Huano Elf vs. Outemu Yellow Silver

Overview

When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Elf and Outemu Yellow Silver offer unique experiences, each tailored to different types of users. The Huano Elf switch is distinguished by its POK top housing, which enhances acoustics and delivers a rich, deep sound signature. With a medium-light actuation force, this switch is designed for those who appreciate a satisfying typing experience without sacrificing responsiveness. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch shines with its light actuation force and neutral sound profile, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists alike who prioritize speed and quick reactions. While both switches cater to linear preferences, the Elf emphasizes a richer auditory experience, while the Yellow Silver focuses on lightness and rapid engagement. 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

Outemu Yellow Silver Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$3.40 per 10

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Housing materials

The Huano Elf and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches demonstrate significant differences in their top housing materials, which ultimately affect their sound profiles and durability. The Elf utilizes POK, a polyketone material known for its low coefficient of friction (0.04) and exceptional strength, boasting wear resistance far superior to POM. This contributes to a smooth and clacky typing experience, making the POK material a standout choice for those looking for durability and performance. In contrast, the Yellow Silver’s top housing is made from polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic that enhances clarity and produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. While POK emphasizes smoothness and durability, polycarbonate focuses on crystal-clear acoustics, leading to distinctly different user experiences.

When it comes to their bottom housing, both the Huano Elf and Outemu Yellow Silver utilize nylon, a classic and widely appreciated material in mechanical switch construction. Nylon's characteristic soft plastic texture absorbs sound and results in a deeper, fuller resonation when typing. This shared material choice ensures that both switches create a rounder sound profile, appealing to users who prefer a more subdued auditory sensation. Despite the differences in their top housings, the presence of nylon in both models allows for a form of acoustic cohesion, as the bottom housing’s absorption properties help balance the sound profiles created by their respective top housings.

The interaction between the top and bottom housings plays a critical role in the final experience of both switch types. Users will notice that while the POK material in the Elf's top housing lends a smooth, durable feel during actuation, the nylon bottom contributes a richer sound upon bottoming out. Conversely, the Yellow Silver’s polycarbonate top provides a sharp auditory feedback when released, while the nylon bottom counters with a rounded richness. Ultimately, while both the Elf and Yellow Silver share a nylon bottom housing that contributes to their similar sound profiles, their distinct top materials create different tactile and auditory experiences, appealing to varying preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Elf switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, while the Yellow Silver requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. This means that users preferring a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions may find the Elf switch more appealing. However, the bottom out force of the Elf switch is not specified, leaving an uncertainty in that regard, while the Yellow Silver has a specific bottom out force of 55 grams, which is classified as medium-light. Consequently, the Yellow Silver switch is heavier overall due to both its actuation and bottom out forces, making it suitable for those who favor a more substantial typing experience. Despite the unknown bottom out force of the Elf, its lighter actuation suggests that users looking for a softer feel will gravitate towards it, whereas those who prefer a firmer resistance should consider the heavier Yellow Silver.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Elf linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Elf has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Yellow Silver measures 4.0 mm. This makes the Huano Elf the shorter switch, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times and a more responsive feel during gameplay. In contrast, the Outemu Yellow Silver, with its longer travel distance, is likely to provide a more substantial keystroke experience that some users may prefer for a more pronounced depth. Thus, while both switches serve distinct user preferences—speed versus depth—the Huano Elf is ideal for those who favor a shorter, snappier actuation, whereas the Yellow Silver is suited for those who appreciate a more traditional and cushioned keypress.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the Huano Elf linear switch is characterized by a deep signature due to its POK top housing, which enhances acoustics and creates a richer auditory experience when typing. This makes it appealing for those who enjoy a more pronounced acoustical response. In contrast, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch offers a neutral sound profile, which combines a moderate actuation force with a balanced acoustic quality. This neutrality makes the Yellow Silver versatile enough for both casual typing and intense gaming sessions, meaning it won't overpower your environment whether you're at home or in a quieter office setting. While the Elf provides a deeper sound that may be more satisfying to some, both switches cater to different preferences in terms of auditory experience.

When it comes to feel, the Huano Elf switch boasts a medium-light actuation force, giving it a satisfying and slightly bouncy tactile sensation during use. This makes it conducive for longer typing sessions, as the lighter feel helps reduce fatigue. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch is noted for its light actuation force, promoting fast and responsive keypresses. This lighter feel is particularly beneficial for gamers, as it allows for quicker actions and reduces the effort required during gameplay. While both switches feature lighter actuation forces, the Elf's medium-light feel may add an extra layer of comfort for typists compared to the sheer responsiveness of the Yellow Silver.

In conclusion, both the Huano Elf and Outemu Yellow Silver linear switches have their unique qualities catering to different user preferences. The Elf is ideal for those seeking a deeper sound and a more cushioned typing experience, while the Yellow Silver excels in providing a neutral sound and a rapid, responsive feel, perfect for gaming. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize sound characteristics or the tactile feel that suits your typing or gaming style.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Huano Elf linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch should be primarily guided by your specific preferences in typing experience and usage scenarios. If you favor a satisfying tactile feedback with unique acoustic characteristics, the Elf's notable POK top housing will provide a deep sound signature that enhances your typing experience. Its medium-light feel is excellent for those who prefer a more cushioned response without being overly stiff, making it a solid choice for extended typing sessions where comfort is paramount. On the other hand, if you are a gamer or someone who values speed and responsiveness, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch, with its light actuation force of 55 grams and neutral sound profile, is likely the better option for quick key presses and precision gameplay. This switch excels in situations where every millisecond counts, making it ideal for fast-paced gaming or typing where efficiency is key. Ultimately, your decision should align with how you plan to use your keyboard, whether for leisurely typing with a rich auditory experience or for rapid, efficient gaming sessions.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Elf Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Yellow Silver Linear

$3.40 per 10

Learn more