Huano Acacia vs. Gateron Ink Black V2

Overview

When choosing mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up in discussions are the Huano Acacia and the Gateron Ink Black V2, both of which are linear switches that cater to different preferences. The Huano Acacia is celebrated for its medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication, resulting in a smooth, pleasant typing experience straight out of the box, while its minimal stem wobble enhances stability during use. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2 has earned its place as a long-time favorite within the community, thanks to its smooth downstroke and distinctive rich clack that adds character to the typing experience. While the Acacia may appeal to those who prioritize consistency and a solid feel, the Ink Black V2 is an excellent choice for users who enjoy a more auditory experience coupled with a polished performance. With these distinctions in mind, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your typing needs.

By the numbers

Huano Acacia Linear

Gateron Ink Black V2 Linear

$3.39 per 10

$7.50

$7.24 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Huano Acacia and the Gateron Ink Black V2 mechanical switches showcase distinct approaches that influence the overall acoustic and tactile characteristics. The Huano Acacia's top housing is made of polycarbonate, a material known for its stiffness and ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This quality enhances the switch's acoustic performance, making it particularly advantageous for users who favor a clear and resonant auditory feedback. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for impressive RGB lighting effects, which can elevate the aesthetics of a keyboard significantly. In contrast, the Ink Black V2 utilizes Gateron’s proprietary INK blend for its top housing, which also aims for a higher-pitched sound; however, it manages to offer a less sharp auditory experience, instead providing a satisfying clacky sound. While both materials emphasize clarity in sound, the INK blend tones down the aggression slightly compared to polycarbonate.

When examining the bottom housing, the differences between the two switches become more pronounced. The Huano Acacia employs nylon, a classic switch housing material that contributes a deeper and fuller sound profile. Thanks to its softer nature, nylon absorbs sound better than harder plastics, resulting in a rounder auditory experience that contrasts with the sharper sound produced by its polycarbonate top. Conversely, the Gateron Ink Black V2's bottom housing, also made from the proprietary INK blend, mirrors the top housing's character and contributes to the switch’s pointed yet not overly sharp sound profile. This continuity in the INK blend allows the Ink Black V2 to achieve a sound that is consistently high-pitched and clacky throughout its performance, in stark contrast to the softer, rounder tones created by the Acacia's nylon.

Ultimately, the sound and feel of a switch depend significantly on both the top and bottom housing materials. In the case of the Huano Acacia, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon creates a dynamic range of auditory experiences that alternate between crispness and depth. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2 retains a more uniform sound profile due to the consistent use of the INK blend in both housings. While each switch produces its unique auditory signature, users can achieve a similar crisper, higher-pitched sound via the Acacia by emphasizing its polycarbonate top housing. However, the end experience will differ in overall fullness and depth due to the nylon bottom housing, allowing for user preference to guide choices between the two.

Weight

The Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch exhibit contrasting actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different user preferences. The Acacia features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it medium-light and ideal for those who prefer a gentler touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, the Ink Black V2 presents a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, categorized as medium-heavy; this switch offers a more substantial feel, appealing to users who enjoy a firmer push and tactile feedback during their typing experience. As such, the Acacia is better suited for users seeking ease and comfort, while the Ink Black V2 would be preferred by those who favor a more robust typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, it is evident that they differ, with the Acacia featuring a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Ink Black V2 has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you're looking for a quicker response time, the Acacia's shorter travel distance may better suit your gaming needs, allowing for more rapid key presses. Conversely, the Ink Black V2, with its more traditional and deeper travel distance, may provide a more satisfying and hearty key feel for those who prefer a substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on whether one prioritizes speed and responsiveness or depth and tactile feedback.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Huano Acacia switches are known for their richer and fuller profile due to their generous factory lubrication, though specific sound descriptors are not provided. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Black V2 switches exhibit a variety of auditory characteristics, including a low-pitched tone that offers a bass-heavy and mellow sound, which many users find satisfying. This switch also features a chirpy quality, adding a unique touch to its acoustic signature. Ultimately, while the Acacia may provide a pleasant auditory experience, the Ink Black V2's low-pitched and bassy nature could cater to users who appreciate a deeper sound during their typing sessions, although the final acoustic experience will also depend on factors like the keyboard’s build and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Huano Acacia switches are recognized for their medium-light weight and minimal stem wobble, which contribute to an enjoyable typing experience straight out of the box. The Gateron Ink Black V2 is described as having a mild feel that makes for a gentle typing experience, working well for a broad range of users. Additionally, its polished texture enriches the experience by providing smooth key travel and reduced friction, thanks in part to the factory lubrication. Both switches are designed with user comfort in mind; the Acacia is straightforwardly pleasant, while the Ink Black V2 offers a balance of mildness and sophistication in its feel.

In summary, both the Huano Acacia and Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switches present compelling choices for newcomers to mechanical keyboards. The Acacia provides a rich typing experience with minimal wobble, complemented by its smooth feel due to effective lubrication. Meanwhile, the Ink Black V2 switches offer a distinctive low-pitched sound with a polished typing sensation that appeals to those looking for a more refined touch. Both switches promise satisfying results, yet they cater to different acoustic and tactile preferences, allowing users to select based on their unique desires for either an enhanced auditory enjoyment or an elevated tactile experience.

Conclusion

In closing, when deciding between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, consider your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and a typing experience that feels smooth right out of the box, the Acacia is a great choice. Its medium-light weight, combined with generous factory lubrication, minimizes stem wobble and allows for a comfortable typing experience suitable for extended use. This switch is particularly beneficial for users who enjoy a softer feel and prioritizes an easy and responsive typing action. On the other hand, if you lean towards a heavier keypress and appreciate a deep, rich sound profile, the Gateron Ink Black V2 may be more to your liking. With its medium-heavy bottom out force and polished feel, this switch provides a more substantial feedback and a satisfying bassy sound, making it suitable for those who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value a lighter, smoother feedback with minimal effort from the Acacia or a sturdier, acoustically richer feel from the Ink Black V2. Each switch excels in its own right, so select the one that aligns best with your keyboard experience desires.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Acacia Linear

$3.39 per 10

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Gateron Ink Black V2 Linear

$7.50

$7.24 per 10

Learn more