Huano Acacia vs. HMX EMO
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the HMX EMO switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often hinges on the specific typing experience each switch offers. The Huano Acacia is celebrated for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, delivering a balanced and enjoyable typing experience right from the get-go. This makes the Acacia an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable switch that enhances productivity without compromising comfort. In contrast, the HMX EMO switch stands out for its feather-light 46g bottom-out force, providing a lively and clacky feel that many typists find exhilarating. Exceptionally factory-lubed, the EMO offers a bouncy, effortless typing experience that combines satisfaction with smoothness, appealing particularly to gamers and fast typists. Both switches have their unique advantages, catering to different preferences, but as you consider your options, it’s important to evaluate what specific characteristics matter most to you. 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
40g
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
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Acacia and the HMX EMO switches, one notable similarity is the use of polycarbonate for the top housing in both switches. This commonality results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile characteristic of polycarbonate, which is known for its stiffness. The translucency of the polycarbonate material also serves a dual purpose, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switches while facilitating the use of RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect a consistent auditory signature from the top of both switches, making them equally adept for RGB lighting setups, which adds a visually pleasing element to the overall keyboard experience.
On the other hand, both the Huano Acacia and HMX EMO utilize nylon for their bottom housings, providing a contrast to the polycarbonate tops. Nylon is recognized for its softer properties, which absorb sound more effectively than harder materials. Consequently, the bottom housing contributes a deeper and fuller sound profile, effectively rounding out the auditory experience of the switches. As both the Acacia and EMO employ this nylon composition for the lower section, users will find that the bottom-out sound feels more robust and rich across both switches, enhancing the tactile typing experience.
The key distinction between the two switches lies not in the materials themselves, but in how these materials interact to shape the overall sound and feel of each switch. In both cases, the polycarbonate top augmenting the sound's clarity pairs with the nylon bottom, which delivers depth and warmth. While the top housing affects the sound produced when releasing a key, the bottom housing significantly influences the sound and feel upon bottoming out. Therefore, whether a user is engaging with the Huano Acacia or the HMX EMO, they can expect an intertwined harmony of sound profiles that come from the careful selection and pairing of these two housing materials. The result is a unified typing experience, characterized by both precision and warmth across the board.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch and the HMX EMO linear switch, notable differences emerge in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Acacia switch features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light in feel. Conversely, the EMO switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a softer touch. This means that the EMO switch is overall lighter than the Acacia, which might benefit those who type for extended periods or engage in lengthy gaming sessions without fatigue. Additionally, users who favor a stronger tactile response may lean towards the slightly heavier Acacia switch, which provides that more substantial typing experience with its greater actuation and bottom out forces. Thus, while both switches serve distinct preferences, the Acacia offers a firmer feel compared to the lighter, softer EMO switch.
Travel distance
The Huano Acacia linear switch and the HMX EMO linear switch both have an identical travel distance of 3.5 mm, meaning that users will experience the same keystroke depth when pressing either switch. As a result, both switches will provide similar tactile feedback and actuation response, enhancing the typing experience for users who prefer a consistent feel across their keyboard. Since neither switch has a shorter or longer travel distance, they will behave similarly in terms of travel, creating a uniformity that some users may find appealing when choosing between these two options.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX EMO has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the EMO for $2.79.
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 is relatively quiet, providing a subdued typing experience that emphasizes performance over auditory feedback, making it suitable for both office environments and quiet settings. Meanwhile, the HMX EMO switch has a more pronounced sound, characterized by a lively, clacky resonance that adds an engaging auditory element to typing. Both sound profiles can vary depending on the board and keycap choices, but the EMO tends to be more audible, appealing to those who enjoy a bit of acoustic feedback with their keystrokes.
Regarding feel, the Acacia switch features a medium-light weight that offers a satisfying and responsive experience without requiring significant effort. Its generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble enhance the consistency and smoothness of the keystrokes. On the other hand, the HMX EMO switch boasts an even lighter 46g bottom-out force, translating to a playful and bouncy typing sensation. Its exceptional factory lubrication further contributes to a remarkably smooth feel, making typing feel effortless and enjoyable.
In conclusion, both the Huano Acacia and HMX EMO linear switches provide distinct typing experiences tailored to different preferences. The Acacia is ideal for those who seek a more muted sound profile coupled with a balanced feel, while the EMO appeals to those who prefer a more pronounced auditory experience and an incredibly light touch. Ultimately, whether you choose the Acacia or the EMO, you'll find that both switches offer a delightful typing experience, with each catering to different aspects of user preference.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the HMX EMO linear switch ultimately depends on your preferences and typing style. If you favor a medium-light switch that provides a solid yet pleasant typing experience, the Acacia is your go-to option. Its 55-gram bottom-out force, combined with generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, makes it ideal for users who appreciate a balance between feedback and comfort, allowing for extended typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter feel and a more lively typing experience, the HMX EMO switch is the better choice. With its feather-light 46-gram bottom-out force, this switch offers a bouncy, satisfying sensation that is perfect for rapid typing and can keep up with your fast-paced gaming needs. Additionally, its exceptional factory lubrication enhances smoothness, making it a delight for those who enjoy a quick, effortless keystroke. Ultimately, consider your typing habits and the kind of response you desire from your keyboard to make the best choice for your setup.
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