Huano Acacia vs. Durock Black Lotus
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Durock Black Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to enhancing your typing experience, choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch can make all the difference. The Huano Acacia presents itself as an appealing option for those who favor a medium-light weight switch. With its generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, the Acacia delivers an excellent typing experience right out of the box, making it a fantastic choice for both gamers and typists looking for responsiveness without sacrificing comfort. On the other hand, the Durock Black Lotus caters to enthusiasts seeking a luxurious and precise feel in their keystrokes. Known for its silky smooth actuation and reduced housing and stem wobble, this switch offers a substantial 55g actuation weight, striking a balance between resistance and ease of use. Additionally, the Black Lotus features a unique light column for customizable in-switch lighting, adding an extra layer of aesthetic appeal. While both switches excel in their own right, they cater to slightly different preferences and styles of use. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Acacia and the Durock Black Lotus switches, a notable distinction lies in the composition of their top housings. The Acacia utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is known for imparting a sharper and crisper sound profile during operation. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, promotes resonance and clarity, which can enhance the overall auditory experience, especially in RGB lighting scenarios where the translucent quality of polycarbonate allows for vibrant illumination. On the other hand, the Black Lotus features a modified blend of polycarbonate and UPE for its top housing. While the result of this hybrid material may differ slightly in aesthetic and tactile feel, both top housings were designed to optimize sound clarity, satisfying users who prioritize acoustics in their keyboard experience.
In contrast, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, providing a foundation that counters the effect of the top housing materials. The Acacia and Black Lotus describe their nylon bottom housings in identical terms, highlighting the material's ability to absorb sound better than its harder counterparts. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile that contrasts with the sharper sounds produced by their respective top housings. The commonality in using nylon reflects a strategic design choice aimed at balancing the auditory experience by blending dulcet tones with the shimmering clarity from the top housings, regardless of their differences in composition.
Ultimately, the interplay of housing materials in the Huano Acacia and Durock Black Lotus leads to a nuanced typing experience. The nylon bottom housing will produce a more subdued and resonant bottom-out sound, while the distinct top housings will affect the sounds and feel upon key release. Users seeking well-rounded auditory feedback will appreciate how the Acacia's polycarbonate top and nylon bottom work harmoniously, while those interested in the unique feel of the Black Lotus's modified blend will also find that its bottom nylon housing provides a full-bodied sound experience. Therefore, while the top and bottom components differ, similar sound profiles can be achieved through this strategic design coupling.
Weight
The Huano Acacia linear switch and the Durock Black Lotus linear switch present distinct characteristics in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Acacia features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light, which appeals to those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Black Lotus requires a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy. This difference in weight may cater to users seeking a more substantial typing experience, favoring a firmer push feel. Consequently, the Acacia is the lighter switch, making it potentially more comfortable for prolonged use, while the Black Lotus, being the heavier option, may provide a more tactile feedback that some users find satisfying. Overall, these contrasting actuation and bottom out forces highlight the choices available depending on personal preference for switch weight and feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Durock Black Lotus linear switch, a clear distinction emerges: the Acacia features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Black Lotus extends to 4 mm. This means that the Black Lotus offers a longer travel distance, providing a deeper keystroke that some users might find more satisfying. Conversely, the Acacia's shorter travel distance is ideal for those seeking quicker response times, making it a potentially better choice for gamers who prioritize speed. Therefore, while both switches cater to different user preferences—one favoring a more responsive feel and the other a more pronounced keystroke—the Black Lotus is the longer option, and the Acacia is the shorter one.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Black Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Black Lotus for $4.57.
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
In terms of sound, the Huano Acacia switch tends to produce a subtle acoustic profile that is more muted compared to some other options on the market, making it an ideal choice for users seeking a quieter typing experience. The nature of its sound can be enhanced or modified based on the keyboard's construction and the selection of keycaps. Conversely, the Durock Black Lotus switch offers a more pronounced sound when activated, characterized by a richer, deeper tone that emerges from its well-engineered design. This switch is likely to resonate slightly more, again influenced by the keyboard and keycap choices, but its auditory feedback adds to the overall typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Acacia linear switch provides a very accessible typing experience with a medium-light actuation weight that enables comfortable use for long periods. The generous factory lubrication ensures a consistent keystroke that minimizes stem wobble, resulting in a dependable yet pleasant typing experience straight out of the box. On the other hand, the Durock Black Lotus excels in delivering a silky and buttery smooth sensation, with reduced housing and stem wobble allowing for exceptionally fluid key presses. This switch offers a polished and mild feel, making it a delightful choice for those who prioritize typing precision and comfort.
In summation, both the Huano Acacia and Durock Black Lotus linear switches provide distinct advantages depending on user preference. The Acacia excels with its subtle sound and medium-light feel, making it user-friendly right from setup, whereas the Black Lotus offers a more pronounced audio profile and a superior silky feel that enhances overall typing pleasure. Both switches provide a high-quality typing experience, but your choice will ultimately depend on whether you prioritize sound dynamics or the silky smoothness of keystrokes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Durock Black Lotus linear switch, your preferences and typing style play a crucial role. If you favor a lighter touch and a typing experience that feels refined right out of the box, the Acacia might be your best choice. Its 55g bottom-out force, combined with generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, offers a smooth and pleasant typing experience, making it ideal for casual users and those spending long hours typing without fatigue. However, if you enjoy a more substantial feel and seek precision with a touch of additional resistance, the Durock Black Lotus is likely to be more aligned with your needs. Its medium-heavy 63.5g actuation weight, coupled with a silky and buttery smoothness, provides an engaging experience that caters well to typists who desire tactile feedback and control. Moreover, the unique in-switch lighting feature of the Black Lotus adds an aesthetic element that may appeal to gamers and customization enthusiasts. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a lightweight, user-friendly switch or a more robust, precise option to enhance your overall typing experience.
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