Huano Acacia vs. HMX Blue Topaz
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the HMX Blue Topaz switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Acacia and HMX Blue Topaz stand out as compelling choices for different user preferences. The Acacia, recognized for its medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication, delivers a remarkably smooth typing experience with minimal stem wobble, making it an excellent option for users who prioritize comfort and efficiency right out of the box. In contrast, the HMX Blue Topaz brings a unique flair to the table with its super smooth actuation and lightweight feel, making every keystroke effortless. Not only does it offer a satisfying clacky sound signature, but its glittering housing also adds a visual aesthetic that can brighten up any setup. While both switches cater to typists seeking enjoyable experiences, their distinct characteristics and qualities appeal to different tastes. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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-staged spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Huano Acacia and HMX Blue Topaz both feature polycarbonate top housings, which leads to a shared auditory characteristic: a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate lends itself to an enhanced clarity in sound, making both switches ideal for users who appreciate a more resonant keystroke experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous for those who utilize RGB lighting, as it allows the illumination to shine through effectively, enhancing the aesthetic appeal. This commonality in top housing material ensures that users of both switches enjoy a similar sound signature during use, reinforcing the importance of housing materials in shaping the overall user experience.
On the other hand, the bottom housing materials of the Acacia and Blue Topaz switch are identical, with both employing nylon. The use of nylon as a bottom housing material offers a contrasting auditory profile to the polycarbonate top, producing a deeper and fuller sound during typing. Its relatively softer plastic composition absorbs sound more effectively than harder materials, resulting in a quieter and rounder acoustic footprint. This divergence in material choice for the bottom housing enhances the overall auditory spectrum of both switches, allowing users to appreciate a more layered sound experience as they engage with the keyboard. Consequently, the combination of polycarbonate tops and nylon bottoms creates a unique interplay of sounds when typing, blending high and low frequencies in a harmonious manner.
In conclusion, while the Acacia and Blue Topaz switches share similarities in their top housing materials, their respective bottom housings add distinct dimensions to their overall auditory profiles. A typist will experience the crispness of the polycarbonate tops upon key release, coupled with the deeper tones contributed by the nylon bottoms during key presses. The interplay of these materials results in switches that are not only aesthetically compatible with RGB lighting but also offer nuanced auditory experiences, combining high-pitched clarity with rich, rounded acoustics. Thus, despite the differing tactile feedback and sound output originating from their individual bottom housings, users can expect comparable experiences in the fundamental visual and auditory domains of both switches.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch and the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Acacia has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, which provides a medium-light feel that some users might prefer for extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Blue Topaz features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it more suitable for users who favor a lighter touch. This difference means that the Acacia requires a slightly stronger push to actuate and bottom out compared to the Blue Topaz. Consequently, those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience might gravitate towards the Acacia, while those looking for ease and comfort, particularly during long periods of use, might prefer the Blue Topaz. Overall, the Acacia is the heavier option, while the Blue Topaz is the lighter switch, appealing to different user preferences in terms of typing feel and endurance.
Travel distance
The Huano Acacia linear switch and the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch differ in their travel distances, with the Acacia measuring 3.5 mm and the Blue Topaz at 3.9 mm. This makes the Huano Acacia the shorter option, offering a more responsive feel that many gamers favor for quicker key presses. In contrast, the HMX Blue Topaz provides a longer travel distance, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial tactile feedback and depth while typing or gaming. While both switches can produce satisfactory results for different preferences, those who prioritize speed and quick response times might opt for the Acacia, whereas users who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke might lean towards the Blue Topaz.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Blue Topaz has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blue Topaz for $3.49.
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 linear switch produces a comparatively muted auditory profile, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a quieter typing experience. This subtle soundscape allows for a more focused environment, ideal for both office settings and late-night typing sessions where noise might be an issue. On the other hand, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch features a distinctive clacky sound signature that is crisp, bright, and percussive, providing an aural satisfaction that many typists find enjoyable. The more pronounced acoustics of the Blue Topaz contribute to the overall feedback during typing, adding an engaging element to the experience. However, it's important to note that the sound quality can also be influenced by the choice of keyboard housing and keycaps, which could further differentiate these two switches in practice.
When it comes to feel, the Huano Acacia switch impresses with its medium-light weight, allowing for an enjoyable balance of resistance and ease during keystrokes. Its generous factory lubrication minimizes stem wobble, which enhances the overall typing comfort and satisfaction. In contrast, the HMX Blue Topaz switch is celebrated for its super smooth actuation combined with an easy-to-press design, requiring minimal force for activation. This lightweight feel not only makes each keystroke easy but also significantly reduces finger fatigue during extended use. Both switches aim to elevate the typing experience, though the subtle differences in resistance and smoothness may cater to different user preferences.
In summary, the Huano Acacia and HMX Blue Topaz linear switches each have their unique strengths that cater to varying desires for sound and feel. If you value a quieter and more stable typing experience, the Acacia offers an excellent option with its subtle sound and comfortable feedback. Conversely, if you're drawn to a more interactive sound and the effortless actuation of the Blue Topaz, it enhances the pleasure of each keystroke with its clacky signature and lightweight feel. Ultimately, either choice will provide a satisfying typing experience, yet the personal preference for sound and tactile feedback will guide you in selecting between these two options.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a solid typing experience characterized by a medium-light actuation force and appreciate a little bit of resistance, the Acacia may suit you best. This switch is complemented by its generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, which ensures a smooth and satisfying typing feel right out of the box. It’s an excellent choice for those who want a balanced feel without an overwhelming bottom-out force. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and find yourself typing for extended periods, the Blue Topaz might be more appealing. Its 48-gram actuation force makes every keystroke feel effortless, reducing finger fatigue, and its unique clacky sound signature adds both auditory and visual excitement to your setup. If you enjoy switches that provide an easy-to-press experience along with a bit of personality, the Blue Topaz is your go-to option. Ultimately, contemplate your typing habits and preferences when making the choice between these two distinguished switches, as each offers its unique benefits to enhance your keyboard experience.
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