Huano Acacia vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect linear mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Acacia and Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black offer distinct experiences that cater to varying preferences. The Acacia is celebrated for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, which together provide an exceptionally smooth typing experience right out of the box, making it an excellent choice for typists who prioritize comfort and ease of use. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Black stands out as the heaviest switch in the G Pro series, boasting a 60g actuation and 70g bottom-out force for those who appreciate a more substantial feel while typing. Its medium-high pitch auditory feedback creates a more pronounced sound profile, enhancing the overall tactile experience, while the frosted light diffuser works wonders in amplifying vibrant RGB effects. Ultimately, both switches have their unique appeal—whether you lean towards the effortless smoothness of the Acacia or the robust feedback of the G Pro 3.0 Black. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Huano Acacia Linear

Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black Linear

$3.39 per 10

$2.80

$2.77 per 10

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Housing materials

The Huano Acacia and Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black switches both utilize distinct materials for their housing that significantly influence their acoustic profiles. The Acacia employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is noted for delivering a sharper and crisper sound due to its stiffer properties. When coupled with its nylon bottom housing, the overall result is a hybrid sound profile that blends a higher-pitched top note with a warmer, deeper undertone. This effectively creates a unique auditory experience that marries resonance with richness, particularly advantageous for users who appreciate the subtle intricacies of sound while typing. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Black utilizes a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, resulting in a pointed, high-pitched sound that doesn’t reach the same sharpness, instead offering a clacky appeal. Coupled with a POM bottom housing, which tends to generate a more muted and deep sound, the G Pro 3.0 achieves a notably distinct acoustic signature, showcasing a balance between clarity and depth.

Fundamentally, both switches highlight the importance of their housing materials in defining the overall typing experience. While the top housing of the Huano Acacia focuses on clarity with its polycarbonate construction, the G Pro 3.0 Black’s INK blend also aims for a higher pitch, albeit less piercing. The distinctions become more pronounced when considering their respective bottom housings; the Acacia's nylon absorbs sound, resulting in a rounder, fuller typing experience, in contrast to the G Pro 3.0 Black's POM, which downplays the resonance in favor of a smoother and surprisingly deep tone. This suggests that while both switches perform admirably, their sound profiles differ due to the harder characteristics of polycarbonate versus the softer nylon and POM materials, leading to unique tactile sensations beneath the fingertips.

Ultimately, while the Huano Acacia and Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black both aim to deliver pleasing auditory feedback, they approach this goal through different material combinations. Users seeking a more resonant and layered experience may gravitate toward the Acacia with its polycarbonate and nylon pairing, while those who prefer a clacky, deep sound profile may find the G Pro 3.0 Black to be more appealing. However, should the top and bottom housings be swapped, both switches could potentially yield similar results in characterizing sound, with the deeper base enhancing the typist’s experience while allowing the sharper notes to resonate at release. This interplay of materials underscores how fundamental housing choices are in crafting an engaging typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch, notable differences emerge in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Acacia features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a more accessible option for extended typing sessions or gameplay, as it requires less effort to actuate. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Black requires a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial pushing sensation and feedback when typing. Ultimately, if one prefers a lighter touch for prolonged use, the Acacia would be more suitable, while those seeking a firmer resistance might opt for the G Pro 3.0 Black, given its heavier specifications.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Huano Acacia linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Huano Acacia switch the shorter option, offering a more responsive feel, which can be beneficial for gamers looking for quicker response times. Conversely, the G Pro 3.0 Black, with its longer 4 mm travel distance, provides a more substantial depth, potentially appealing to users who prefer a deeper, less abrupt keystroke. Overall, if one desires a switch that feels more immediate and snappy, the Acacia would be the better choice, whereas those who appreciate a more traditional and hearty typing experience might lean towards the G Pro 3.0 Black.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Huano Acacia linear switch is not defined here but generally offers a smooth auditory profile. In contrast, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black presents a more nuanced soundscape. It combines two distinct auditory characteristics: a clacky quality, which is sharp and bright, and a subdued element that contributes to a dampened sound signature. This means that while the Acacia may provide a more streamlined auditory experience, the G Pro 3.0 Black's range allows for versatility, making them potentially suited for different environments depending on a user's preference for sound.

In terms of feel, the Acacia linear switch is noted for its medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication, which facilitates a pleasant typing experience right from the start. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Black provides a more robust typing experience, being the heaviest in the G Pro series with a 60g actuation and 70g bottom-out force. Its creamy and silky sensations enable smooth keystrokes, making it an enticing option for users who love a satisfying tactile journey while typing. The Acacia, while lighter, could still provide a satisfying feel, but the G Pro 3.0 Black distinctly caters to those who value a more substantial feedback during their typing sessions.

In summary, while both the Huano Acacia and Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switches offer unique qualities, the G Pro 3.0 Black stands out with its heavier actuation force and more pronounced sound characteristics. The Acacia leans towards a lightweight and smoother experience, whereas the G Pro 3.0 Black presents an appealing balance of weight and a broader auditory profile. Depending on individual preferences, one could choose either switch for an enjoyable mechanical keyboard experience, as they both promise satisfying results in their own right.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the Huano Acacia and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switches, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter touch with a medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams, the Acacia is an ideal choice for you. Its generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble enhance your typing experience from the get-go, making it a great option if you want a smooth and effortless keystroke, especially in environments where noise matters, as they produce a more subdued sound profile. On the other hand, if you favor a heavier and more substantial feel, the G Pro 3.0 Black, with its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 70 grams, would be more suitable. This switch provides a creamy and silky typing experience thanks to its construction and design, while also delivering a clackier auditory feedback, making it an engaging choice for those who enjoy a tactile and dynamic typing atmosphere. Ultimately, choose the Acacia for comfort and smoothness or the G Pro 3.0 Black for a more tactile and robust typing experience; you can’t go wrong with either switch depending on your needs.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Acacia Linear

$3.39 per 10

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Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black Linear

$2.80

$2.77 per 10

Learn more