Huano Acacia vs. TTC Brother
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the TTC Brother switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, two popular choices that stand out are the Huano Acacia linear switch and the TTC Brother clicky switch. The Acacia is celebrated for its medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication, offering a smooth and satisfying typing experience right from the start, making it an ideal pick for gamers and typists who prefer a quieter and more fluid keystroke. On the other hand, the TTC Brother clicky switch serves as a prime example of what makes clicky switches so enjoyable, with its remarkably lightweight actuation of just 37g and a satisfying, crunchy sound that resonates with each keystroke. This switch caters to those who love the pronounced tactile feedback and audible confirmation that accompanies a traditional clicky switch, striking a perfect balance between responsiveness and comfort. While both switches have their unique appeal, whether you prioritize a smooth, unobtrusive experience or an engaging auditory feedback, the right choice largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
17.5mm spring
Housing materials
Both the Huano Acacia and the TTC Brother switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, leading to similar acoustic characteristics. The polycarbonate material is recognized for imparting a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This rigid quality enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced when keystrokes are executed. Visually, the translucence of polycarbonate enhances the RGB lighting effects when integrated into keyboards, making both switch options aesthetically appealing for those looking to highlight their setups. Despite potentially different underlying structures or designs, users can expect a comparable sound quality from both switches at the top because they share this material.
In contrast, the bottom housing of both the Acacia and Brother switches is composed of nylon, a classic choice in switch manufacturing. The unique properties of nylon introduce a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it effectively absorbs sound vibrations thanks to its softer plastic nature. This results in a more rounded auditory experience during typing, which contrasts with the crispness provided by the polycarbonate top. Therefore, while the upper housing contributes to the sound's clarity during disengagement of the switches, the nylon bottom housing plays a significant role in influencing the bottom-out feel and sound. This complementary dynamic means that even if the sound profiles differ, the overall typing experience remains cohesive.
When considering both the Huano Acacia and TTC Brother switches together, it is clear that their combination of polycarbonate tops and nylon bottoms leads to a balanced sound profile. While the tops ensure clarity and brightness in sound, the nylon bottoms contribute depth and warmth. Consequently, users will benefit from a well-rounded auditory experience regardless of the switch choice, making either option a compelling choice for enthusiasts who appreciate both the technical and aesthetic aspects of their keyboard switches. The consistent material choices mean that the fundamental acoustic properties remain similar, giving users a unified experience across both switch types.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch and the TTC Brother clicky switch, there are notable differences in actuation force that cater to different user preferences. The Acacia has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, placing it in the medium-light category, which may appeal to users looking for a balance between comfort for extended typing sessions and a satisfying push feel. In contrast, the TTC Brother clicky switch features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams; however, its bottom out force is not specified. This means that those who prefer a softer key press might find the Brother more suitable, but the lack of information on its bottom out force leaves a gap in understanding its overall tactile feedback. Given these details, the Acacia is the heavier switch overall, providing a more substantial typing experience, while the Brother is lighter, making it potentially more comfortable for prolonged use. Users seeking a medium-light switch should lean towards the Acacia, while those preferring a lighter touch might favor the TTC Brother, albeit with some uncertainties regarding its bottoming out experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of both the Huano Acacia linear switch and the TTC Brother clicky switch is measured at 3.5 mm, indicating that they provide an identical experience in terms of key travel when pressed down. This similarity means that users can expect the same tactile feedback and key response from both switches, creating a consistent typing experience regardless of the chosen switch. Since their travel distances are equal, both switches will yield similar results in terms of the distance traveled, contributing to user familiarity and comfort across different keyboard setups.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Brother has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Brother for $3.30.
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
The sound profile of the Huano Acacia linear switch remains unknown, which makes it difficult to directly compare it to the TTC Brother clicky switch. The Brother switch is characterized by its satisfyingly crunchy sound, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. This auditory signature is not only enjoyable but also provides a clear and precise feedback with each keystroke, which is particularly appealing to enthusiasts who appreciate the tactile and auditory experience of clicky switches. The sound, while influenced by various factors such as the keyboard design and keycap material, contributes significantly to the overall typing satisfaction provided by the Brother switch.
When it comes to the tactile feel, the Huano Acacia linear switch is noted for its medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication, making it an excellent option for smooth keystrokes right out of the box, though specific tactile feedback characteristics are not provided. Conversely, the TTC Brother switch features an easy-to-press design with a lightweight actuation force of just 37g, enhancing responsiveness during typing. Its stepped tactile feedback means there are two stages to the keypress—a gentle pre-travel followed by a more distinct tactile bump, providing clear confirmation of actuation without being overly pronounced. This makes it comfortable for prolonged typing sessions while still delivering a satisfying sensation with each press.
In summary, while the Huano Acacia's audio qualities remain undetermined, its smooth linear action provides an enjoyable typing experience, likely appealing to those who favor a quieter and more fluid feel. In contrast, the TTC Brother clicky switch excels in its auditory feedback with a distinct and crunchy sound, while offering a lightweight and tactile experience that minimizes finger fatigue. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences: the Huano Acacia linear switch for a seamless and quiet typing experience, and the TTC Brother for those seeking pronounced clickiness and tactile feedback, making your choice dependent on whether you prioritize sound or a balance of tactile and auditory sensations.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the TTC Brother clicky switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you're someone who appreciates a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke with a medium-light actuation force, the Acacia linear switch is an excellent choice. Its generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble provide a pleasant typing experience right out of the box, making it ideal for long typing sessions or general use where quietude and fluidity are key. On the other hand, if you thrive on tactile feedback and enjoy an auditory experience while typing, the TTC Brother clicky switch may be the way to go. With its lightweight actuation and satisfying, crunchy sound, this switch makes every keystroke enjoyable, offering both fun and functionality, especially for gaming or lively discussions where feedback is important. Ultimately, consider your personal typing style, the environments in which you'll be using these switches, and the overall experience you wish to cultivate when making your decision.
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