Huano Acacia vs. Durock Blue Lotus
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Durock Blue Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, two popular contenders stand out for their distinct characteristics and user experiences: the Huano Acacia and the Durock Blue Lotus. The Acacia, a linear switch, is celebrated for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, offering an exceptionally smooth and satisfying typing experience right out of the box. This makes it an excellent choice for users who prioritize a consistent keystroke with little resistance, ideal for both gaming and prolonged typing sessions. In contrast, the Durock Blue Lotus, known for its tactile feedback, combines a pronounced bump with swift responsiveness—a result of its reduced travel distance of 3.7mm, compared to the standard 4mm found in most switches. This unique tactile profile caters to those who enjoy feeling a clear actuation point while typing. Additionally, the Blue Lotus features a detachable light column for vibrant RGB lighting, marrying performance with visual aesthetics. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 long spring
Housing materials
The Huano Acacia and Durock Blue Lotus switches utilize distinctly different materials in their top housings, resulting in varied acoustic profiles. The Acacia's top housing is made from polycarbonate, a material known for its stiffness and translucency. This choice contributes to a sharper and more resonant sound when a key is released, enhancing the overall auditory experience, especially when RGB lighting is involved. In contrast, the Blue Lotus features a modified blend of polycarbonate and UPE for its top housing. While this blend offers a premium tactile experience, it does not replicate the same high-pitched clarity inherent to the Acacia’s polycarbonate housing, leading to a somewhat different sound signature upon key release.
Both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing; they both utilize nylon, which delivers a deeper and fuller sound profile upon key press. Nylon's inherent softness allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a warmer and rounder acoustic character. This shared material ensures that when pressing down on either switch, typists will experience a similar 'bottom-out' sound and feel. Consequently, while the upper part of each switch introduces its own character due to different materials, the nylon bottom housing provides a consistency in tactile feedback across both switches, making the typing experience familiar.
Compounding this interplay of materials, the combination of a hardened top housing and a softer bottom housing strengthens the overall sound and feel of both switches. The variance introduced by the modified PC and UPE blend of the Blue Lotus complements the nylon bottom housing, creating a balanced typing experience that is deeper yet still responsive. Conversely, the Acacia’s all-polycarbonate top provides a crisp attack with the nylon’s warmth softening the blow. Ultimately, while the switches utilize different top materials, their nylon bases yield a consensus in sound and feel that can appeal to users seeking a cohesive typing experience. In essence, both switches can deliver satisfying results by capitalizing on their architectural design and material synergy.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch, there are clear distinctions in their characteristics. 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 a less strenuous typing experience. In contrast, the Blue Lotus has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, catering to those who prefer a more substantial feel while typing. This difference means that users typing for extended periods may find the Acacia more comfortable, while the Blue Lotus may appeal more to those who enjoy a firmer keypress. Ultimately, if you are looking for a lighter switch, the Huano Acacia stands out, while the Durock Blue Lotus is the choice for those seeking a heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Huano Acacia linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the Acacia the shorter switch, offering a slightly quicker response time, which can be advantageous for gamers who prioritize faster actuation. On the other hand, the Blue Lotus, with its longer travel distance, may provide a deeper feel, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial keypress feedback. Overall, if you value responsiveness, the Acacia may be the better choice, while the Blue Lotus might be ideal if you enjoy a more traditional and hearty typing experience. This comparison highlights the subtle yet meaningful differences in travel distance preferences among users.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Blue 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 Blue 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
When it comes to sound, the Huano Acacia linear switch offers a quieter typing experience. Although a specific sound profile isn’t detailed, linear switches typically prioritize minimizing audible feedback, resulting in a smooth and muted operation. In contrast, the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch is characterized by its bassy sound profile, providing a deeper and richer auditory experience during key presses. This distinct sound results from its tactile bump and construction, which delivers a lower frequency tone that can resonate pleasantly, making each keystroke feel satisfying. Given that sound can be influenced by other factors like the keyboard’s construction and keycap choice, both switches may yield different experiences depending on their usage context, but the inherent character of the Blue Lotus switch is likely to be much more pronounced.
In terms of feel, the Huano Acacia switch is celebrated for its medium-light actuation force combined with generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, which contributes to a smooth and enjoyable typing experience. This makes it potentially ideal for individuals who value a clean and effortless performance. Conversely, the Durock Blue Lotus switch provides a unique tactile feedback that is both snappy and accented, characterized by a medium tactile feel that isn’t overwhelming. The slight reduction in travel distance, at 3.7mm, contributes to the overall responsiveness of the switch, providing a feeling of quickness and life to each keystroke. The stepped tactile design allows for a noticeable bump during the key press without overwhelming the user, blending comfort with effective feedback. Both switches, while differing in tactile response and actuation feel, focus on creating an engaging typing experience, albeit in unique ways.
Summarizing the comparison between the Huano Acacia and Durock Blue Lotus switches, you will find significant diversity in both sound and tactile profiles that caters to different preferences. The Acacia excels in providing a quieter, smoother experience with minimal wobble, ideal for those who prefer a more subdued operation. In stark contrast, the Blue Lotus embodies a vigorous tactile response with a bassy sound profile, perfect for enthusiasts who enjoy lively feedback and auditory richness. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on the individual’s preference for tactile sensation and sound, but both are poised to deliver unique typing experiences.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you prefer a lighter touch with a smooth keystroke right out of the box, the Acacia is an excellent choice. Its medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, combined with generous factory lubrication, offers a comfortable and effortless typing experience, ideal for long typing sessions or gaming where speed is essential without the tactile feedback. However, if you're seeking a more engaging typing experience characterized by noticeable tactile feedback, the Blue Lotus would be your go-to. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams and its snappy, accented feel, this switch provides a compelling tactile sensation that's perfect for those who enjoy feeling each keystroke distinctly. Additionally, the bassy sound profile of the Blue Lotus adds a rich auditory experience, making it a great match for users who appreciate both performance and aesthetic in their mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you favor a smooth, quiet operation or a responsive, tactile feedback that enhances your overall typing enjoyment.
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