Huano Acacia vs. Gateron Ink Box Pink

Overview

When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Acacia and the Gateron Ink Box Pink each offer unique characteristics that appeal to different typing preferences. The Acacia is renowned for its medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication, resulting in a smooth typing experience with minimal stem wobble—ideal for those who prioritize comfort and reliability straight out of the box. Conversely, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches are celebrated for their visually striking translucent design and a lighter typing feel, providing a delightful and silky experience while delivering a distinctive higher-pitched clack that many find satisfying. While the Acacia caters to users seeking a more controlled and subtle typing feel, the Ink Box Pink entices those who enjoy a livelier and more expressive typing sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your individual typing style and preferences.

By the numbers

Huano Acacia Linear

Gateron Ink Box Pink Linear

$3.39 per 10

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Huano Acacia and the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches present interesting contrasts that impact both sound profile and typing experience. The Huano Acacia features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and clarity, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound that resonates more distinctly. This material is particularly advantageous for those who enjoy RGB lighting, as its translucency enhances the aesthetic when lights are utilized. Conversely, the Gateron Ink Box Pink employs a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, which is also designed to produce a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, albeit characterized as being satisfying yet not overly sharp. While both embody a clear sound profile, the polycarbonate of the Acacia emphasizes a crispness that might overshadow the slightly mellower quality of the Ink Box Pink.

When it comes to the bottom housing, the two switches diverge further in their material choices. The Huano Acacia utilizes nylon, a classic and softer plastic that absorbs sound effectively, leading to a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This softer material contributes to a more rounded and dulled sound profile, particularly influencing the bottom-out sound when the key is pressed. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Box Pink also incorporates the same proprietary INK blend in its bottom housing, resulting in a sound profile that remains pointed and relatively high-pitched. Interestingly, although both switches have high-pitched attributes, the nylon of the Acacia tends to dominate the overall sound, creating a richer depth, while the Ink Box Pink maintains that clacky essence throughout its construction.

Ultimately, the combination of these materials in each switch plays a key role in shaping the overall feel and auditory feedback of each keystroke. If one were to investigate using these switches in a keyboard, the specific sound characteristics would heavily rely on both the top and bottom housing configurations. For instance, while a user might experience a crisper sound with the Acacia's polycarbonate top, the rounder tones from the nylon bottom would ground the overall experience. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Box Pink would deliver a decidedly high-pitched and clacky profile throughout, thanks to its unified INK blend housing materials. Thus, although both switches aim for elevated sound profiles, they achieve those results through markedly different material decisions in their construction.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, notable differences emerge in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Acacia features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, classifying it as medium-light. In contrast, the Ink Box Pink has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, positioning it within the medium range. This distinction makes the Acacia lighter overall, which may benefit users who prefer a more effortless typing experience suitable for extended use, such as during long work hours or gaming sessions. Conversely, the Ink Box Pink may appeal to those who favor a firmer push feel, providing a more substantial sensation during typing. Both switches have different actuation and bottom out forces, indicating that their tactile feedback and user experiences will vary as well.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, the two switches exhibit subtle yet significant differences. The Huano Acacia has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Ink Box Pink features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Acacia is the shorter option, providing a more responsive feel, which can be particularly appealing for gamers seeking quicker actuation times. In contrast, the Ink Box Pink, with its longer travel distance, may offer a more pronounced tactile experience, which some users might prefer for typing or more deliberate interactions. Both switches fall within a similar range, yet the slight difference indicates that users seeking a more immediate feedback response might lean towards the Acacia, while those who appreciate a bit more depth might gravitate towards the Ink Box Pink.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound profiles of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, the Acacia is known for its smooth operation, but specific acoustics are not detailed, leaving its auditory character somewhat open-ended. In contrast, the Ink Box Pink is distinctly characterized by a high-pitched, clacky sound that offers a bright and percussive response. For users who prefer a crisp auditory feedback while typing, the Ink Box Pink will provide that sharper, more lively experience compared to the Acacia, whose sound quality may fall into neutrality or a more subdued category.

In terms of feel, the Huano Acacia stands out with its medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication that minimizes stem wobble, ensuring a pleasant typing experience right out of the box. This results in a typing feel that is smooth but does not delve into the intricacies of additional tactile sensations. Conversely, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches are celebrated for their silky and polished characteristics, contributing to an exceptionally smooth typing experience and a reduced friction feel during key presses. This smoothness, combined with their lighter feel, suggests that while both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, the Ink Box Pink offers a more refined and effortless keystroke.

In conclusion, while the Huano Acacia linear switch provides a well-rounded experience with its smooth operation and thoughtful design features, the Gateron Ink Box Pink distinguishes itself with its high-pitched, clacky sound and superior smoothness. For users seeking a lively sound and a luxurious typing experience, the Ink Box Pink may be more appealing; however, the Acacia will also deliver a pleasant and effective typing experience, making either choice a valid one depending on personal preference in sound and feel.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the choice between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a slightly lighter feel with a robust typing experience right from the start, the Acacia would be a strong contender. Its medium-light actuation force of 55 grams, paired with excellent factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, makes it suitable for extended typing sessions without much fatigue. Conversely, if you're looking for a switch that offers a smooth and polished typing experience with a crisper, more high-pitched feedback, the Gateron Ink Box Pink could be your go-to option. The 60-gram bottom-out force feels slightly more deliberate, which may appeal to users who enjoy a bit more resistance when typing, complemented by its charming clacky sound profile. Consider your sensitivity to sound and feel as well: if you prioritize a quieter, smoother operation, the Acacia is your best bet, while the Ink Box Pink blends smoothness with a satisfying auditory experience. Ultimately, both switches have unique traits that cater to different types of users, so your decision should reflect what aspects are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Acacia Linear

$3.39 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Ink Box Pink Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn more