Huano Acacia vs. HMX Gravel
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the HMX Gravel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right linear switch for a mechanical keyboard, the Huano Acacia and HMX Gravel both stand out as exceptional options but cater to slightly different preferences. The Acacia switch is renowned for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, ensuring an outstanding typing experience right out of the box. In contrast, the HMX Gravel offers exceptional smoothness and a refined typing feel, with a medium-light actuation force leaning towards the lighter side, providing a more responsive and effortless typing experience. While both switches deliver satisfying performance, the Acacia is ideal for users seeking a robust typing experience with excellent build quality, while the Gravel appeals to enthusiasts who prioritize smoothness and responsiveness. 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
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Acacia and the HMX Gravel, it becomes immediately apparent that both switches utilize identical materials for their housings. Both the Acacia and the Gravel feature a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to polycarbonate's relatively stiffer construction. This material not only contributes to a clear and resonant sound but also enhances the aesthetic appeal of the switches, particularly when illuminated with RGB lighting. The translucency of polycarbonate allows for vibrant lighting effects, making both the Acacia and Gravel visually striking in a keyboard setup.
On the other hand, the bottom housing of both the Acacia and the Gravel is made from nylon, a classic switch housing material that distinguishes itself through its softer texture. This results in a deeper, fuller sound profile when typing. As nylon tends to absorb sound more than harder plastics, it lends a duller and rounder auditory experience, which creates a captivating contrast to the sharper top housing made of polycarbonate. This combination means that while users will enjoy the crisp clarity of the top housing during key releases, they will experience a more muted and substantial sound upon key presses thanks to the nylon bottom housing.
In essence, both the Huano Acacia and HMX Gravel exhibit an intentional blend of materials that results in a balanced auditory experience. The polycarbonate top housing coexists with the nylon bottom housing, effectively merging the sharpness and clarity from the top with the warmth and fullness from the bottom. Users of either switch can expect a harmonious interaction of sound qualities, as the characteristics of both materials play a crucial role in defining the overall typing experience. Given that both switches utilize the same materials, they are likely to produce similar sonic qualities, effectively blending the unique strengths of polycarbonate and nylon to create a distinctive yet cohesive feel with every keystroke.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch to the HMX Gravel linear switch, both switches feature the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning they require the same amount of force to register a keystroke. However, their bottom-out forces differ slightly; the Acacia has a bottom-out force of 55 grams, while the Gravel is lighter at 50 grams. This makes the Gravel switch a better choice for those who prefer a lighter feel and may type or game for extended periods without fatigue. Conversely, the heavier bottom-out force of the Acacia can provide a more substantial typing experience for users who favor a firmer keystroke feel. In summary, while both switches have an identical actuation force, the Gravel is the lighter option overall with a lower bottom-out force, suited for those seeking ease during long typing sessions.
Travel distance
The Huano Acacia linear switch and the HMX Gravel linear switch both share the same travel distance of 3.5 mm, meaning that when you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you will experience an identical tactile journey from the top to the bottom. This equal travel distance suggests that users will achieve similar results in terms of keypress feel and responsiveness, making both switches a viable option for those seeking a consistent linear typing experience. Since both switches have the same travel distance, neither can be considered shorter or longer; instead, they provide uniformity in key travel for users.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Gravel has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gravel for $2.99.
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
The Acacia linear switch is known for its pleasant, subdued sound profile, making it a great choice for those seeking a quieter typing experience. The generous factory lubrication contributes to a softer sound upon actuation, ensuring that each keystroke feels smooth without excessive clacking. On the other hand, the Gravel linear switch is designed with sound in mind as well, offering a refined acoustic signature that resonates well with enthusiasts who appreciate a more pronounced yet still relatively quiet audible feedback. Both switches will exhibit sound variations influenced by the keyboard construction and keycap materials, but they each possess traits that lean towards quieter operation.
When it comes to feel, the Acacia switch is characterized by its medium-light weight and minimal stem wobble. This results in a stable and satisfying typing experience right out of the box, making it an appealing choice for those who value a smooth actuation without having to put in additional mods. The Gravel switch also emphasizes a smooth typing feel, offering a medium-light actuation force that skews even lighter, which can promote faster typing speeds and less strain during prolonged use. This combination of responsiveness and smoothness provides users with an effortless feel, allowing for a fluid typing experience. Overall, while both switches provide excellent feel, the Gravel may cater slightly more towards minimalist and swift typists.
In conclusion, both the Huano Acacia and HMX Gravel linear switches are excellent choices for newcomers seeking a high-quality typing experience. The Acacia's subdued sound and stable feel make it a solid option for those who appreciate a quieter keyboard, while the Gravel can intrigue enthusiasts looking for an exceptionally smooth and lighter touch. Both switches have their unique characteristics; however, users can expect a satisfying experience in terms of sound and feel from either choice. If you're drawn to a specific quality, it may come down to personal preference, but you can't go wrong with either switch.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the HMX Gravel linear switch ultimately boils down to your personal preferences in typing feel and force. If you prefer a typing experience with a medium-light weight that balances well between comfort and responsiveness, the Acacia is an excellent choice. Its generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble enhance the overall typing experience, making it particularly suitable for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, if you gravitate towards an exceptionally smooth and light touch, the Gravel switch with its lighter 50-gram actuation force is likely to provide a more effortless typing experience, which can be particularly appealing for fast typists and those who prefer rapid key presses. Each switch has its unique sound and feel, so considering whether you desire a more pronounced tactile feedback or a seamless glide is also essential. Ultimately, your decision may depend on the balance between force, sound, and the overall typing sensation you wish to achieve in your mechanical keyboard experience.
Mentioned in this article
