Huano Acacia vs. HMX FJ400
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the HMX FJ400 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Acacia and HMX FJ400 both present compelling options for enthusiasts looking for linear switches. The Acacia is celebrated for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, which contribute to an exceptional typing experience straight out of the box, making it an ideal choice for gamers or typists who prioritize smoothness and comfort. On the other hand, the HMX FJ400 sits comfortably in the middle of the HMX Film switch lineup, providing a balanced sound profile that appeals to users seeking a subtle yet satisfying auditory feedback while typing. Both switches serve distinct preferences, with the Acacia emphasizing smooth action and ease of use, while the FJ400 offers a harmonious blend of sound and feel. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
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 FJ400, a notable contrast emerges in their top housing compositions. The Acacia utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This stiffness in polycarbonate allows it to produce clearer resonances, especially advantageous for setups that incorporate RGB lighting, given the material's translucency. In contrast, the FJ400 features a top housing made of POM, which leads to a deeper and relatively muted sound. While polycarbonate emphasizes clarity and brightness, POM provides a unique acoustic experience more suited to users who appreciate a rounder and mellow tone.
When examining the bottom housing, both the Acacia and FJ400 utilize nylon, a choice that yields a fuller and deeper sound. As a classic switch housing material, nylon inherently possesses sound-absorbing qualities that contribute to a more muted and rounded auditory experience. Even though the FJ400’s top housing results in a deeper sound profile than that of the Acacia, both switches boast nylon as their bottom housing, reinforcing the fuller sound characteristic typically associated with this material. Therefore, both switches present not only similar qualities in the bottom housing but also underscore the role of nylon in shaping the acoustic properties of the switches.
In terms of overall sound experience, the variations in top housing materials create distinct sound profiles when typing or using the switches. Users engaging with the Acacia will notice a brighter, crisper sound upon key release due to the polycarbonate top, while those who type on the FJ400 will enjoy a more muted and subdued auditory feedback. However, the presence of nylon in both bottom housings ensures that regardless of the differences in top housing, the listening experience will benefit from deeper, more resonant tones. Thus, while contrasts in material composition do yield varying sounds, the shared characteristics of the nylon bottom housing allow both switches to deliver rich and fuller auditory results, making them appealing to different user preferences.
Weight
The Huano Acacia linear switch and the HMX FJ400 linear switch exhibit some differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, highlighting their unique characteristics. The Acacia features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the FJ400's 50 grams, which will appeal to users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, making it suitable for extended periods of use. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Acacia is 55 grams, while the FJ400 has a slightly higher bottom out force of 58 grams. These differences suggest that the Acacia provides a medium-light feel, whereas the FJ400 leans towards a medium feel, making it a better choice for users who favor a more substantial push sensation. Overall, the Acacia's lighter forces could offer a more comfortable experience for long typing sessions, while the FJ400 might attract those who enjoy a firmer key press.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the HMX FJ400 linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Acacia has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the FJ400 measures 3.8 mm. This makes the Acacia the shorter option, appealing to those who prefer quicker responsiveness in their keystrokes, which can be advantageous for gamers seeking faster reaction times. On the other hand, the FJ400, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial feel, catering to users who enjoy a deeper and more tactile typing experience. While shorter travel distances are becoming more popular, particularly among gamers, users who appreciate a hearty depth may lean towards the FJ400 for its longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX FJ400 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the FJ400 for $3.29.
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 characterized by a smooth and relatively quiet operation, making it ideal for quieter environments or for users who prefer a more subdued auditory experience while typing. Its generous factory lubrication contributes to reduced friction, resulting in a softer sound profile with minimal noise during keystrokes. On the other hand, the HMX FJ400 linear switch offers a balanced sound profile, striking a harmonious median between keystroke noise and silence. While it is still on the quieter side, its sound may have a slightly different resonance compared to the more muted Acacia, depending on factors like the chosen board and keycap materials, which can amplify or dampen the sound further.
When analyzing the feel of these switches, the Huano Acacia linear switch is noted for its medium-light weight and smooth actuation, which, combined with minimal stem wobble, creates a very stable typing experience. Users often find it both comfortable for long typing sessions and responsive for gaming. The FJ400, being positioned as a middle ground in the HMX Film switch series, is designed to deliver a balanced tactile experience that appeals to a wide range of typists and gamers. While it might offer a slightly different tactile sensation compared to the Acacia, both switches provide a satisfying feel and are conducive to both precision and comfort during extended use.
In conclusion, both the Huano Acacia and HMX FJ400 linear switches deliver excellent qualities suited for various typing preferences. The Acacia excels with its smooth sound and minimal wobble, ensuring a pleasant and stable typing feel, while the FJ400 offers a balanced sound experience along with a satisfying tactile feedback. Ultimately, although they exhibit some differences, users can expect a premium typing experience from both switches, allowing them to choose based on sound preferences or feel without any significant compromise on performance.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the HMX FJ400 linear switch, your choice should align with your specific preferences and typing habits. If you prefer a switch with a lighter actuation force and excellent out-of-the-box performance, the Acacia is an ideal choice. Its thoughtful design, which includes generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, ensures a smooth and enjoyable typing experience, making it particularly appealing for those who type for long periods or prefer subtle tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more balanced sound profile and slightly firmer actuation, the FJ400 is well-suited for your needs. With its medium bottom out force, it offers a satisfying resistance that can help enhance precision in both typing and gaming scenarios. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize a lightweight and smooth experience with the Acacia or a more robust and balanced feel with the FJ400.
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