Huano Acacia vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 White
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, both the Huano Acacia and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White offer unique experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The Huano Acacia is celebrated for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, all of which contribute to an exceptionally smooth typing experience straight out of the box. This makes it an excellent choice for typists who value a balanced feel without the need for extensive customization. In contrast, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White is renowned for its budget-friendly status within the G Pro series, providing an ultra-light actuation force of just 38g. This feature not only ensures effortless keystrokes but also enhances the auditory feedback with its medium-high pitch, making it an attractive option for those who seek a more responsive and whimsical typing experience. Both switches offer strong advantages, depending on your typing style and requirements. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
20mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Huano Acacia and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switches present many similarities, particularly with their top housing, both composed of polycarbonate. This material is known for its stiffness, resulting in a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile that is characterized as crisp and clear. The translucency of polycarbonate further enhances its appeal for RGB lighting setups, as it allows light to pass through effectively, producing vibrant illumination. Therefore, users can expect a visually appealing effect with both switches, as well as a similar auditory experience due to the polycarbonate composition.
However, the differences lie within the bottom housings of the two switches. Both the Acacia and the G Pro 3.0 White utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which impacts the typing experience distinctly. Nylon, being a softer plastic, tends to absorb sound better than harder materials, leading to a fuller and deeper sound profile when typing. This quality contributes to a muted bottom-out sound that contrasts with the sharper top-end of the polycarbonate top, facilitating a pleasing balance. Users who appreciate a softer auditory feedback while typing may find this commonality beneficial in both switches, allowing them to enjoy a nuanced sound characteristic that melds the best of both materials.
Ultimately, while both the Huano Acacia and Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switches feature matching top housing materials that provide a similar aesthetic and sound clarity, their bottom housing composition leads to an overall engaging typing experience. Each switch's dual-material design seamlessly combines the crispness of polycarbonate with the richness of nylon, ensuring that while the top housing contributes to the high-pitched resonance, the bottom housing enriches the experience with a more rounded, deeper tone. Thus, users of either switch can expect a satisfying combination of qualities that elevate their typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces highlight their distinct characteristics. The Huano Acacia has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, classified as medium-light, while the G Pro 3.0 White is lighter, featuring an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This makes the G Pro 3.0 White more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch, allowing for prolonged typing or gaming sessions with less finger fatigue. In contrast, the Huano Acacia, with its heavier force requirements, provides a more substantial push feel, appealing to users seeking a firmer tactile experience. Ultimately, if one prefers lighter switches for ease of use, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White would be the better choice, while the Huano Acacia caters to those who appreciate a stronger actuation.
Travel distance
The Huano Acacia linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switch features a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Acacia switch offers a shorter travel distance compared to the G Pro 3.0 White switch, which adheres more closely to the traditional 4.0 mm distance. For gamers who favor a quicker response time, the Acacia may be the better choice due to its shorter distance, potentially allowing for faster key presses. Conversely, the G Pro 3.0 White's longer travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback and deeper keystrokes while typing or gaming, as it prevents the experience from feeling too abrupt. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal preference for either responsiveness or key depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White 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 White 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 comparing the sound profiles of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch, there is a notable distinction. The Acacia's sound characteristics aren't specified, leaving its auditory feedback open to interpretation based on other factors like the keyboard environment and keycap choice. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 White produces a medium-high pitch sound, described as clacky, offering a sharp and snappy auditory sensation upon keystrokes. While it can also adapt to various settings as a neutral or subdued option, the clearer articulation gives it a more distinct presence when typing.
In terms of the typing feel, the Acacia linear switch excels with its medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication, contributing to an excellent typing experience that feels smooth and effortless right from the start. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White is designed for delicate typists, boasting an extremely light actuation force of only 38g, which ensures the keys activate with minimal effort. The G Pro White switch is characterized by its creamy, feathery, and silky feel, promoting a gentle resistance that reduces finger fatigue during prolonged use, making it ideal for both gaming and typing tasks.
Ultimately, both switches cater to those seeking a pleasant typing experience, albeit with different qualities. The Huano Acacia's smooth and well-lubricated feel makes it a solid choice for users looking for a straightforward, quality typing experience, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White stands out for its effortlessly light actuation and distinct auditory feedback. Depending on your preferences, if you're drawn to a more pronounced sound and an exceptionally light press, the G Pro might serve you better, whereas the Acacia offers reliability and comfort straight from the box. Regardless of choice, each provides a unique approach to mechanical keyboard satisfaction, ensuring you won't go wrong with either switch type.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you appreciate a medium-light key feel that combines generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, then the Acacia may be the ideal choice for you, especially if you are seeking a satisfying typing experience right out of the box without the need for additional modifications. Its slightly heavier bottom-out force of 55 grams offers a tactile response that can be appealing for typists who prefer a bit more feedback with their keypresses. On the other hand, if you prioritize a super light touch for effortless typing, particularly for extended sessions, the G Pro 3.0 White is a fantastic option thanks to its light actuation force of 38 grams. This switch excels for those who enjoy a creamy, smooth typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue, while also providing clacky auditory feedback that many find satisfying. Moreover, the G Pro White's frosted light diffuser offers enhanced RGB lighting, making it a great fit for gaming setups or aesthetic builds. In essence, consider the Acacia if you lean towards a more traditional and robust feel, or the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White if you value light movement and a crisp auditory character; both switches deliver distinct experiences tailored to different types of users.
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