Huano Acacia vs. TTC Iron
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the TTC Iron switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Acacia and TTC Iron present distinct options for typists seeking unique tactile experiences. The Huano Acacia is celebrated for its medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication, providing a remarkably smooth typing experience right out of the box. Its design minimizes stem wobble, making it an attractive choice for those who prioritize consistent feel and reliability in their keystrokes. On the flip side, the TTC Iron switch stands out with its pronounced clacky sound signature, offering a delightful auditory feedback that enhances the typing experience. Notably, it features a remarkably light actuation that promotes swift and fatigue-free typing, appealing to both enthusiasts and everyday users looking for precision and enjoyment with each press. While both switches cater to different preferences—one emphasizing a seamless touch and the other enhancing the auditory element—each has unique strengths that could suit various user needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that’s perfect for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
41g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Huano Acacia and TTC Iron switches utilize different housing materials that significantly influence their sound profiles and tactile responses. The Acacia features a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances resonance and clarity. In contrast, the TTC Iron employs a POM top housing that results in a deeper and more muted sound. While both materials serve as effective housings for switches, their differing properties lead to distinctive auditory experiences. The polycarbonate's translucency also allows for better RGB lighting effects, making it advantageous for aesthetic customization.
When examining the bottom housing, the differences between the two switches continue. The Acacia's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound due to nylon's softer nature, which more effectively absorbs sound compared to harder plastics. Conversely, the TTC Iron utilizes a POM bottom housing, which also produces a muted, deeper sound profile. Although both POM and nylon can create a pleasing auditory experience, nylon's tradition as a switch housing material lends a legacy of depth and richness to its sound that may not be as pronounced in POM. Thus, while both switches can offer enjoyable sound profiles, the nuances created by the bottom materials can vary significantly.
In essence, if the housing materials of the Huano Acacia and the TTC Iron were the same, they would provide similar sound experiences; however, the differences in their compositions lead to distinct profiles. The Acacia's polycarbonate and nylon pairing results in a sound that is clear and resonant yet soft and deep, creating a balanced auditory experience. In contrast, the TTC Iron's use of POM for both top and bottom housings emphasizes a unique and pleasant sound quality but with a muted and deeper character overall. Ultimately, the configuration and interplay of materials in switches like the Acacia and Iron illustrate the intricate relationship between housing materials and sound production, affecting the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch to the TTC Iron linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Acacia switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Iron switch features a lighter actuation force of 41 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it overall lighter. This difference in weight can significantly affect typing experience; those who prefer lighter switches may find the TTC Iron more comfortable for prolonged use, while users who enjoy a firmer feel may lean towards the Huano Acacia for its heavier push. Ultimately, the Acacia's heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a more substantial typing feedback, whereas the TTC Iron's lighter forces cater to a more effortless typing style.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the TTC Iron linear switch, the Acacia measures 3.5 mm, while the Iron measures slightly longer at 3.8 mm. This indicates that the Acacia offers a shorter travel distance compared to the Iron. For gamers or users who favor quicker response times and a more immediate feedback feel, the Acacia may be the preferred choice due to its less pronounced actuation distance. On the other hand, the Iron's longer travel distance of 3.8 mm could appeal to individuals who appreciate a more substantial keypress, providing a tactile sensation that some may find more enjoyable. Ultimately, the difference in travel distance between these two switches allows users to select a preference that aligns with their specific typing or gaming styles.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Iron has an MSRP of $5.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Iron for $4.30.
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 known for its muted and subtle acoustics, creating a more subdued typing environment ideal for office settings or quiet home use. In contrast, the TTC Iron linear switch presents a pronounced clacky sound signature that delivers a bright and snappy auditory feedback with each keystroke. This distinct resonance may be more appealing to those who appreciate a more stimulating sound experience while typing. These differences highlight that sound preference can influence one's choice, although both can coexist in various setups depending on the keyboard architecture and keycap material used.
When evaluating the feel, the Acacia switch is recognized for its smooth travel and minimal stem wobble, providing a pleasant typing experience straight out of the box with its medium-light actuation weight. On the other hand, the TTC Iron switch is crafted for effortless keystrokes, characterized by an easy-to-press design that requires minimal force for activation. Its buttery smooth travel enhances comfort during prolonged typing sessions, making it an excellent option for users seeking a responsive and low-impact feel. While both switches are praised for their enjoyable typing experiences, the Acacia may appeal to those who prefer a consistently smooth action without additional auditory complexity, while Iron caters to users who enjoy the tactile feedback and sound.
Overall, both the Huano Acacia and TTC Iron linear switches present compelling qualities for different user preferences. The Acacia offers a quiet, straightforward typing experience with minimal distractions, making it suitable for quieter environments or users prioritizing sound dampening. In comparison, the Iron excels in delivering an engaging auditory feedback combined with ease of use, potentially enhancing the enjoyment of typing for those who appreciate a more pronounced sound signature. Ultimately, personal preference governing sound and feel will be the primary deciding factors when choosing between these two switches, with both capable of delivering satisfying results.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Acacia and the TTC Iron linear switches depends largely on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a switch with a medium-light actuation force of 55 grams that offers a well-lubricated experience with minimal stem wobble, the Acacia is your best bet. It provides a balanced feedback that can cater to both casual and serious typists, ensuring a delightful experience right out of the box. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter force of 50 grams and enjoy a clackier sound profile that adds an engaging acoustic dimension to each keystroke, the TTC Iron would be an excellent choice. Its buttery smooth travel and easy-press design make it favorable for long typing sessions, allowing for swift and fatigue-free inputs. In essence, if you value a sturdy and stable feel with a bit more resistance, choose the Acacia; but if you seek a playful and responsive typing experience with an appealing sound, opt for the Iron. Each switch has its unique attributes that can cater to various user preferences, making them both worthy contenders in the mechanical keyboard arena.
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