Huano Acacia vs. TTC Gold Brown Pro
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the TTC Gold Brown Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the differences between the Huano Acacia and the TTC Gold Brown Pro highlight the diverse needs and preferences of typists. The Huano Acacia, a linear switch, is celebrated for its medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication, which contribute to an exceptional typing experience straight out of the box. Its smooth keystrokes with minimal stem wobble make it an excellent choice for users who prioritize fluidity and speed in their typing. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown Pro, a tactile switch, is designed for those who prefer a more nuanced feel with its subtle tactile bump. This switch offers a unique balance of feedback and quiet operation, making it ideal for immersive typing sessions where a softer touch is essential. While the Acacia enhances speed and smoothness, the Gold Brown Pro caters to typists seeking understated, tactile engagement without the distraction of loud clicks. 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
N/A
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
NPI
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
18mm spring
Housing materials
The Huano Acacia and TTC Gold Brown Pro both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which significantly influences their acoustic performance. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This similarity in material choice ensures that both switches will deliver a clear and resonant sound when pressed. Moreover, their translucent nature makes them ideal for showcasing RGB lighting, adding an additional aesthetic dimension for users who desire a visually striking keyboard setup. Consequently, the use of polycarbonate in both switch designs enhances not only their auditory qualities but also their visual appeal, providing users with a cohesive experience.
In contrast, the bottom housing of both switches is crafted from nylon, which brings a different set of acoustic properties to the overall sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that tends to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This means that when typing on either switch, the bottom-out sound will have a more rounded and subdued quality due to the natural dampening effects of the nylon. This design choice highlights how switching materials can influence the tactile and auditory aspects of keyboard use, providing a contrast between the sharper top housing and the muted bottom housing.
Ultimately, while the Huano Acacia and TTC Gold Brown Pro share similarities in their top housing, their combined material choices offer a balanced sound profile that is richer in depth and clarity. The polycarbonate top contributes to the crispness of the sound when keys are released, while the nylon bottom enhances the experience with its fuller sound upon bottoming out. This partitioning of sound characteristics between the two materials allows users to enjoy a harmoniously crafted auditory experience, regardless of which switch they choose. Thus, whether opting for the Acacia or the Gold Brown Pro, users can expect a thoughtfully engineered switching experience grounded in the properties of their respective housing materials.
Weight
The Huano Acacia linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch exhibit similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally moderate in effort to initiate a keystroke, which should be appealing to those who desire a comfortable typing experience over extended periods. However, the Acacia switch has a bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a firmer feel when pressing down fully, while the bottom out force for the Gold Brown Pro is unknown, leaving some uncertainty regarding its bottoming out experience. Given that the Acacia switch features a higher bottom out force, it is slightly heavier in terms of overall feel compared to the Gold Brown Pro switch. Consequently, users who prefer a lighter switch for long typing or gaming sessions may find the two equal in actuation but may notice a disparity in bottoming out, depending on how the Gold Brown Pro feels upon full depression.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch, the Acacia features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gold Brown Pro has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Acacia provides a quicker response time due to its shorter distance, making it potentially more suitable for gamers who favor faster keystrokes. On the other hand, the Gold Brown Pro, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to users who appreciate a more pronounced tactile experience with a bit more depth. Therefore, for those seeking rapid actuation, the Acacia is the better choice, while the Gold Brown Pro caters to preferences for a more substantial feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown Pro for $2.90.
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 TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch, the Acacia’s sound characteristics are not specifically described but can generally be assumed to offer a smoother, quieter experience typical of linear switches, which often prioritize a muted profile compared to their tactile or clicky counterparts. In contrast, the TTC Gold Brown Pro is celebrated for its thocky, low-pitched, and neutral sound signature. The thocky nature contributes to a deep, satisfying sound that is less intrusive than that of more pronounced tactile switches. With its subtlety, the Gold Brown Pro allows users to type without disruptive noise, making it well-suited for environments where concentration is key.
Regarding tactile feel, the Acacia is also not elaborated upon in the provided details, yet linear switches usually provide a consistently smooth feel without the interruptions of tactile feedback. The TTC Gold Brown Pro, however, offers a range of enjoyable tactile sensations, characterized as polished, silky, and mildly stepped. The polished and silky descriptions suggest a high level of refinement and smoothness, allowing for an effortless keypress experience. The mildness of the tactile feedback ensures that users don’t feel overwhelmed by each keystroke, while the subtle yet noticeable bump provides just enough guidance without being distracting.
In summary, while the Huano Acacia linear switch likely excels in a smooth, quieter typing experience, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch distinguishes itself with its rich sound and gentle tactile feedback. If you prefer a more muted and smooth typing experience, the Acacia might be your choice. However, if you lean towards a touch of tactile feedback along with subdued yet satisfying sound, the TTC Gold Brown Pro would be ideal. Both switches offer valuable attributes but cater to slightly different preferences, allowing newcomers to make an informed decision based on their typing habits and environment.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you’re a typist who enjoys a smooth and fluid experience with minimal interruption, the Acacia switch might be the perfect fit for you. With its medium-light bottom-out force, generous factory lubrication, and excellent consistency right out of the box, it promises a pleasant typing feel that is great for both casual and prolonged use. This switch is especially useful in environments where you want a quieter operation without sacrificing performance. Conversely, if you prefer a more tactile feedback in your keystrokes and appreciate the subtlety in your typing experience, the TTC Gold Brown Pro is an ideal choice. Its gentle tactile bump allows for a thoughtful immersion in your tasks while maintaining a subdued sound profile, making it suitable for both office and home setups. Thus, evaluating these aspects will empower you to make an informed decision that aligns with your typing style, whether you lean towards a smooth linear feel or the gentle feedback of a tactile switch.
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