| Switch Type: Linear | Mount: PCB Mount (2-pin) | Spring: Single Stage | Price: $10.13 (15pcs) on TTC switches |
| Top Housing: Nylon PC | Factory Lubed: Yes |
| Actuation Point (mm): | Customizable | Actuation Point (mm): | Customizable |
| Actuation Force (gf): | Customizable | Actuation Force (gf): | Customizable |
| Total Travel (mm): | 3.4 ± 0.2 | Total Travel (mm): | 3.45 |
| Reset Point (mm): | Customizable | Reset Point (mm): | Customizable |
| Bottom-out Force (gf): | Bottom-out Force (gf): | 49.7 | |
| Stem Length (mm): | 11.10 | ||
DISCLAIMER | Please Read:
These switches were sent by TTC for review and testing purposes. I was NOT PAID in any way to write this review. Impartiality will always be a top priority here at KeebWorks; this one included.
TL;DR
The TTC Elf King is TTC’s answer to the ever-popular Gateron Magnetic Jade. The Elf King comes in at a cheaper price point, and in my opinion, they’re just as good.
Although, if you’re looking for something with a slightly heavier weighting, this may not be the best option unless you don’t mind adjusting the actuation point towards the end of the travel.
Smoothness: 9/10
On-centre keypresses are EXTREMELY smooth! These are by far the smoothest switches I’ve ever typed on. I mean, just look at the force curve below.
Off-centre keypresses are very smooth with only very slight inconsistencies on very slow keypresses as some switches were ever so slightly heavier than others. Otherwise, these would be perfect.
Overall, these are as close to perfection as it gets. And at roughly $0.68 per switch, they’re worth trying out assuming you already own a PCB that supports these switches.
TTC Elf King switch disassembled.
Weighting: 7/10
Now, according to TTC these switches have a customizable actuation point, start off at 32g and have a total travel of 3.4mm.
TTC Elf King force curve.
As you can see from the force curve above, the TTC Elf King are within specification.
TTC Elf King consistency force curve.
They are also extremely consistent with all 3 switches performing as per specifications. Switch 3 (black line) has an ever so slightly longer travel compared to the other 2, but this still falls within spec and is not noticeable in normal use.
TTC Elf King vs. Durock POM Piano force curve.
The above force curve shows a comparison between the TTC Elf King and the Durock POM Piano. The Piano switch is by far the smoothest contact-based switch I’ve ever reviewed with a perfect score of 10, so I wanted to see how it compared to the Elf King. Turns out, the Piano switches are noticeably heavier from the mid-point of its travel, but they share a similar weighting from around 0.1 to 0.9mm.
TTC Elf King vs. Roccat Titan Optical (Linear) force curve.
The above force curve shows a comparison between the TTC Elf King and the Roccat Titan Optical (Linear). This Roccat switch is the only other switch I’ve reviewed that isn’t a traditional mechanical switch, and I again wanted to find out how it compared to the Elf King. The Elf King is noticeably lighter throughout the travel this time around.
Overall, these are lightly weighted linear switches with an extremely consistent performance. Plus, both the actuation and reset point are customizable. However, even with the benefits of customizability, I still found these too light at my chosen 2.5mm actuation point. Having less than 1mm of overtravel, I bottom-out quite often which wouldn’t be an issue if the switches were heavier.
Sound: 8/10
I could not hear a single scratch or inconsistency with these. Plus, they’re quieter than traditional MX switches, but this could be due to the fact that they are generously factory lubed.
As for the sound signature, I would describe them as creamily clacky – or in other words, an excellent sounding switch.
Overall, you can tell just how smooth these switches are from the sound alone, and I happen to really like that.
The TTC Elf King stem length is 11.10mm.
Typing Performance: 8/10
If smoothness is a top priority for you, then there aren’t too many options in the current market. However, these Elf Kings might just be your answer.
I had no issues with them regarding smoothness or inconsistencies. These were by far the smoothest and most consistent switch I’ve ever typed on. I’ve got absolutely no complaints here whatsoever.
Overall, given they have a light weighting, I wasn’t a super big fan of them as I still made a lot of typos even with its adjustable actuation, but I recommend them to those looking for an extremely smooth and lightly weighted linear switch for typing.
Gaming Performance: 9/10
By no means do I deem myself an e-sports gamer, but these switches made me feel like I was one. Their top-tier smoothness gave me such a massive advantage even with their light weighting.
They performed very well in both fast and slow-paced games. There was absolutely ZERO scratchiness or inconsistencies throughout my testing period which I found to be highly unusual, but perhaps this could be the reason why people are ditching their traditional mechs.
Overall, switches like this offer the biggest benefit to all gamers, especially more so if you’re on the more competitive side.
Final Score = 41/50 (82%)
Places to purchase this switch:
TTC switches | AliExpress | Alibaba