Huano Acacia vs. Gateron Ink Yellow
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Gateron Ink Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Acacia and Gateron Ink Yellow stand out as popular linear options, each offering a unique typing experience suited to different preferences. The Huano Acacia is renowned for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, which combines to provide an outstanding typing experience right out of the box. This makes it an excellent choice for users looking for a smooth, consistent feel without needing extensive modifications. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow distinguishes itself with a shorter travel distance, making it ideal for typing enthusiasts seeking a balance between the feel of a laptop keyboard and a traditional mechanical switch. It delivers a pleasant smoothness and subtle clackiness, appealing to those who appreciate auditory feedback while typing. Both switches have their merits, depending on individual needs, but 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
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Huano Acacia and Gateron Ink Yellow switches reveal distinct characteristics that influence their sound profiles and overall typing experiences. The Acacia employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer plastic composition. This property allows for a clear and resonant acoustic profile that enhances the switch's responsiveness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it particularly compatible with RGB lighting setups, as it allows the light to shine through effectively. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Yellow features a proprietary INK blend as its top housing material, which also promotes a pointed and high-pitched sound, although it is noted to be less sharp than the Acacia. This suggests a similarity in high-frequency sound traits between the two, with both capable of delivering a satisfying auditory feedback, though with differing levels of intensity and character.
When examining the bottom housing materials, the distinctions between the two switches become more pronounced. The Acacia utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which is softer and thus tends to absorb more sound. This results in a deeper and fuller acoustical experience, contrasting sharply with the Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend bottom housing. Like the top housing, the Ink Yellow's bottom housing produces a pointed and high-pitched sound profile, resulting in a clacky typing experience that is clear but lacks the deeper resonance that nylon provides. The effects of these housings become significant as the bottom housing typically impacts the bottom-out sound and feel during usage, making the Acacia's nylon material more suited for individuals who favor a richer, bass-driven auditory experience.
Overall, while both switches bring different materials and auditory impressions to the table, they can achieve similar sound results through their unique constructions. The Acacia's polycarbonate top provides clarity and brightness which complements the nylon's warmth, creating a sound profile that balances sharpness with depth. Conversely, the Ink Yellow’s dual INK blend housings result in a more consistently high-pitched sound throughout its operation, leading to a clackier feel without the added warmth. Users who prefer a crisper sound may gravitate towards the Huano Acacia, while those who appreciate a more uniform yet vibrant typing experience might favor the Gateron Ink Yellow. Ultimately, both switches have a distinct personality shaped by their materials, but they can appeal to similar aesthetics and auditory preferences based on the user's individual taste.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, there is a notable difference in both the actuation force and bottom out force. The Acacia features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a softer touch for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Ink Yellow requires a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, catering to users who enjoy a more substantial and tactile experience while typing. Therefore, the Acacia is the lighter option, while the Ink Yellow is the heavier choice. This difference in force characteristics can significantly influence user experience, particularly for those who prioritize comfort over extended periods versus those who seek a stronger feel in their typing.
Travel distance
Both the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch feature the same travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when you press down on either switch, you will experience the same key travel, resulting in a similar feel and response. Since both switches have identical travel distances, users can expect to achieve similar results in terms of keystroke depth and actuation point, providing a consistent typing experience regardless of which switch is used.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Yellow 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 Yellow 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 is somewhat understated; it provides a quiet yet satisfying acoustic profile that is not overwhelming, making it a suitable option for both home and office environments. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch presents a more dynamic sound experience, featuring a clacky quality that offers a sharp and bright auditory feedback when pressed. The Ink Yellow's neutral sound makes it versatile for various settings, while its clackiness adds a lively character to typing that some users might find enjoyable.
When it comes to feel, the Acacia switch delivers a medium-light weight sensation with minimal stem wobble, ensuring a consistently satisfying typing experience right out of the box. This combination of factors allows for a level of feedback that feels engaging without being overly demanding. In contrast, the Ink Yellow switch is characterized by a mild touch that provides a gentler typing experience, making it approachable for a broad range of users. The polished nature of the Ink Yellow results in a smooth and refined feel, offering reduced friction that enhances overall key travel and makes typing a breeze.
Considering all the information about these switches, both the Huano Acacia and Gateron Ink Yellow present distinct qualities tailored to different typing preferences. The Acacia excels in providing a subtle, pleasant experience with minimal distraction, making it ideal for environments requiring concentration. Meanwhile, the Ink Yellow offers a livelier, more engaging sound profile and a smoother typing experience that appeals to users who enjoy auditory feedback. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prefer a more understated experience with the Acacia or a lively, responsive feel with the Ink Yellow.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, it's essential to consider your specific typing preferences and ergonomic needs. If you appreciate a lighter touch and seek a switch that feels smooth right out of the box, the Acacia may be your best choice. With its medium-light actuation force and excellent factory lubrication, it offers a typing experience that is not only comfortable but also highly enjoyable, making it ideal for long typing sessions or for those who prefer a softer keystroke. On the other hand, if you’re looking for something a bit more robust, you might opt for the Gateron Ink Yellow. Its medium-heavy bottom out force paired with a shorter travel distance provides a typing experience that strikes a balance between a laptop keyboard and a standard mechanical switch, making it suitable for both work and casual use. Additionally, the Ink Yellow's polished feel and clacky sound profile can add an engaging auditory feedback to your typing that many users find satisfying. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal typing style and the environments in which you plan to use your keyboard.
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