Huano Acacia vs. KTT Ash Gray
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the KTT Ash Gray switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Acacia and the KTT Ash Gray stand out for their distinct characteristics catering to different typing preferences. The Acacia, a linear switch, is celebrated for its medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication, which contribute to a smooth and enjoyable typing experience right out of the box. This makes it an excellent choice for users who appreciate a seamless keystroke without tactile interruptions, ideal for fast typists and gamers alike. In contrast, the KTT Ash Gray, known for its tactile response, offers a blend of tactile feedback that strikes a balance between being substantial without being overwhelming. With its easy-to-press actuation and mild touch, the Ash Gray is perfect for users who enjoy the satisfying click of a tactile switch while maintaining a smooth typing feel. Both switches provide unique benefits that cater to different user preferences, whether you prioritize speed and fluidity or a tactile sensation in your keystrokes. 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
38g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The Huano Acacia and KTT Ash Gray switches share notable similarities in their housing materials, both utilizing polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing is responsible for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, attributed to its rigidity, which produces a clear and resonant tone. A common aesthetic benefit of this material is its translucency, making it ideal for RGB lighting applications. The fact that both switches incorporate polycarbonate in their top housing means that users can expect a consistent experience in terms of sound clarity and visual appeal when utilizing RGB features, regardless of the switch choice.
On the other side of the housing equation, both the Acacia and Ash Gray switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This choice leads to a deeper, fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer composition, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. The impact of this material becomes particularly evident during typing, where the rounded sound notes produced by the nylon base create a satisfying auditory experience. Therefore, while the top housings of both switches contribute to a crisp sound, the bottom nylon housings will counterbalance that with a mellower auditory characteristic, resulting in a balanced sound profile when the switches are pressed.
Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in both the Huano Acacia and KTT Ash Gray switches creates distinct yet complementary auditory experiences. Users can expect a consistent performance in terms of sound sharpness and clarity from the polycarbonate top housing, while the nylon bottom housing ensures a rich, fuller sound. Despite the identical materials used in both switches, the interaction between the top and bottom housings allows for a harmonious blend of sound qualities, making each switch uniquely appealing in its right while maintaining core similarities. This thoughtful design means that whichever switch one chooses, they will achieve an attractive sound profile suitable for various typing preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch and the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Acacia features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Ash Gray has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a slightly lower bottom out force of 53 grams. This makes the Ash Gray the lighter option overall, which can benefit users who prefer a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Acacia's heavier actuation force may appeal to those seeking a more substantial feel when typing. However, both switches share a close bottom out force, leading to a somewhat similar experience when pressing down fully on the keys. Overall, while both switches are categorized as medium-light, the Ash Gray offers a lighter touch, making it more suitable for users prioritizing comfort over extended use.
Travel distance
Both the Huano Acacia linear switch and the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch have identical travel distances of 3.5 mm. This means that users will experience the same keypress depth when using either switch, leading to a comparable feel during typing or gaming. Since both switches share this measurement, users can expect similar results in terms of actuation and overall responsiveness, making either option suitable for those who prefer a consistent travel experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Ash Gray has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ash Gray for $2.55.
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 comparing the sound of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch, the Acacia is renowned for its balanced and refined audio profile, typical for linear switches, which tend to be quieter than their tactile or clicky counterparts. It produces a smooth, unobtrusive sound that is well-suited for both office environments and home setups. In contrast, the Ash Gray's sound is characterized as neutral; it has a moderate sound profile that accompanies its tactile feedback. This balanced auditory experience makes the Ash Gray versatile enough to be enjoyed by typists and gamers alike without overwhelming those in close proximity, further accentuating its suitability for varied environments.
In terms of feel, the Acacia switch offers a medium-light weight and is notable for its generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble. This combination leads to a consistently pleasant experience that requires just the right amount of force to actuate keys without adding excessive resistance. On the other hand, the Ash Gray switch provides a distinctly easy-to-press feel, requiring minimal force for activation, making it an effortless choice for extended typing sessions. Additionally, its mild feedback allows typists to enjoy a gentle yet responsive experience, ensuring that their interactions remain comfortable throughout long periods of use. Both switches cater to a wide range of typing preferences, but the Acacia focuses on smoothness, while the Ash Gray emphasizes a delightful tactile recognition.
In conclusion, while the Huano Acacia linear switch is crafted for those who prioritize smooth, quiet keystrokes, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch excels in delivering engaging tactile feedback without overwhelming the user. Both switches have their unique qualities, yet they can cater well to a broad audience and provide comfortable and satisfactory typing experiences. Whether you prefer the refined smoothness of the Acacia or the mild tactility of the Ash Gray, both are excellent choices that promise to enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch, your choice will largely depend on your typing style and preferences. If you prioritize a silky smooth typing experience with minimal wobble and generous factory lubrication, the Acacia is an excellent option. Its medium-light actuation force of 55 grams makes it versatile for both typing and gaming, delivering consistent performance without a distinctly pronounced tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more tactile typing experience that isn't overwhelming, the KTT Ash Gray is ideal. With its 53-gram actuation force, this switch offers a crisp but gentle tactile bump that enhances the sensation of key presses without causing finger fatigue, making it suitable for prolonged use. Its neutral sound profile makes it adaptable for various environments, whether at home or in the office. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your preference for either a smooth linear action or a satisfying tactile feedback, ensuring that your keyboard feels just right for your unique needs.
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