Huano Acacia vs. HMX EVA
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the HMX EVA switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Acacia and the HMX EVA offer compelling options for linear switch enthusiasts, each with their unique characteristics. The Huano Acacia stands out for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, providing an exceptional typing experience straight out of the box; it's perfect for users looking for a smooth and responsive feel during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the HMX EVA is inspired by the iconic colors of Evangelion Unit-01, making it not only a visually appealing choice but also one that boasts a resonant sound signature paired with a silky smooth typing sensation, appealing to users who appreciate aesthetics along with performance. Both switches offer a delightful linear typing experience, but they cater to distinctly different preferences and styles. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
48g
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
T2
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-stage spring
Housing materials
The Huano Acacia and HMX EVA switches utilize distinct materials for their top housings, yielding different sound profiles that can significantly alter the typing experience. The Acacia is crafted with a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and translucent qualities. This structure contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is crisp and resonant. When integrated with RGB lighting, the polycarbonate's translucency enhances the visual aesthetics of the switch, allowing light to pass through effectively. In contrast, the EVA employs a nylon top housing, renowned for its softer characteristics. The choice of nylon leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile that results from its ability to absorb sound, creating a duller and more rounded auditory experience. The diverging properties of these two plastics highlight the design philosophies behind each switch.
On the other hand, both the Huano Acacia and HMX EVA feature nylon for their bottom housings, which provides a point of similarity between the two switches. This shared material contributes uniformly to the deeper and fuller sound profile during typing, as both switches exhibit the acoustic dampening properties of nylon. The nylon's impact on sound absorption enhances the overall auditory experience when bottoming out on each switch. While the top housing plays a crucial role in defining the sound when releasing keys, the nylon bottom helps in shaping a comfortable and muted feel, thereby fostering a cohesive typing experience across both switches' designs.
In summary, the differences in the top housing materials of the Huano Acacia and HMX EVA fundamentally influence the auditory characteristics of each switch, resulting in contrasting sound profiles. The Acacia's polycarbonate top delivers a crisper sound, while the EVA's nylon top embraces a softer tone. However, the consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches aligns their performance during use, ensuring a fuller sound experience when key presses are bottomed out. Ultimately, each switch delivers unique auditory qualities, yet they also present a harmonious balance through their shared nylon composition in the bottom housing, allowing users to enjoy distinct yet complementary characteristics in their typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch to the HMX EVA linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Acacia requires an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the EVA switch features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a lower bottom out force of 48 grams, making it distinctly lighter overall. This difference in forces contributes to varying user experiences; while the Acacia offers a more substantial tactile feel, potentially appealing to individuals who prefer a heavier switch for a satisfying typing experience, the EVA provides a more effortless keystroke ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming, where a lighter touch can reduce fatigue. Overall, for users focused on lightweight functionality, the HMX EVA is the better choice, whereas those desiring a firmer feel might lean towards the Huano Acacia.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the HMX EVA linear switch, the Acacia offers a distance of 3.5 mm, while the EVA has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This 0.1 mm difference positions the Acacia as the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times and a more responsive feel. Conversely, the EVA's longer travel distance may be preferred by those who favor a more substantial depth and tactile experience when pressing down on a key. Overall, if you value rapid input, the Acacia’s shorter travel is advantageous, while the EVA provides a bit more depth for users who appreciate a fuller keypress.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX EVA has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the EVA for $2.99.
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 known for its relatively quiet operation, which suits users looking for a minimalistic auditory experience while typing. The switch’s factory lubrication contributes to a smooth and soft sound profile, allowing for a subdued yet pleasant acoustic feedback that is ideal for both office and home environments. On the other hand, the HMX EVA linear switch offers a resonant sound signature, providing a more engaging auditory performance. The EVA’s sound is notably richer, delivering a nice balance between the tactile feedback and audio presence, which can make typing feel more immersive, especially when paired with the visual aesthetics inspired by Evangelion Unit-01.
When it comes to feel, the Huano Acacia linear switch provides a typing experience characterized by its medium-light weight, making it easy to actuate with a comfortable typing action. The generous factory lubrication minimizes stem wobble, resulting in a smooth and stable keypress that enhances the overall feel when typing. In contrast, the HMX EVA linear switch is designed to offer a silky smooth typing feel, which emphasizes fluid motion without any resistance. This feature is particularly appealing for users who prefer an exceptionally smooth experience while typing and gaming, allowing their fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys.
Considering all the available information, both the Huano Acacia and HMX EVA linear switches deliver commendable qualities suited to different preferences. The Acacia’s quieter sound and stable feel cater to users wanting a serene typing environment, while the EVA’s resonant sound and silky action appeal to those who seek an immersive and engaging typing experience. Although they diverge in auditory and tactile characteristics, both switches promise improved performance straight out of the box, making either choice a pleasing upgrade for newcomers to the world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the HMX EVA linear switch, it's essential to consider your personal typing preferences and intended use. If you prefer a switch with a slightly firmer feel and appreciate a typing experience that is smooth right out of the box, the Acacia is a solid choice with its medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams. Its generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble contribute to a consistent and pleasant typing experience, making it an excellent option for general typing and gaming alike, where a bit more feedback can enhance your performance. On the other hand, if you lean towards lighter switches and are drawn to unique sound profiles, the HMX EVA may be the better fit for you. With a bottom-out force of just 48 grams, the EVA offers an effortlessly smooth keypress, perfect for prolonged typing sessions or casual gaming, while its resonant sound signature adds an engaging auditory element that can make your typing experience even more enjoyable. Consider your comfort level with switch stiffness, your auditory preferences, and how you plan to use your keyboard to make the best choice for your needs.
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