Huano Acacia vs. TTC Gold Silver
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the TTC Gold Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Huano Acacia and the TTC Gold Silver can significantly impact your typing experience. The Huano Acacia switches are celebrated for their medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, all of which contribute to a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience right from the moment you use them. In contrast, the TTC Gold Silver switches are designed for those who prioritize rapid responsiveness, featuring shortened travel distances that allow for quick and decisive keystrokes. The solid bottom-out feel not only offers a satisfying tactile feedback but is also complemented by a smooth travel experience and a resonant sound signature, essential for users who appreciate a harmonious blend of speed and sound in their typing. Each switch has its own unique attributes that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 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 Silver both exhibit an impressive use of polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a similar sound profile. Polycarbonate is known for its rigidity, contributing to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound characteristic. This is especially beneficial for those who appreciate the clarity and resonance offered by such materials. Moreover, both switches feature translucent top housings, making them great candidates for RGB lighting applications. This shared quality in the top housing of both switches allows for a uniform aesthetic appeal and a bright, vibrant display when illuminated, presenting an advantage for customization in mechanical keyboards.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the Huano Acacia and TTC Gold Silver switches are both constructed from nylon. This classic switch housing material significantly alters the auditory experience by producing a deeper, fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound better, resulting in a more muted and rounded sound when typing. Therefore, while the polycarbonate top housing enhances clarity and brightness, the nylon bottom housing serves to enrich the overall sound experience, creating a balanced auditory output that appeals to a variety of users. This interplay between stiffer and softer materials illustrates a thoughtful approach to sound design in both switches.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in both the Huano Acacia and TTC Gold Silver switches allows them to deliver similar yet distinct auditory experiences. The polycarbonate top housing contributes to the clarity and brightness when releasing a key, while the nylon bottom housing governs the sound and feel during the key bottoming out. Users can expect a coherent sound profile overall, as the differing materials work together to produce a well-rounded tactile experience. Whether opting for the Acacia or the Gold Silver, one can anticipate an engaging and satisfying keyboard experience, given the shared benefits of polycarbonate and nylon in these mechanical switches.
Weight
The Huano Acacia linear switch and the TTC Gold Silver linear switch both share an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally suited for users who prefer a lighter typing experience, ideal for prolonged use during work or long gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force for the Acacia is 55 grams, providing a slightly more substantial feel when the switch is fully depressed. In contrast, the TTC Gold Silver does not have a specified bottom out force available for comparison, which leaves a gap in our understanding of its performance in this regard. Given the differences in bottom out force, users who prefer a more robust tactile feedback may lean towards the heavier Acacia switch, while those who desire a lighter overall experience might find the similar actuation force of both switches appealing.
Travel distance
The travel distance for both the Huano Acacia linear switch and the TTC Gold Silver linear switch is 3.5 mm, meaning that users can expect a similar tactile experience when pressing down on the keys. Since both switches share the same travel distance, it indicates that they will provide equivalent results in terms of how far the key must be pressed for activation. As a result, typists and gamers alike can enjoy a consistent feel between these two switch options, without any concern over differing travel distances affecting their performance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Silver 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 Silver 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
In terms of sound, the Huano Acacia switch offers a relatively neutral profile, making it versatile for various environments, whether at home or in an office setting. Its sound doesn't stand out significantly, which can be a plus for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Silver switch boasts a thocky sound, characterized by a deep, rich tone that delivers a satisfying auditory feedback with each keystroke. This low-pitched resonance results in a more pronounced acoustic experience, potentially appealing to users who enjoy a more dynamic sound signature when typing.
When it comes to feel, the Acacia switch is celebrated for its medium-light weight and minimal stem wobble, providing an agreeable typing experience straight out of the box. The factory lubrication further enhances the smoothness of each press. In contrast, the Gold Silver switch excels in providing a polished and silky typing experience, with design features that minimize friction and resistance. It offers a gentle typing sensation characterized by subtle resistance, making it approachable and comfortable for users of varying skill levels. The smooth travel from press to bottom-out is a standout feature that contributes to its overall pleasurable feel.
In conclusion, both switches offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Huano Acacia prioritizes a neutral sound and stable feel, making it suitable for a broad audience, while the TTC Gold Silver stands out with its resonant thocky sound and exceptionally smooth action, appealing to those who value rapid responsiveness in their typing. Ultimately, if your preference leans toward a quieter and balanced typing experience, the Acacia may be your choice. However, if you seek a more dynamic auditory experience paired with seamless keystrokes, the Gold Silver will deliver that with its unique characteristics. Regardless of which switch you choose, both will offer enjoyable typing experiences rooted in their innate qualities.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the TTC Gold Silver linear switch, your preferences and typing environment will greatly influence your decision. If you appreciate a medium-light typing experience that offers an excellent out-of-the-box feel due to its generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, the Acacia is the ideal choice for you. Its subtle sound profile makes it suitable for shared spaces or quiet environments, ensuring you won't disturb others while typing. On the other hand, if you prioritize rapid responsiveness in a switch, the TTC Gold Silver is designed for those who favor speed and decisiveness with each keystroke. Its silky smoothness and polished action provide a fluid typing experience, complemented by a thocky and low-pitched sound signature that can be satisfying to type on—perfect for those who enjoy a more tactile auditory feedback. Ultimately, your choice will come down to whether you value a smooth and gentle typing feel or a more precise, tactile experience.