Huano Acacia vs. Gateron Glory Yellow
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Gateron Glory Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Acacia and Gateron Glory Yellow each offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Acacia switch is celebrated for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize a smooth and responsive typing experience straight out of the box. Conversely, the Gateron Glory Yellow, known as the heavier option in the Glory lineup, delivers a satisfying keystroke with a pleasing travel distance, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial feel while typing. While the Acacia provides a lightweight touch for faster keystrokes, the Glory Yellow's heft serves those who prefer a stronger tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that's right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Acacia and Gateron Glory Yellow switches, distinct differences can be noted, particularly in their top housings. The Huano Acacia features a polycarbonate top housing, which is well-regarded for its ability to provide a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is largely due to polycarbonate's stiffer composition, enhancing sound resonance and clarity. Additionally, its translucency allows for vibrant RGB lighting to shine through, making it an attractive option for gamers and keyboard enthusiasts who appreciate aesthetic customization. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Yellow opts for a nylon top housing, which significantly alters the auditory characteristics. The naturally softer nylon material absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile that feels more muted. This difference in material leads to a diverging user experience, emphasizing either clarity or warmth in acoustic feedback.
On the other hand, both the Huano Acacia and Gateron Glory Yellow utilize nylon for their bottom housings, presenting an interesting convergence in this comparison. The use of nylon in the bottom housing across both switches contributes to a similar acoustic signature, offering that signature deeper, fuller sound that enthusiasts expect from this material. Nylon's sound-absorbing qualities ensure that the bottom-out sound remains rounder and less harsh, allowing for a more pleasant tactile experience regardless of the type of switch being used. Therefore, while the top housings diverge in their auditory characteristics, the shared nylon material in the bottoms creates a commonality that softens the overall sound profile during typing.
Ultimately, the combination of different top housing materials and identical bottom housings creates a distinct sound dynamic in each switch. The Huano Acacia's polycarbonate top housing boosts clarity, particularly evident during the release phase of a key press, allowing RGB lighting to accentuate its aesthetics. Conversely, the Gateron Glory Yellow's nylon top housing offers a rounder and deeper auditory experience, enriching the tactile feedback when pressing down a key. Collectively, the interaction between the two housing materials influences the feel and sound each switch produces, reflecting the unique characteristics of their design while still achieving an element of sound continuity through the nylon bottom housing. For users seeking similar results, pairing these switches with compatible keyboard setups or adjusting usage styles can create an enjoyable typing experience, regardless of the material differences at play.
Weight
The Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch differ in their actuation forces, with the Acacia having a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the 50 grams of the Glory Yellow. This makes the Acacia more appealing for users who prefer a lighter touch, allowing for longer typing sessions and less fatigue during gaming or work. However, the Gateron Glory Yellow’s actuation force offers a more substantial push feel, catering to those who appreciate a firmer response in their typing experience. Regarding the bottom out forces, the Acacia features a measurable bottom out force of 55 grams, which provides additional feedback when the switch is fully pressed down. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Glory Yellow is unknown, leaving its full key press experience unclear. Overall, while the Acacia is the lighter option, the Glory Yellow leans towards a heavier typing experience due to its higher actuation force, making a definitive choice between the two dependent on personal preference.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch, the Acacia switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Glory Yellow switch has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This indicates that the Acacia is the shorter option, offering a more responsive feel that is often favored by gamers for quicker key presses. In contrast, the Glory Yellow, with its longer travel distance, provides a more pronounced depth, which some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Therefore, if you seek swift responsiveness, the Huano Acacia would be the suitable choice, while those who appreciate a deeper keystroke might opt for the Gateron Glory Yellow.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Glory Yellow has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Yellow for $4.19.
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 producing a relatively quiet and subdued acoustic profile, making it an excellent choice for environments where noise is a concern. This quality is enhanced by its generous factory lubrication, which helps to minimize any unwanted sound during keystrokes. On the other hand, the Gateron Glory Yellow switch is similarly quiet, producing a smooth sound that complements its linear action. However, the overall auditory experience will ultimately depend on the keyboard build and keycap materials used, which can influence the resonance and acoustics further.
When discussing the feel of each switch, the Huano Acacia stands out with its medium-light weight and smooth keystroke, providing a comfortable typing experience right out of the box. The minimal stem wobble further enhances the overall stability, allowing for a reliable and enjoyable feel during use. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Yellow is designed with a slightly heavier actuation force, which some users may prefer for a more deliberate typing experience. Its smooth travel distance is also a significant highlight, appealing to those who enjoy a bit more resistance while typing.
Overall, both the Huano Acacia and Gateron Glory Yellow linear switches offer distinct advantages that cater to different user preferences. The Acacia is ideal for those seeking a lightweight, smooth, and quiet typing experience with minimal effort, while the Glory Yellow provides a touch more heft and smoothness for users who prefer a more substantial feel. Ultimately, either choice will deliver high-quality performance, but your preference for sound and feel will guide your ultimate selection.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch, your choice should be guided by your specific typing preferences and the experience you seek. If you prefer a medium-light switch that feels well-lubricated with minimal stem wobble for an enjoyable typing experience right out of the box, the Acacia would be an excellent choice. It is particularly suitable for those who type extensively or enjoy a tactile feedback that comes with a moderate resistance, making it ideal for office work or casual gaming. On the other hand, if you lean towards a heavier switch that offers a smooth keystroke with a pleasing travel distance, the Glory Yellow is worth considering. It's designed for those who prefer a bit more heft in their keystrokes, which can enhance the sense of control during fast-paced gaming or intense typing sessions. Ultimately, your decision will rest on how these factors align with your comfort, typing style, and the overall experience you wish to achieve with your mechanical keyboard.