Huano Acacia vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, both the Huano Acacia and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver offer unique advantages tailored to different user preferences. The Acacia switch is celebrated for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, creating a smooth and enjoyable typing experience right out of the box. In contrast, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches are crafted with gamers in mind, featuring a shorter travel distance of just 3.4mm that ensures rapid responsiveness for competitive play. The G Pro Silver is not only designed for performance but also enhances the visual appeal of your gaming setup with RGB lighting and a vibrant auditory experience from its medium-high pitch. While the Acacia is ideal for typists seeking a reliable and comfortable feel, the G Pro 3.0 Silver caters to gamers looking for speed and an immersive sound profile. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The Huano Acacia and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver utilize similar top housing materials, both being constructed from polycarbonate. This shared material leads to comparable acoustic properties, as polycarbonate is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This quality allows for a clearer and more resonant sound, making the typing experience feel lively and dynamic. In addition, the translucence of the polycarbonate material makes both switches particularly well-suited for RGB lighting applications, providing an aesthetic advantage that emphasizes the visual impact of backlighting. As such, users of both switches can expect a similar auditory experience when engaging with the top housing, enhancing the overall gaming or typing ambiance.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the two switches differ, with both the Huano Acacia and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver employing nylon for their respective bottom housings. Nylon, being a softer plastic, tends to absorb sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile during key presses. This material choice helps to produce a duller and rounder sound that contrasts distinctly with the crisper notes generated from the polycarbonate top. Consequently, while the top housing creates a bright tone upon release, the nylon bottom housing grounds this sound with a richer depth when the key is pressed down. This combination of materials influences the tactile feedback and auditory nuances during both key presses and releases.
Understanding the implications of the differing housing materials is essential for discerning the overall typing experience. While the Acacia and G Pro 3.0 Silver exhibit similarities in their top housings, the unique qualities of the nylon bottom significantly impact the sound and feel of typing. The stiffer polycarbonate top enhances the clarity and sonic resonance, while the softer nylon bottom adds depth and warmth to the auditory feedback. Therefore, users can appreciate a well-rounded sound experience that encapsulates both the crispness of the polycarbonate while also enjoying the mellower tones from the nylon. Ultimately, these variations contribute to a nuanced and engaging interaction, proving that even slight differences in housing materials can lead to distinct tactile experiences in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch, both display some similarities and differences that cater to various preferences. Both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of keystroke activation. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Huano Acacia has a slightly higher force of 55 grams compared to the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver's 50 grams. This distinction makes the G Pro 3.0 Silver a lighter switch overall, while the Acacia, with its heavier bottom out force, may provide a slightly more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Therefore, for users who prioritize lighter switches for extended typing sessions or gaming, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver would be the better choice, while the Huano Acacia may appeal more to those who appreciate the feedback of a heavier switch.
Travel distance
The Huano Acacia linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that if you prioritize a more responsive feel, the G Pro 3.0 Silver would be the better choice due to its shorter distance, making it favorable for gamers seeking quick reactions. On the other hand, the Acacia switch, with its longer travel distance, provides a deeper keypress that some users might find more satisfying, especially for typing. Ultimately, while both switches are closely matched in their travel distances, the Huano Acacia offers a slightly longer experience, catering more to those who prefer a robust tactile feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver has an MSRP of $3.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Silver for $3.27.
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 considering the sound profile of the Huano Acacia linear switch, it is characterized by a quiet operation, making it a suitable choice for environments where noise is a concern. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch stands out with its bassy, low-pitched, and thocky auditory experience, which adds a satisfying depth to each keystroke. This switch produces a deeper sound that resembles a soft thud when pressed, perfect for users who enjoy a richer auditory feedback. However, it's worth noting that the overall sound experience can vary depending on the keyboard construction and keycap materials used, so selecting a well-matched setup is crucial for both switches.
In terms of feel, the Huano Acacia linear switch offers a pleasing typing experience straight out of the box, attributed to its medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication, contributing to reduced stem wobble. The tactile feedback is smooth, which can enhance the overall typing experience. Conversely, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver provides a buttery and creamy sensation during use, allowing for an incredibly fluid keystroke experience. This switch's design ensures that every key press feels effortless, contributing to a comfortable and enjoyable typing or gaming session. The smoothness and uniformity in the feel of both switches make them appealing choices for those seeking quality performance.
In conclusion, both the Huano Acacia and Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switches present unique qualities that cater to different user preferences. The Acacia excels in providing a quiet and pleasant typing experience with reduced wobble and sufficient lubrication, while the G Pro 3.0 Silver emphasizes responsiveness and an exhilarating sound profile, ideal for gamers seeking quick feedback. Ultimately, both switches offer excellent performance in their own right; the choice between them should be guided by one’s sound and feel preferences, as well as specific usage scenarios.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch comes down to your specific needs and preferences in typing and gaming experiences. If you prefer a balanced typing experience with a medium-light actuation force and enjoy a deeper, thocky sound profile, the Acacia switch is an excellent option. Its renowned factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble also make it a solid choice for both typists and casual gamers who appreciate a smoother keystroke with a richer auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you're primarily focused on enhancing your gaming performance, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switches might be the better fit. With their lighter actuation force, shorter travel distance, and buttery-smooth feel, these switches are engineered for rapid responsiveness, offering a clear advantage in fast-paced gaming situations. Their vibrant RGB capabilities and low-pitched, bassy sound also contribute to an immersive gaming setup. Ultimately, your decision should align with your usage—whether that be enjoying a satisfying typing experience or gaining that competitive edge in gaming.
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