Huano Acacia vs. Gateron Ink Box Black
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Gateron Ink Box Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the pros and cons of various options. The Huano Acacia is celebrated for its medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication, offering a delightful typing experience with minimal stem wobble, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize comfort and smoothness in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black switch stands out with its incredibly smooth and creamy feel, accompanied by a unique sound signature reminiscent of a shaken spray paint can, appealing to users who appreciate a more auditory feedback experience. While both switches are linear and cater to different preferences, they each provide distinct characteristics that can enhance the typing experience. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Acacia switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black switch, several notable contrasts emerge. The Acacia utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is noted for its rigidity and translucency, resulting in a sharper, crisper sound profile that enhances the clarity of key presses. This property is particularly beneficial for users who utilize RGB lighting, as the clear polycarbonate allows for optimal light diffusion and aesthetic appeal. In contrast, the Ink Box Black features a proprietary INK blend top housing, which, while also delivering a pointed and high-pitched sound profile, does so with a slightly rounded edge that prevents the sound from becoming overly sharp. Although both switches present higher-pitched sound profiles, the Acacia likely offers a more resonant and defined sharpness compared to the clacky yet satisfying sound of the Ink Box Black.
Examining the bottom housing, we see that the Huano Acacia employs nylon, a material known for its absorption properties and ability to create a fuller, deeper sound profile. This difference in material lends a contrasting character to the Acacia's overall acoustic output, as the softer nylon reduces higher frequencies and cultivates a rounder sound. Meanwhile, the Ink Box Black's proprietary INK blend also comprises its bottom housing, which echoes the pointed and high-pitched sound signature from its top housing, resulting in a harmoniously clacky typing experience. The softer qualities of the nylon in the Acacia contrast with the INK blend's crisp, clacky output, demonstrating how a softer material can lead to a distinctly different auditory result.
Despite these differences in material choice, both switches can yield similar sonic experiences when played together in a typing scenario. The interaction between the rigid polycarbonate top of the Acacia and its soft nylon bottom creates a unique split in acoustic qualities, where the top offers clarity and brightness, while the bottom provides depth. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black maintains consistency in its INK blends, providing a cohesive sound experience through both housings. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches boils down to personal preference—some users may prefer the richer depth provided by the nylon in the Acacia while others may lean towards the consistent and lively clackiness of the Ink Box Black. Thus, while the materials differ significantly, both switches offer their own satisfying typing experiences that cater to varied tastes among keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Acacia and Gateron Ink Box Black linear switches, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Acacia features a medium-light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Ink Box Black is designed with a medium-heavy actuation force of 60 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams, catering to users who enjoy a more substantial, tactile experience. As a result, the Huano Acacia is the lighter switch, while the Gateron Ink Box Black is the heavier option. Users selecting between these switches will find that the Acacia allows for quicker, less strenuous keystrokes, whereas the Ink Box Black provides a more pronounced resistance that can enhance the typing experience for those who prefer a firmer response.
Travel distance
The Huano Acacia linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Acacia switch provides a somewhat shallower experience compared to the Ink Box Black, which may feel more substantial with its greater depth. For gamers or users who prioritize faster response times, the shorter travel distance of the Acacia could be more appealing, allowing for quicker actuation. On the other hand, users who favor a more pronounced feel may prefer the Ink Box Black for its longer travel distance. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on personal preference regarding the trade-off between responsiveness and depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Box Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Box Black for $7.65.
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 sound profile of the Huano Acacia switch is noted for its more subdued characteristics compared to the Gateron Ink Box Black. While the Acacia provides a reasonable acoustic feedback that may not command much attention, the Ink Box Black stands out with its clacky and high-pitched sound, reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. This distinct auditory feature can provide an engaging experience for those who appreciate the percussive and sharp sound that comes with pressing keys, particularly if you prefer a sound profile that energizes the typing routine.
In terms of feel, the Huano Acacia offers a great typing experience thanks to its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble. This combination gives typists a balanced feel with enough resistance to avoid accidental key presses, creating a reliable feedback loop. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black excels in providing an exceptional smoothness that is often described as silky and polished. This results in a seamless key travel where resistance is minimized, making it perfect for users who prioritize fluidity during their typing sessions, contributing to a noticeably refined finish that's hard to overlook.
When considering both switches as options, it’s evident that the Huano Acacia and Gateron Ink Box Black cater to different preferences. The Acacia offers a more neutral sound and a balanced feel that performs well out of the box, while the Ink Box Black delivers a standout auditory experience and an incredibly smooth typing sensation that is hard to match. Depending on your prioritization of sound versus feel, either choice can yield a satisfying typing experience, but they each shine in unique aspects that might cater to different typing habits or workspace environments.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and an exceptional typing experience right out of the box, the Acacia is your best bet. Its medium-light weight, combined with generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, makes it ideal for those who enjoy quick, responsive keystrokes without feeling fatigued during long typing sessions. On the other hand, if you appreciate a bit more resistance in your key presses and crave a smooth, creamy feel with an engaging auditory experience, the Ink Box Black switch will likely suit you better. With its medium-heavy actuation force, this switch delivers a tactile yet silky typing experience that minimizes resistance, giving your fingers a luxurious feeling as they glide across the keys. Additionally, the clacky and high-pitched sound profile adds a lively character to your typing, perfect for those who enjoy an engaging aural backdrop. Ultimately, consider what aspects matter most to you in your mechanical keyboard experience, whether it’s the weight, sound, or feel of the switches, to make the best choice for your needs.
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