Huano Acacia vs. TTC Gold Red
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the TTC Gold Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Acacia and TTC Gold Red provide two compelling options for typists and gamers alike, both featuring a linear design catered to a smooth keystroke experience. The Huano Acacia is celebrated for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, delivering an excellent typing experience right out of the box. Its straightforward and reliable performance makes it ideal for those who prioritize comfort and ease of use. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red switches shine with their light-medium resistance, offering a buttery smooth typing experience that is enhanced by a subtle snappy sound profile. This blend creates a slightly more engaging interaction without overwhelming the user, appealing to those who desire a touch of personality in their typing. Each switch presents unique advantages: the Acacia for its effortless, hassle-free typing, and the Gold Red for its smoothness and muted feedback. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Huano Acacia and TTC Gold Red switches share a similar design philosophy when it comes to their top housing material, both utilizing polycarbonate. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, which is particularly beneficial for those who enjoy the clarity in their typing experience. The stiffness of polycarbonate allows for a more resonant sound, contributing to an overall enhanced auditory feedback. Additionally, both switches benefit aesthetically from polycarbonate’s translucency, making them ideal for RGB lighting setups. While the technical specifications of the two switches are unchanged, either would yield comparable acoustic properties, allowing enthusiasts to achieve a consistent sound signature in their keyboard builds.
In contrast, the bottom housing of the Huano Acacia and TTC Gold Red switches diverges in material, as they both employ nylon, known for its capacity to produce a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon effectively absorbs sound, creating a rounder and more muted acoustic experience compared to polycarbonate. Thus, while the tops of these switches offer crisp clarity, the nylon bottoms introduce warmth into the overall sound profile. This combination of materials plays a vital role in achieving a balanced auditory output; users may experience the distinct contrast between the sharper tones provided by the polycarbonate top and the softer characteristics of the nylon bottom when typing.
Ultimately, the differing top and bottom housing materials in the Huano Acacia and TTC Gold Red switches illustrate how individual components can work together to create a nuanced keyboard experience. The polycarbonate top enhances the switch's clarity on key release, while the nylon bottom contributes depth and fullness when the keys bottom out. Collectively, these materials result in a rich auditory experience that showcases the benefits of combining different plastics in switch design. Whether through the natural compatibility of polycarbonate in the top housing or the classic properties of nylon in the bottom, users can appreciate the balance of sound profiles found in both switches, each offering its unique auditory journey while maintaining a fundamentally similar acoustic quality.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch, the actuation and bottom out forces reveal key differences in their feel and intended use. The Acacia switch features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is categorized as medium-light. In contrast, the Gold Red switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a softer touch. This means that typists and gamers looking for a less strenuous experience will likely find the TTC Gold Red more appealing due to its lower force requirements. Ultimately, the Acacia is heavier than the Gold Red in both actuation and bottom out forces, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, whereas the Gold Red caters to users seeking a lighter option that can facilitate prolonged sessions without fatigue.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch, a clear distinction emerges: the Acacia features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gold Red has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Gold Red offers a longer key travel experience, which may appeal to users who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke and the satisfaction of deeper feedback. In contrast, the Acacia's shorter travel distance may be preferred by gamers or those who favor quicker response times, as it allows for faster actuation. Thus, if you prioritize a swift, responsive feel in your typing or gaming, the Acacia is the better choice, while the Gold Red caters to those who appreciate a more substantial depth in their keystrokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red for $3.28.
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 has not been explicitly described, leaving its auditory qualities largely unknown. However, the TTC Gold Red linear switch is characterized by a thocky sound profile that produces a deep, satisfying tone when pressed. This low-pitched sound has a mellow, bass-heavy quality that provides a modest personality to your typing experience without becoming intrusive. The neutral sound signature of the Gold Red makes them versatile for various environments, suitable for both casual and professional settings.
When it comes to feel, the Acacia linear switch also lacks specific descriptive qualities, leaving this aspect relatively ambiguous. In contrast, the TTC Gold Red linear switch excels with its mild, silky feel that delivers a gentle typing experience. The subtle resistance provides an approachable feel for users of all experience levels. Moreover, the polished nature of the Gold Red enhances its smoothness, allowing for minimal friction during key presses and a refined typing experience. With its well-balanced characteristics, it ensures that users enjoy a comfortable and consistent feel throughout their typing sessions.
In conclusion, while the Huano Acacia switches may offer some benefits in terms of smooth operation and light actuation, detailed information is lacking in both the sound and feel departments. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red linear switch stands out with its thocky sound and exceptional silky feel, making it an accessible choice for various users. If you're looking for auditory satisfaction and a polished typing experience, the TTC Gold Red may be your best bet; however, if your focus is primarily on the fundamental typing experience, either switch can deliver reasonable results depending on how they align with your personal preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch will largely depend on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a medium-light actuation force that provides a satisfying typing experience straight out of the box, accompanied by generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, the Acacia would be an excellent choice for you. It offers a balanced feel for both casual typing and gaming, making it ideal if you appreciate a bit of resistance without overwhelming your fingers. On the other hand, if you're inclined towards a lighter switch that emphasizes a silky smooth feel and a subtle sound profile, the TTC Gold Red may be the better fit. Its 50-gram bottom-out force allows for a gentle yet refined typing experience, and its thocky and low-pitched sound appeals to those who enjoy a more resonant auditory feedback without being too loud. Ultimately, consider your typing style, the environments in which you'll be using the switch, and the tactile experience you seek when making your decision.
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