Huano Acacia vs. Gateron Aliaz
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Gateron Aliaz switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Acacia and Gateron Aliaz present two distinct options catering to different preferences and environments. The Acacia, a linear switch, is celebrated for its medium-light weight, smooth keystrokes, and generous factory lubrication, delivering a satisfying typing experience right out of the box with minimal stem wobble. This makes it ideal for users who appreciate a fluid and uninterrupted keypress, whether for gaming or typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Aliaz, categorized as a tactile switch, stands out for its silent design, tailored specifically for quiet spaces like offices. With a medium-heavy weight, the Aliaz provides a noticeable tactile feedback that enhances the typing experience without the accompanying noise, making it perfect for those who enjoy a strong tactile response while still maintaining a peaceful environment. Both switches offer unique advantages depending on your needs; 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
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
75g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of both the Huano Acacia and the Gateron Aliaz switches share a fundamental similarity in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing. This choice contributes to a consistently sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile across both switches. Due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, it promotes clarity and resonance, enhancing the auditory experience for users. Additionally, both switches' clear top housings allow for RGB lighting to shine through effectively, amplifying their aesthetic appeal in setups that incorporate colorful illumination. The use of polycarbonate in this context ensures that users can expect similar visual and auditory results when contrasting the top housings of these two switches.
However, while the top housings are identical in their material composition, the bottom housing presents a significant contrast that influences the overall acoustic and tactile experience of the switches. The Huano Acacia features a nylon bottom housing, which is noted for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's softer composition. This results in a sound that absorbs more sound waves and produces a rounder, more muted tonal quality compared to the Aliaz. In contrast, the Gateron Aliaz, utilizing a polycarbonate bottom housing, maintains the sharper sound profile initiated by its top housing. This difference underscores the dual influence of the materials: while the Acacia's nylon imparts warmth and depth, the Aliaz leans towards a clearer, more resonant quality, impacting the user experience thoroughly when the keys are pressed.
Moreover, the divergent materials for the bottom housing significantly affect how the switches feel and sound when activated. With the Acacia's nylon bottom, users can expect a softer bottom-out feeling and a more subdued sound when the key is fully pressed. This is particularly advantageous for users who prefer a quieter and less jarring typing experience. Conversely, the Aliaz’s polycarbonate bottom housing ensures that the sound profile remains consistent with the sharper characteristics established by the top housing, resulting in a prominent auditory feedback when actuated. Thus, while both switches share the same polycarbonate top housing and its resulting acoustic qualities, the distinct bottom housing materials create a unique hybrid experience, catering to different user preferences in terms of sound and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch to the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch, there are distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that cater to varying user preferences. The Acacia features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it suitable for users who favor softer touches and longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Aliaz is notably heavier, with an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 75 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial feel while typing or gaming. While both switches ultimately serve the same function of actuating keypresses, the significant variance in force specifications emphasizes the Acacia's medium-light touch versus the Aliaz's heavy resistance, allowing users to make an informed choice based on their typing style and comfort preferences.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Huano Acacia linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Aliaz switch offers a longer travel distance compared to the Acacia switch, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial keystroke feel. The Acacia’s shorter travel distance may be more favorable for gamers seeking quicker response times since the less travel means faster actuation. In contrast, users who enjoy a deeper, more tactile feel might prefer the Aliaz switch’s longer distance. Ultimately, these differences cater to varying preferences for responsiveness and tactile feedback, with the Acacia being the shorter option and the Aliaz being the longer.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Aliaz has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aliaz for $5.50.
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
When it comes to sound, the Huano Acacia switch offers a moderate auditory experience, which compliments its medium-light weight and factory lubrication. This results in a more subdued sound profile than some other mechanical switches, though without specific descriptors provided, it can be assumed that it maintains a balance between audible feedback and noise level. On the other hand, the Gateron Aliaz switches are explicitly designed for quieter settings, featuring a muted sound that significantly reduces the noise typically associated with mechanical switches. This makes the Aliaz an ideal choice for environments like offices where louder keystrokes could be disruptive. While both switches may produce sound levels that are less intrusive than traditional mechanical switches, the Aliaz is definitively more catered to silence.
In terms of feel, the Acacia switch provides a superb typing experience straight from the packaging due to its medium-light weight and effective lubrication. The minimal stem wobble enhances stability, resulting in a satisfying and consistent keystroke experience. In contrast, the Gateron Aliaz switches shine with their silky and polished feel, which contributes to an exceptionally smooth typing experience. Here, the medium-heavy weight delivers a more substantial sensation when typing, offering a pronounced feedback that many tactile switch enthusiasts cherish. While the Acacia is noted for its well-rounded characteristics, the Aliaz excels in smoothness and refinement due to its design and materials.
In conclusion, both the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch provide unique qualities catering to different preferences. The Acacia excels in delivering a balanced sound profile and a commendable typing experience straight out of the box, making it versatile for various use cases. In contrast, the Aliaz is crafted for quieter environments, with an emphasis on a silky and polished feel, suitable for those who prioritize smoothness alongside their tactile feedback. Depending on your needs, both switches can yield satisfying results, whether one seeks a lightweight linear switch or a substantial tactile experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch, consider your typing preferences and the environment in which you’ll be using your keyboard. The Acacia switches, with their medium-light actuation force of 55 grams, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, are ideal for users seeking a smooth, effortless typing experience right out of the box. They shine in scenarios where quick typing and responsiveness are prioritized, particularly in gaming or light work applications. On the other hand, if you find yourself in a quieter setting, such as an office, and appreciate a more tactile and substantial keystroke, the Gateron Aliaz is the better choice. With a heavier actuation force of 75 grams, these switches deliver pronounced feedback while maintaining a muted sound profile, making them perfect for those who desire a polished feel without disturbing others. Ultimately, your choice should align with your typing style and the landscape of your workspace—light and fluid with Acacia or solid and discreet with Aliaz.
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