Huano Acacia vs. Gateron Ink Red
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Gateron Ink Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular linear options to consider are the Huano Acacia and the Gateron Ink Red. The Acacia is celebrated for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, all of which contribute to a remarkable typing experience right from the start. This switch is ideal for users who appreciate a balanced feel without the need for heavy actuation. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Red is tailored for those who prefer a lighter typing style, featuring a lower actuation force that makes it effortless to type on. Users often find the Ink Red to be exceptionally smooth, paired with a crispy and clacky sound profile that adds auditory pleasure to each keystroke. While both switches offer unique advantages—smoothness and ease in the Ink Red and a refined experience in the Acacia—your choice ultimately depends on your personal preferences. 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
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Acacia and the Gateron Ink Red switches, we find notable differences primarily on the top housing. The Acacia employs a polycarbonate top housing known for its clarity and resonance, leading to a sharper and crisper sound profile. Its translucency makes it an excellent choice for RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of a keyboard. In contrast, the Ink Red uses a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, which, while still producing a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, is described as less sharp compared to the Acacia. Both top housings aim for an elevated sound experience, but the Acacia tends to lean towards clarity and brightness, while the Ink Red offers a satisfying clackiness that some may find more pleasant.
Moving to the bottom housing, the Acacia features nylon, a traditional material known for delivering a fuller, deeper sound profile. With its softer composition, nylon absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a rounder auditory experience. The Ink Red, on the other hand, also utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing. This material shares similarities with the top housing in its ability to produce a high-pitched sound but lacks the softer characteristics associated with nylon. Consequently, while both housing types are engineered for sound clarity, the Ink Red's blend may not provide the same level of depth as the Acacia's nylon bottom. This divergence means that the Acacia can produce a richer sound overall due to its combination of materials.
Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housings in both switches impacts the overall sound signature and user experience. For the Huano Acacia, the hard polycarbonate top and soft nylon bottom create a harmonious balance between brightness and fullness, resulting in a comprehensive auditory experience. Conversely, the Gateron Ink Red, with its consistently sharp characteristics across both housing types, emphasizes clear, pointed sounds. While both switches can yield satisfying results, the listening experience varies significantly depending on the interplay of materials, making each a distinct choice for different preferences in keyboard acoustics. To achieve a similar overall sound feel, one could experiment with combining housings or switch types, but the unique results remain specific to the intended design of each keyboard switch.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch to the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, which means users can experience similar keystroke activation across both options, making them equally suitable for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. However, there is a difference in their bottom out forces; the Acacia has a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Ink Red's bottom out force is slightly higher at 60 grams. This indicates that the Ink Red switch provides a heavier feel in terms of bottoming out, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Therefore, while both switches offer the same actuation force, the Gateron Ink Red switch feels heavier due to its greater bottom out force, making it potentially more suitable for users who enjoy a firmer keystroke feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, the Acacia measures 3.5 mm, while the Ink Red has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference means that the Ink Red provides a deeper and potentially more satisfying keypress experience, which can be preferable for users who favor a sturdy feel when typing. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Acacia switch might appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times and a more responsive action. Thus, if you prioritize faster actuation, the Acacia would be the better choice, while those who favor a more traditional and deeper press might opt for the Ink Red. Overall, while both switches offer distinct characteristics based on their travel distances, they cater to different preferences in user experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Red has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Red for $7.35.
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 linear switch's profile is not explicitly defined, but it's widely recognized that these switches tend to offer a pleasant typing experience, blending nicely with a variety of environments. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch presents a unique sound signature that combines neutrality with a chirpy quality. This means that while they are versatile enough for various uses, such as in both a home or workplace setting, the slight squeak adds a unique character that distinguishes them from other switches. The overall sound experience will vary based on the keyboard material and keycap choice, but both switches are designed to be unobtrusive during regular use.
When focusing on the feel of each switch, the Acacia's tactile response is smooth, with its factory lubrication minimizing stem wobble and enhancing the overall typing experience right out of the box. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Red switch is celebrated for its silky smoothness, mild nature, and polished finish. Typing on Ink Reds feels smooth and effortless, requiring less actuation force, making it especially suited for those who prefer a lighter touch. The combination of these qualities means that users of the Ink Red switches will experience a gentle yet satisfying typing sensation, which may appeal to a broader range of typists, from beginners to more seasoned keyboard enthusiasts.
In conclusion, both the Huano Acacia and Gateron Ink Red linear switches provide distinct yet enjoyable typing experiences, each appealing to different preferences. The Acacia offers a reliable, smooth operation with a more standard sound profile, appropriate for a variety of environments. Meanwhile, the Ink Red switches enhance the experience with their unique chirpy sound, silky feel, and lightweight actuation, catering to those who enjoy a softer typing style. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, choosing between these switches will largely shape your typing experience, though both options promise effective performance.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch ultimately depends on your typing style and preferences. If you lean towards a medium-light feel and appreciate a smoother typing experience straight out of the box, the Acacia is an excellent choice. With a bottom-out force of 55 grams, its generous factory lubrication ensures minimal resistance and wobble, making it particularly well-suited for long typing sessions or those who favor a lighter touch. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly firmer key feel paired with a more versatile sound profile, the Gateron Ink Red, with its 60 grams of actuation force, will cater to your needs. Its silky and polished characteristics grant an effortless typing experience, while the clacky yet neutral sound strikes a balance that works well in both quiet environments and more dynamic settings. Ultimately, if you want something that feels smooth and gentle, the Acacia may be for you. But if you want a balance of balance and liveliness in your typing, the Ink Red would be the way to go.
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