Huano Acacia vs. Gateron CM
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Gateron CM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, choosing the right switch can drastically affect your typing experience and overall satisfaction. The Huano Acacia and Gateron CM are both linear switches that cater to specific preferences among typists and gamers alike. The Acacia is well-regarded for its medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication, providing a smooth and enjoyable typing experience with minimal stem wobble straight out of the box. Its balanced feel makes it an excellent choice for users seeking reliability without an overwhelming tactile feedback. Conversely, the Gateron CM distinguishes itself with its full nylon housing, creating a deeper sound profile that not only enhances acoustics but also provides an impressively smooth and responsive typing sensation, bolstered by its lengthened, dual-staged spring. This switch embodies a more "bouncy" characteristic and a richer auditory experience, making it a favorite among those who appreciate satisfying sound and tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
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
Dual-staged 20mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Huano Acacia and Gateron CM switches exhibit distinct characteristics in their housing materials that significantly influence the sound and feel of each switch. The Acacia features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and translucency. This material produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for users who prefer a more resonant typing experience. Polycarbonate's clarity also enhances RGB lighting effects, as the light can pass through the top housing, adding an aesthetic quality to keyboards equipped with this switch. In contrast, the Gateron CM employs a nylon top housing that is softer and absorbs more sound, yielding a deeper and fuller sound profile. The differences in sound signature between the two switches highlight the impact that housing materials can have on the overall typing experience.
Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, providing a consistent element in their sound characteristics. The nylon material is recognized for its sound-absorbing properties, contributing to a duller and rounder sound profile regardless of the switch type. This shared quality suggests that, when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel, both the Huano Acacia and Gateron CM would deliver a similar typing experience, characterized by depth and fullness. Despite the differing top housings, the nylon bottoms enable a baseline of consistency in sound absorption, ensuring that both switches maintain a comparable bottom feel.
This difference in top housing materials means that users will experience unique typing characteristics when engaging with either the Huano Acacia or Gateron CM switches, particularly during the act of releasing a key. The sharper sound from the Acacia's polycarbonate top will contrast with the more muted releases from the CM's nylon top. However, since both utilize nylon for the bottom housing, the bottom-out experiences will harmonize across the two switches. Therefore, the selection between these switches should consider the importance of auditory feedback during both keypresses and releases, depending on user preferences for a brighter or more subdued typing experience. Ultimately, users who prioritize RGB effects and a pronounced click will gravitate towards the Acacia, while those seeking a more rounded resonance will find the Gateron CM appealing.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron CM linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces that cater to varying preferences among users. The Acacia switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming, as it requires less effort to press down. In contrast, the Gateron CM switch features a medium-heavy actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some users may prefer for a firmer typing experience. Thus, while the Acacia is the lighter switch ideal for those who prioritize comfort during long usage, the Gateron CM is the heavier option designed for users who enjoy a pronounced tactile feedback from their keyboards. The difference in actuation and bottom out forces indicates that the switches will yield different tactile experiences and may influence user preference based on their typing style and endurance needs.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Huano Acacia linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Gateron CM linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that if you're looking for a more responsive feel, the Acacia switch would be the better choice, given its shorter travel distance. This can result in quicker actuations, which is often preferred by gamers. On the other hand, the Gateron CM switch, with its greater depth, may provide a more satisfying, hearty experience for those who appreciate a bit more travel in their keystrokes. Ultimately, while both switches are relatively close in travel distance, the Acacia is shorter, leading to a more abrupt response, whereas the CM offers a more traditional feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CM has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CM for $4.25.
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 relatively understated compared to the Gateron CM switch. While the Acacia's acoustic qualities are not explicitly detailed, it is likely to be more mild and less pronounced in comparison to the CM's distinctly bassy, thocky, and low-pitched sound profile. The CM's full nylon housing enhances its sound signature, contributing to a deeper and more resonant auditory experience during key presses. This rich depth is complemented by the thocky characteristic, which produces a satisfying thud that adds to its overall appeal, making the CM a choice for enthusiasts seeking auditory satisfaction in their typing experience.
When evaluating feel, the Acacia switch is characterized by its medium-light weight, which suggests a level of ease in actuation, but the specific tactile sensations are not provided. In contrast, the Gateron CM switch excels in its tactile smoothness, described with terms like buttery, polished, and creamy. This indicates an exceptionally smooth keystroke experience, largely attributed to impeccable factory lubrication and materials used in its construction. Users can expect a gliding sensation as their fingers effortlessly navigate across the keys, enhancing both comfort and responsiveness with minimal friction – a significant advantage for extended typing sessions or gaming.
Overall, both switches offer appealing features, although they cater to somewhat different preferences. The Huano Acacia is more suited for users who appreciate a lighter touch and uncomplicated typing experience, while the Gateron CM provides an engaging auditory and tactile journey, thanks to its unique sound profile and buttery smoothness. If you're looking for a more pronounced auditory feedback, the Gateron CM will deliver a richer acoustic experience, while the Acacia will still provide a pleasant typing experience, likely with less emphasis on sound. Choosing between them ultimately comes down to whether you prioritize sound or silky smooth feel in your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron CM linear switch, consider your typing preferences and usage needs. If you prefer a lighter touch and are looking for a switch that provides an excellent typing experience right out of the box, the Acacia would be the better choice. Its medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, combined with generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, allows you to type with ease and comfort—ideal for long typing sessions or casual use. Conversely, if you enjoy a firmer keystroke and appreciate a richer sound profile, you might gravitate towards the Gateron CM. With a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, these switches deliver a bouncy, satisfying typing experience, and their nylon housing produces a deep, thocky sound that can elevate the auditory pleasure of your keyboard interactions. Ultimately, choose the Acacia for a smooth, effortless ride or the Gateron CM for a more tactile, resonant keyboard experience.
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