engagement, and the Weightlessness appealing to those who prefer the efficiency of a shorter travel.
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 Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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
The sound profile of the Huano Elf linear switch is characterized by a deep sound signature, which can create a satisfying auditory experience while typing, especially when paired with the right board and keycaps. This contributes to an engaging typing atmosphere. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch offers a balanced sound profile that complements its tactile feedback. The nuances of each switch's sound can vary, but the Elf's deeper tones contrasted with the Weightlessness’ more nuanced approach provides distinct auditory landscapes for users to choose from.
When it comes to feel, the Huano Elf switch is known for its medium-light resistance, facilitating a smooth typing experience that is effortless and enjoyable. This caters well to users who prefer a lighter touch without sacrificing performance. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switch is noted for its subtle to moderate tactile feedback, which provides a clear indication of actuation without being overly pronounced. This can appeal to users who enjoy a more pronounced sense of feedback but still want a lighter touch compared to heavier switches.
In conclusion, while the Huano Elf switch excels in delivering a deep sound and medium-light feel, the Gateron Weightlessness switch stands out with its balanced sound and moderate tactile feedback. Both switches cater to different preferences, offering unique auditory and tactile qualities that can enhance your typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on your personal preferences regarding sound and feel, as both switches provide distinct advantages for different types of users.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Elf linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, consider your specific preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a smooth, undisturbed keystroke and enjoy a medium-light feel that provides a satisfying typing experience, the Elf switch is an excellent choice. Its unique POK top housing enhances acoustics, delivering a deep sound signature that many typists find appealing. This makes it ideal for those who prefer a quieter, linear switch that allows for rapid typing without interruption. On the other hand, if you appreciate a tactile feedback that subtly indicates the actuation point and prefer a balanced sound profile, the Weightlessness switch is the way to go. Its moderate tactile feel can help you achieve a more deliberate typing experience, allowing you to better gauge your keystrokes without being too intrusive. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you lean toward a smooth linear feel or a tactile response—both options have their merits depending on your typing needs and sound preferences.
Mentioned in this article
