Huano Acacia vs. Gateron CAP Anniversary
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Gateron CAP Anniversary switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preference and the specific typing experience one desires. The Huano Acacia offers a delightful balance of features that appeal to many users, including its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, all contributing to a comfortable and satisfying typing experience right from the start. On the other hand, the Gateron CAP Anniversary sets itself apart with its innovative CAP structure and aerodynamic design, which not only enhances smoothness with every keystroke but also minimizes resistance through strategically placed air release holes. This unique construction provides a distinct typing feel characterized as snappy, creamy, and polished, making it a joy for those who prioritize fluidity and stability. Both switches have their merits, offering compelling reasons to choose one over the other. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
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
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
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
Gold-plated 20mm spring
Housing materials
The Huano Acacia and the Gateron CAP Anniversary switches share a notable similarity in their top housing material, both constructed from polycarbonate. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The stiffness of the polycarbonate contributes to this clarity, making the sound more resonant and defined. A key aesthetic advantage of using polycarbonate is its translucency, which allows for effective RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the visual appeal of both switches. Because they utilize the same top housing material, users can expect a similar auditory experience when actuating or releasing keys within these switches, showcasing the nuanced resonance provided by polycarbonate.
Contrastingly, the bottom housings of both the Huano Acacia and Gateron CAP Anniversary switches are made from nylon, a material known for its softer characteristics. The nylon's ability to absorb sound leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile, which differs significantly from the upper range produced by the polycarbonate. This dichotomy between materials plays a critical role in defining the overall sound experience of the switches. When pressed, typists will distinctly feel the impact of the nylon bottom housing, as it cushions the sound produced during bottom-out events, resulting in a more rounded auditory experience compared to the crispness generated by the polycarbonate top.
In summary, the combination of polycarbonate as the top housing and nylon as the bottom housing in both the Huano Acacia and Gateron CAP Anniversary allows for a harmonious balance between clarity and fullness. While the top housing offers the sharpness and resonance important for the initial sound when a key is released, the nylon bottom mitigates and enhances the lower frequencies during key presses. Together, these materials complement one another to create a comprehensive typing experience; the duality results in switches that cater well to users seeking an engaging auditory feedback profile. Despite being different materials, the synergy between them allows both switches to deliver a consistently enjoyable typing experience to users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch, we observe notable differences that cater to varying preferences in typing experience. The Acacia switch features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, classifying it as medium-light. In contrast, the CAP Anniversary switch has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This difference in force means that users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions, such as in office settings or during long gaming marathons, might gravitate towards the Acacia switch for comfort. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial push feel, associated with a heavier switch, would likely prefer the Gateron CAP Anniversary switch for its more pronounced resistance. Overall, while both switches serve distinct preferences, the Acacia is the lighter option, making it more suitable for prolonged use, whereas the CAP Anniversary offers a firmer typing experience.
Travel distance
The Huano Acacia linear switch boasts a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Acacia a more responsive option, appealing to gamers and those who enjoy a quick key response. In contrast, the CAP Anniversary with its 4 mm travel distance provides a deeper feel, which some users may prefer for its hearty and satisfying feedback when pressed. Therefore, if you lean towards faster response times, the shorter travel distance of the Acacia is the better choice, whereas the CAP Anniversary may provide a more traditional typing experience with its longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CAP Anniversary has an MSRP of $4.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CAP Anniversary for $4.10.
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 relatively subdued acoustic profile, which makes it suitable for environments where noise might be an issue, such as shared workspaces or home offices. Its sound signature is minimalistic, allowing for focused typing without distracting others nearby. In contrast, the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch is designed to deliver a quieter operation, but its unique construction could result in a slightly more pronounced sound than some traditional linear switches. The combination of its aerodynamic stem and innovative damping features contributes to a smoother and lower pitch sound, allowing for discrete use while maintaining a refined auditory experience. However, it's important to remember that the final sound profile will also depend significantly on the PCB of the keyboard and the specific keycaps you choose.
In terms of feel, the Huano Acacia linear switch excels with its medium-light weight that strikes a versatile balance suitable for various typing styles. The generous factory lubrication ensures that keystrokes are smooth and enjoyable right away, minimizing stem wobble and enhancing the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron CAP Anniversary switch is characterized by its snappy responsiveness, creamy sensation, and polished finish. This results in an invigorating typing experience, marked by a sense of liveliness due to its dual-staged springs and smooth gliding motion. The sensation of typing on the CAP Anniversary switch feels like a smooth and buttery journey, ensuring that each keystroke is satisfying and stable, which is complemented by its innovative design.
In conclusion, both the Huano Acacia and Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switches offer unique strengths that cater to different preferences. The Acacia is ideal for those seeking a quiet and unintrusive switch with smooth performance right out of the box, while the CAP Anniversary appeals to users who desire a snappy and responsive feel combined with a buttery typing experience. Ultimately, both switches are excellent in their own right; choosing between them comes down to personal taste and typing style. Whether you prefer the stability and light operation of the Acacia or the innovative smoothness and liveliness of the CAP Anniversary, you’re set to enjoy a satisfying and pleasant typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you’re looking for a switch that offers a medium-light feel with a lower actuation force of 55 grams, the Acacia is an excellent choice. Its generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble allow for a satisfying typing experience right out of the box, making it particularly appealing for those who prioritize ease of use and smooth key travel. The Acacia's sound profile tends to be more subdued, contributing to a quieter typing environment. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier switch that provides a more tactile feedback experience, the Gateron CAP Anniversary is the way to go. With a bottom-out force of 65 grams, this switch features an innovative design that promotes agility and reduced air resistance, resulting in notably snappy and creamy keystrokes. It offers a polished feel, ensuring stability and smoothness with every press. The CAP Anniversary is perfect for enthusiasts who enjoy a more pronounced, responsive keystroke while maintaining a rich typing experience. In summary, selecting between these two switches hinges on whether you value a lighter touch or a more robust, tactile sensation.
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