Huano Acacia vs. KTT Cream Yellow
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the KTT Cream Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, preferences can vary greatly between users, and two popular options that often come up in discussion are the Huano Acacia and the KTT Cream Yellow. The Acacia, a linear switch, is renowned for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, all contributing to an excellent typing experience right out of the box. Its smooth operation is perfect for those seeking efficiency without distraction. On the other hand, the KTT Cream Yellow switch stands out with its distinctively clacky sound, a trait that many enthusiasts cherish. This switch features a shortened bottom-out distance and a long-pole stem, which not only enhances the sound but also creates a uniquely bouncy typing feel due to its lengthened spring. While the Acacia is geared towards users who value a smooth and steady typing experience, the Cream Yellow appeals to those who enjoy auditory feedback and a lively bounce. 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
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Acacia and the KTT Cream Yellow switches, it is noteworthy that both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This shared material brings several advantages, including a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that enhances the crispness of keystrokes. Polycarbonate, being a relatively stiffer plastic, plays a crucial role in producing a clear and resonant sound, making it an excellent choice for enthusiasts who prioritize audio feedback in their keyboard experience. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate not only augments the aesthetic appeal of the switches but also effectively accommodates RGB lighting, allowing for vibrant illumination and visual effects.
In contrast, both switches employ nylon for their bottom housings. This decision results in a deeper, fuller sound profile, attributed to nylon’s softer nature. The material’s ability to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics contributes to a duller and rounder audio character, fulfilling a different auditory preference compared to the bright sound facilitated by the top housing. This nuanced combination of materials means that while the top housing provides clarity and brightness, the bottom housing enriches the overall acoustics, leading to a balanced and pleasant typing experience.
Ultimately, the unique blend of polycarbonate and nylon in both the Huano Acacia and KTT Cream Yellow switches allows them to produce complementary sound characteristics. The polycarbonate top enhances clarity and allows for vibrant RGB effects, while the nylon bottom enriches the auditory output with depth and warmth. When utilized together, these materials harmonize to create a dynamic typing experience where each aspect of the sound profile—both the crispness when a key is released and the fullness upon bottoming out—contributes to an enjoyable and immersive keyboard feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the KTT Cream Yellow 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, which may appeal to users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Cream Yellow switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, placing it in the medium range. This increased resistance offers a more substantial typing experience favored by those who enjoy a stronger push feel. Ultimately, while both switches provide satisfactory performance, the Huano Acacia is the lighter option, making it suitable for prolonged use, whereas the KTT Cream Yellow is heavier, catering to individuals who prefer a firmer keystroke sensation.
Travel distance
The Huano Acacia linear switch and the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch both feature an identical travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that users of either switch will experience the same keypress depth when pressing down on a key, leading to a consistent tactile feedback and activation point across both switch types. As a result, whether one chooses the Acacia or the Cream Yellow, the feeling and response during typing or gaming will be similar, providing a uniform experience in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Cream Yellow has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cream Yellow for $2.55.
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 is reputed for its smooth, muted audio profile, providing a serene typing experience that allows for extended use without annoying auditory feedback. In contrast, the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch is known for its distinctly clacky sound, characterized by a sharp and snappy auditory response. The Cream Yellow's shorter bottom-out distance and long-pole stem contribute to a crisp and bright sound that stands out, making it well-suited for those who enjoy a more resonant keyboard experience. It's important to note that the overall sound can also be influenced by the choice of board and keycaps used in conjunction with these switches.
Regarding feel, the Huano Acacia offers a medium-light weight that facilitates a comfortable typing experience right out of the box, aided by generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble. This results in a smooth and consistent keystroke, making it suitable for users who prefer a straightforward, cushion-like touch. On the other hand, the KTT Cream Yellow switch delivers a uniquely bouncy feel, attributed to its lengthened spring and design that encourages a lively rebound upon key presses. This springy characteristic enhances typing engagement, catering to users who appreciate a dynamic and responsive sensation while typing.
In conclusion, while both the Huano Acacia and KTT Cream Yellow linear switches offer distinct experiences, they cater to different preferences. The Acacia's quieter, smooth nature makes it an excellent choice for those valuing a serene environment, while the Cream Yellow's clacky sound and bouncy feel appeal to users looking for an entertaining and engaging typing experience. Choosing between these two would largely depend on whether you prioritize a more subdued audio profile or the lively feedback and resonance of a clacky switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch will largely depend on your specific preferences for typing experience and sound. If you prefer a switch that offers a medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams, providing comfort and ease during long typing sessions, the Acacia is an excellent option. Its factory lubrication means you can enjoy a smooth feel right out of the box, coupled with minimal stem wobble for added stability. This makes it ideal for those who prioritize a consistent and effortless typing experience without the need for extensive modifications. On the other hand, if you're drawn to a lively and engaging typing experience, the KTT Cream Yellow might be the way to go. With its slightly heavier 58-gram actuation force and a distinctly clacky sound profile, you'll find that this switch delivers both auditory feedback and a bouncy feel that can make your typing more dynamic and enjoyable. Ultimately, choosing either switch boils down to whether you value a smooth, quiet operation or a more pronounced, resonant response in your mechanical keyboard.
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