Huano Acacia vs. HMX Canglan V2
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the HMX Canglan V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Acacia and the HMX Canglan V2 stand out as two compelling linear options, each offering distinct experiences for typists and gamers alike. The Huano Acacia is celebrated for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, resulting in an exceptional typing experience right out of the box. This makes it an ideal choice for users who prioritize smoothness and consistency, as well as a satisfying response without the need for extensive modifications. On the other hand, the HMX Canglan V2 emerges as a thocky linear switch that enthusiasts have eagerly anticipated. Its meticulously crafted blend of materials and improved molding techniques produce a deeply resonant sound signature alongside a smooth, light feel, making it the perfect fit for those who appreciate auditory feedback alongside tactile performance. Both switches provide unique advantages, catering to different preferences and styles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
42g
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
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T2
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Huano Acacia and HMX Canglan V2 switches showcase two distinct approaches to housing materials that impact not only their tactile experience but also their acoustic profiles. The Acacia's top housing is crafted from polycarbonate, known for its stiffness, which results in a crisper and higher-pitched sound. This is particularly advantageous for those who prefer a sharp auditory feedback when typing. Another key feature of polycarbonate is its translucency, making it an excellent choice for RGB lighting setups. In contrast, the Canglan V2 employs a nylon top housing, which is a classic choice in the switch landscape. Nylon's softer nature gives rise to a deeper and fuller sound profile, which effectively dampens audio feedback and creates a more subdued acoustic experience. Thus, while the Acacia's polycarbonate housing promotes brightness in sound, the Canglan V2's nylon top contributes to a softer auditory experience.
When examining the bottom housings, both switches utilize nylon, leading to a shared acoustic characteristic that emphasizes a deeper and fuller sound profile. Since nylon is a softer plastic, it absorbs sound more effectively than harder materials, diminishing the higher frequencies. This similarity means that both switches will provide a rounder and more muted bottom-out sound, offering a pleasing auditory feedback during typing. Hence, while the top housings of the Acacia and Canglan V2 serve distinct sound profiles—bright and resonant versus deeper and round—both bottom housings lean toward a fuller sound experience, enhancing overall typing satisfaction.
In summary, the Huano Acacia and HMX Canglan V2 switches embody a hybrid of contrasting and complementary materials that influence their sound profiles. The Acacia’s polycarbonate top and nylon bottom generate a dynamic and vibrant typing experience, with emphasis on brightness and clarity, while the Canglan V2’s nylon top and bottom create a more muted and resonant feel. Even with both switches employing nylon for the bottom housing, their differing top materials ensure that users will experience unique sound signatures, tailored to various preferences in auditory feedback. Ultimately, both designs deliver satisfying results, showcasing how variations in housing materials can lead to divergent yet equally enjoyable typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch, there are notable differences. The Acacia switch features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Canglan V2 is lighter, with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, placing it firmly in the light category. This means that users who prefer a lighter touch will find the Canglan V2 to be the more suitable option, especially for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. Meanwhile, the Acacia’s slightly heavier forces provide a more robust and substantial feel that some users might prefer for a tactile typing experience. Overall, the Canglan V2 is the lighter option, while the Acacia switch offers a slightly heftier feedback for those who enjoy a stronger push.
Travel distance
Both the Huano Acacia linear switch and the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch feature the same travel distance of 3.5 mm, which means that users will experience similar tactile feedback and actuation when pressing down on the keys. This equality in travel distance indicates that both switches can provide a comparable typing experience in terms of how far the switch needs to be pressed to register a key input. Consequently, whether using the Acacia or the Canglan V2, users can expect similar performance and responsiveness while typing or gaming.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Canglan V2 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Canglan V2 for $2.99.
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 is generally characterized by a subtle and more subdued auditory experience, allowing for quiet typing even in a shared setting. This relatively muted profile makes it an appealing choice for users who prefer a less intrusive sound while typing. On the other hand, the HMX Canglan V2 switch boasts a thocky sound signature that provides a satisfying acoustic feedback with each keypress. This deeper sound adds a certain richness that many enthusiasts find desirable, making the Canglan V2 a switch that is not only heard but also felt, resonating well with those who appreciate a more pronounced auditory experience. However, it's important to keep in mind that a switch's sound also depends on the keyboard build and keycaps used, which can greatly influence the overall sound profile.
Regarding the feel, the Acacia switch offers a medium-light weight, which strikes a good balance for typists who may prefer gentle yet responsive feedback. Its generous factory lubrication contributes to a smooth key press while minimizing stem wobble, creating a cohesive typing experience that feels well-engineered right from the start. In contrast, the Canglan V2 offers a light feel that enhances its appeal for those who favor a quick and effortless key press. The combination of materials and improved molding techniques used in the Canglan V2 results in a notably smooth action that many users find exhilarating, making it particularly favored among enthusiasts who enjoy fast-paced typing or gaming.
In summary, both the Huano Acacia and HMX Canglan V2 linear switches provide quality experiences but cater to slightly different preferences. The Acacia is known for its quieter sound and smooth, medium-light weighting, while the Canglan V2 excels with its thocky sound signature and light, effortless feel. If you seek a balance of subtlety and ease in your typing experience, the Acacia is a solid choice. Conversely, if you desire a more pronounced auditory feedback paired with a quick response, the Canglan V2 could be more suited to your tastes. While they differ in specific sound and feel characteristics, both switches are designed to enhance your typing experience and offer a level of quality and performance that many users will appreciate.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch, your choice should hinge on a few key factors based on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a switch that feels stable with a medium-light resistance and provides an excellent out-of-the-box experience, the Acacia is your best option. Its thoughtfully designed characteristics, including generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, ensure that you can enjoy pleasant typing without needing extensive adjustments. On the other hand, if you are looking for a lighter touch and a rich acoustic signature, the Canglan V2 may be more appealing. With its thocky and deep sound profile, along with its smooth feel that caters to fans of HMX offerings, this switch is ideal if you prioritize auditory feedback alongside a softer actuation force. Ultimately, your choice boils down to whether you value a more stable and slightly heavier typing experience or a lighter, sound-focused feel.