HMX Game1989 vs. Huano Acacia
An in-depth look at the HMX Game1989 and the Huano Acacia switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX 1989 and the Huano Acacia stand out as compelling options for enthusiasts looking for a linear typing experience. The HMX 1989, renowned for its deep thock and tactile goodness from The Game 1989 Classic, boasts a rich auditory feedback that appeals to gamers and typists who crave an immersive experience. It offers a unique blend of depth and sound that can enhance the overall feel of keystrokes. On the other hand, the Huano Acacia shines with its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, making it particularly desirable for those who prioritize smoothness and comfort, especially during long typing sessions. While both switches are linear and share certain characteristics, their distinct auditory and tactile experiences cater to different preferences. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
T5
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX 1989 and the Huano Acacia switches are remarkably similar, particularly in their choice of top housing. Both models utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, which is celebrated for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is largely due to polycarbonate’s stiffness, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal choice for RGB lighting interfaces, as it allows the light to shine through beautifully. Consequently, users of both switches can expect a visually appealing illumination coupled with an impressive auditory experience, resulting in a coherent performance across both models.
In contrast, the bottom housing of both the HMX 1989 and Huano Acacia switches features nylon, a material renowned for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon serves to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, leading to a more muted and rounded auditory experience. This contrast in materials plays a vital role in how the switches feel and sound when used: while the upper portion controls the higher frequencies and clarity, the nylon bottom housing provides a more substantial and resonant impact during key presses. As such, both models aim to create a balanced sound profile; however, the nylon bottom housing will bring a distinctly different texture to the overall experience.
When combined, the top and bottom housing materials of the HMX 1989 and Huano Acacia create a cohesive yet nuanced sound profile. By harnessing the properties of polycarbonate and nylon in their respective housings, both switches offer a user experience that blends clarity and resonance in a harmonious manner. Each material complements the other, allowing users to enjoy the sharpness of the polycarbonate at the top, paired with the depth provided by the nylon base. Therefore, despite being different materials, the way they work together ensures that both switches deliver similar auditory results while engaging a rich tactile feedback for the user.
Weight
The HMX 1989 linear switch and the Huano Acacia linear switch exhibit some similarities and differences in their force characteristics. Both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them feel equally responsive when typing or gaming, which is ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended use. However, the bottom out forces differ slightly, with the HMX 1989 registering at 53 grams and the Huano Acacia at 55 grams, indicating that the Acacia offers a slightly heavier feel when fully pressed down. This difference may appeal to users who appreciate a more substantial typing experience, while the lightweight actuation of both switches makes them suitable for long typing sessions without fatigue. Overall, while both switches share an actuation force that provides similar responsiveness, the Huano Acacia's higher bottom out force may influence some users' preferences towards a heavier feel.
Travel distance
The HMX 1989 linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Huano Acacia linear switch measures slightly shorter at 3.5 mm. This difference in travel distance highlights the contrast between the two switches: the 1989 provides a deeper keypress, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing, while the Acacia caters to users seeking faster response times typical of shorter distances favored by gamers. As such, if you prefer a hearty depth in your keystrokes, the HMX 1989 would be the more suitable choice, whereas the Acacia's reduced travel might suit those who favor a quicker, more responsive action. Thus, while both switches offer unique advantages based on individual preferences, the 1989 is the longer switch, offering a more pronounced travel distance compared to the Acacia.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Game1989 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Game1989 for $3.29.
The Huano Acacia comes in at $3.39 per 10 switches.
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 HMX 1989 linear switch is characterized by a deep and thocky tone, making it one of the most resonant options within the HMX Film switch series. This deeper sound can provide a satisfying auditory feedback during use, appealing to those who prefer a pronounced acoustic experience. On the other hand, the Huano Acacia linear switch is known for its medium-light weight and well-lubricated components, which likely contribute to a smoother sound profile, though a specific description of its sound is not provided. As sound can be significantly influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used, choosing similar materials could yield comparable acoustic results for both switches.
When considering the feel of these switches, the HMX 1989 offers a notably smooth experience, making each keystroke feel substantial and satisfying, thanks to its design targeted at delivering that thocky sensation. The Acacia switch stands out for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, contributing to a remarkably pleasant and consistent typing experience right out of the box. While the two switches may have differing characteristics in terms of actuation force and wobble, they both deliver smooth keystrokes which can satisfy users looking for a linear switch.
In conclusion, while both the HMX 1989 and Huano Acacia linear switches excel in providing a smooth typing experience, their auditory characteristics differ, with the 1989 presenting a deeper, thockier sound and the Acacia delivering a different, potentially lighter acoustic quality. The 1989 emphasizes a pronounced feel with substantial feedback, whereas the Acacia focuses on a medium-light touch with excellent lubrication and stability. Depending on the user’s preferences for sound and feel, both switches can offer satisfying experiences, though the nuances in characteristics can lead to distinct typing sensations.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Huano Acacia linear switch, consider your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you're seeking a switch that offers a deep and thocky feel, the HMX 1989 is the way to go, especially if you enjoy a satisfying bottom-out experience while gaming or typing. Its slightly lower actuation force of 53 grams might make it feel more forgiving during extended use, making it an excellent choice for both relaxed typing and fast-paced gaming. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and well-lubricated typing experience right out of the box, the Huano Acacia is likely your best bet. The 55-gram force provides a consistent tactile feedback, and with minimal stem wobble, you can expect precision and reliability whether you're in a heavy typing session or engaged in fast-paced activities. Ultimately, your decision may come down to whether you prefer the unique acoustic and tactile characteristics of the HMX 1989 versus the refined feel of the Huano Acacia; each switch has its strengths in catering to your specific typing or gaming needs.
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