Huano Acacia vs. HMX Cheese
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the HMX Cheese switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Acacia and HMX Cheese are two intriguing options that appeal to different preferences among typists and gamers alike. The Acacia switch is celebrated for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, which provide a superb typing experience right from the first keystroke. For those who prefer a reliable and consistent feel, the Acacia stands out thanks to its user-friendly design. On the other hand, the HMX Cheese switch is known for its unparalleled smoothness, delivering a typing experience that is both clacky and crispy. Its ultra-light weight places it in a class of its own, making it ideal for users who seek rapid, effortless key presses. While both switches share the linear switch category and aim to provide a satisfying typing experience, the Acacia is geared towards a more balanced and stable performance, whereas the Cheese focuses on deliverability and engaging sound dynamics. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
46g
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
Ly
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
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Huano Acacia and HMX Cheese switches utilize different materials for their top housings, which significantly influences their sound profiles. The Acacia features a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its rigidity and translucent nature. This choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound that's easily resonant, particularly when paired with RGB lighting—a feature many users appreciate for aesthetic purposes. In contrast, the Cheese employs a nylon top housing, a classic choice in the keyboard community known for providing a fuller, deeper sound profile. The nylon's softer composition tends to absorb sound rather than reflect it, leading to a more subdued auditory experience. These fundamental differences in top housing materials demonstrate distinctive auditory outcomes when using each switch.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Acacia and Cheese use nylon, introducing a level of consistency that influences their overall auditory experiences. The shared use of nylon in the bottom housing for both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile as it adeptly absorbs sound vibrations. This character is crucial in defining the tactile feel and bottom-out sound, which is experienced when the keys are pressed fully down. Thus, despite the contrasting top housing materials, the dual use of nylon in the bottom housing can create a harmonizing effect—ensuring a more rounded sound signature across both switch types.
In examining the interaction between the top and bottom housings during use, we can see how each component contributes to the overall typing experience. With the Acacia's polycarbonate top providing a clear sound on release, it creates a noticeable contrast when compared to the Cheese's nylon top, which offers a more muted sound upon key release. However, the bottom housing’s nylon material in both switches ensures that the foundational auditory qualities remain consistent, bringing a deeper sound when the key is pressed down. Therefore, the combination of different top materials alongside similar bottom materials results in unique yet cohesive auditory profiles, showcasing the importance of housing materials in mechanical switch design.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch and the HMX Cheese linear switch, notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces emerge that cater to varying user preferences. The Acacia has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light option. In contrast, the Cheese features a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, positioning it as a more lightweight choice. Users who favor a lighter switch, such as the HMX Cheese, may find it more comfortable for extended typing sessions due to the lower required force, whereas those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Huano Acacia with its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Overall, while both switches offer good alternatives for different preferences, the Acacia is the heavier option, whereas the Cheese is the lighter switch.
Travel distance
Both the Huano Acacia linear switch and the HMX Cheese linear switch have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which means they provide the same distance feel when pressed down. Because their travel distances are identical, users can expect similar results in terms of keypress responsiveness and actuation. This equivalency in travel distance allows for a consistent typing experience, making both switches appealing options for those who prioritize smooth and linear keystrokes. Since neither switch has a shorter or longer travel distance, both can be equally favored based on this metric alone.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cheese has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cheese for $3.79.
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 tends to provide a quiet experience, emphasizing a smooth actuation without any added noise or chatter, which makes it suitable for quieter environments or for those who prefer a more subtle auditory feedback. In contrast, the HMX Cheese linear switch delivers a distinctively clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature that is both engaging and satisfying, making it an enjoyable choice for users who appreciate a more pronounced acoustic feedback during typing. This key difference in auditory character means that while the Acacia offers a more subdued sound profile, the Cheese caters to those who enjoy the sound of their keystrokes, potentially enhancing the overall typing experience.
When examining the feel of each switch, the Acacia is characterized by its medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication, which leads to a smooth and responsive typing experience with minimal stem wobble. This allows for consistent keypresses without the distraction of friction or instability. The HMX Cheese switch, on the other hand, is ultra-light and lauded for its unparalleled smoothness, providing an exceptionally effortless typing experience. Users will find that while the Acacia offers a refined and well-rounded feel, the Cheese switch may feel even more fluid and easy to press, catering to those who favor a lighter touch with their typing.
Ultimately, both the Huano Acacia and HMX Cheese linear switches excel in their own right, catering to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts. The Acacia offers a quieter, refined typing experience that shines in work or study environments, while the Cheese provides an exhilarating sound and ultra-light feel ideal for those who revel in a more expressive typing experience. Depending on your personal preference for sound and feel, you may find satisfaction in either switch, as both provide a quality experience that highlights their unique characteristics, allowing you to tailor your keyboard setup to match your needs.
Conclusion
In summary, your choice between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the HMX Cheese linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a balanced actuation force with a feeling of control, the Acacia, with its medium-light 55 grams bottom-out force, will likely serve you well, especially given its generous factory lubrication and low stem wobble, providing a smooth and satisfying typing experience. This makes the Acacia a great choice for those who type frequently and require precision without feeling fatigued. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and a more playful typing experience, the HMX Cheese with its 46 grams bottom-out force is perfect for you. These switches not only offer unparalleled smoothness but also deliver an intriguing clacky and poppy sound that can enhance the joy of typing. The Cheese is especially suitable if you're looking for rapid keystrokes or engaging in gaming where speed is key. Therefore, consider what you prioritize most in your typing or gaming experience—comfort and control with the Acacia or lightness and auditory feedback with the Cheese—before making your final decision.
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