Huano Acacia vs. Gateron CJ
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Gateron CJ switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Acacia and the Gateron CJ stand out as two impressive linear options that cater to different preferences. The Acacia is celebrated for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, offering an exceptional typing experience right out of the box. Its smooth and balanced feel makes it ideal for users seeking a straightforward yet satisfying response while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Gateron CJ presents a unique twist on the linear switch formula, delivering higher-pitched clacks and an exceptionally smooth push feel that provides a tactile surprise. Whether you prefer the Acacia's user-friendly design or the CJ's distinctive auditory feedback, both switches provide enjoyable experiences tailored to different typing styles. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Huano Acacia and Gateron CJ differ notably in their top housing materials, which significantly influences their respective sound profiles. The Acacia utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound due to the material's inherent stiffness. This quality not only enhances the clarity of the auditory feedback but also allows for a more pronounced resonance. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal choice for switches that utilize RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through effectively, enhancing the aesthetic experience. In contrast, the CJ features Gateron's proprietary INK blend for its top housing, characterized by a similarly elevated pitch that is not as harsh. While both top housings yield high-pitched sound profiles, the CJ’s blend aims for a satisfying clack that is perceived as less piercing compared to the sharper sound of the Acacia.
When examining the bottom housing materials, the differences become even more prominent between the two switches. The Acacia employs nylon for the bottom housing, a classic material that tends to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This contrasts with the Gateron CJ's POM bottom housing, which is noted for creating a muted, pleasing sound profile that leans towards deeper tones. The combination of the softer nylon in the Acacia and the POM in the CJ introduces distinct characteristics in the bottom-out feel and sound. In essence, while both switches have high-pitched top housings, the bottom housings contribute divergent qualities that influence the overall tactile and auditory experience upon actuation.
Ultimately, despite their differences, both the Huano Acacia and Gateron CJ offer unique sound profiles that can appeal to various preferences among keyboard enthusiasts. While the top and bottom housing materials differ, the overall experience is shaped by both contributions; the sharper sound from the Acacia’s polycarbonate and the muted deeper sound from the CJ's POM work in tandem to create a distinct auditory identity for each switch. Users who appreciate a more pronounced cut in sound may opt for the Acacia, while those leaning towards a more balanced and deep profile may find satisfaction in the CJ. However, the way the materials interact emphasizes that while their approaches differ, both switches can provide satisfying results that cater to a broad spectrum of auditory preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron CJ linear switch, notable differences emerge. 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 Gateron CJ requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, placing it in the medium range. This indicates that the Acacia switch is the lighter of the two, making it more suitable for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, ideal for extensive work or gaming sessions. Conversely, the Gateron CJ, being heavier, appeals to those who enjoy a more substantial push feel when typing, which can enhance the tactile experience for some users. Overall, if similar actuation and bottom out forces were present, one could expect comparable performance in typing experience; however, in this case, the differences highlight distinct preferences catered to different user needs.
Travel distance
The Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron CJ linear switch differ in their travel distances, with the Acacia measuring 3.5 mm and the CJ at 4 mm. This makes the Acacia the shorter option, offering a more responsive feel that may appeal to gamers seeking quicker actuation. In contrast, the Gateron CJ, with its longer travel distance, provides a more substantial keypress experience, which some users may prefer for a deeper tactile feedback while typing. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences; those who prioritize speed and responsiveness may gravitate towards the Acacia, while others who appreciate a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes might favor the CJ.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CJ has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CJ for $5.35.
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 pleasant acoustic profile characterized by its medium-light weight and minimal stem wobble, leading to a typing experience that tends to be smoother and more muted in nature. This subtle sound signature allows for focused typing without unnecessary distractions, making it well-suited for both work and casual use. In contrast, the Gateron CJ linear switch showcases a more varied sound profile, including chirpy characteristics that introduce a unique higher-pitched clack when typing. Its sound can be both neutral and low-pitched, presenting a deeper thocky note that creates a satisfying auditory feedback. The distinct acoustic properties of the CJ add an engaging layer to the typing experience that sets it apart from more conventional switches.
In terms of feel, the Huano Acacia switch stands out thanks to its generous factory lubrication and balanced resistance, which ensures a smooth actuation with minimal wobble. This combination provides a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience, ideal for long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Gateron CJ linear switch has a mild feel, offering a more approachable and gentle typing experience compared to others with more pronounced tactile feedback. This comforting touch allows the CJ to be versatile across various typing styles, catering well to both newcomers who prefer a less aggressive feel and those who enjoy a more relaxed typing session.
Overall, both the Huano Acacia and Gateron CJ switches bring their unique qualities to the table. While the Acacia leans toward a smooth and muted sound with an excellent feel straight out of the box, the CJ offers a chirpy and thocky sound experience paired with a mild, approachable touch. Depending on your preferences, you might find that the distinct sonic and tactile characteristics of each switch cater to different typing environments, whether at work or during leisure. Ultimately, your choice will reflect the experience you wish to create, and both switches deliver their own enticing qualities that can enhance your mechanical keyboard journey.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron CJ linear switch, your decision should hinge on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-light actuation force combined with excellent factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, then the Acacia is likely your best bet. Its smooth feel right out of the box makes it an excellent choice for prolonged typing sessions, especially if you value comfort and reduced finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you're intrigued by a higher-pitched sound profile coupled with a unique and smooth typing experience, the Gateron CJ might be more suited to your needs. With its medium actuation force and chirpy, thocky acoustics, the CJ offers a delightful auditory experience that can enhance your typing enjoyment, making it ideal for those who appreciate a more engaging and distinct response from their keyboard. Ultimately, your selection between these two switches should reflect your priorities in terms of sound, feel, and overall experience.
Mentioned in this article
