Huano Acacia vs. HMX Jelly
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the HMX Jelly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Acacia and the HMX Jelly each offer distinct advantages that cater to different preferences. The Acacia is celebrated for its medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication, providing an excellent typing experience with minimal stem wobble right out of the box. This makes it an appealing choice for those who prioritize a smooth and consistent feel while typing. On the other hand, the HMX Jelly switch distinguishes itself with a low-pitched, deep, thocky sound signature that many enthusiasts find satisfying. Additionally, its lightweight actuation force of 42g combined with superb factory lubrication ensures a very smooth keystroke, appealing to users who enjoy a softer touch with auditory feedback. Both switches are linear, making them ideal for those who prefer a quiet, uninterrupted typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T2
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Huano Acacia and the HMX Jelly switches exhibit distinct characteristics that dictate their sound profiles and overall tactile experience. The Acacia utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness which contributes to a sharper, clearer sound. This material excels in delivering a resonant audio experience, making it particularly effective for users who are keen on RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the HMX Jelly features a nylon top housing, which is softer and inherently absorbs sound more effectively. This results in a deeper, fuller audio profile that is typically perceived as rounder and less piercing compared to the sharper tones produced by polycarbonate. Thus, while both materials facilitate enjoyable typing experiences, their auditory outputs cater to different preferences.
Moving to the bottom housings, both the Acacia and Jelly utilize nylon, which results in a shared characteristic between the two. As a classic switch housing material, nylon contributes significantly to the deep and full sound profile enjoyed by users. Its ability to absorb sound creates a softened auditory experience that rounds out the overall feel of each switch. Since both switches employ nylon for the bottom housing, this similarity implies that the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel will be consistent across both models. Therefore, users can expect a substantially comparable tactile response when striking the keys, regardless of the differences in the top housing materials.
The combined effects of these differing top housings ultimately influence the overall performance of each switch. The Acacia's polycarbonate top offers a crisp release sound when the key is lifted, while the Jelly's nylon top brings a weightier quality that alters the auditory experience during the key release. The overall synergy arising from a polycarbonate top and nylon bottom in the Acacia, as opposed to the all-nylon configuration in the Jelly, creates unique sound signatures. Users who appreciate the high-pitched clarity will prefer the Acacia, while those who enjoy a more muted and rich sound profile are likely to favor the Jelly. This comparison highlights how the integration of different materials shapes the unique characteristics of each switch.
Weight
The Huano Acacia linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch present interesting 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, classifying it as medium-light. In contrast, the Jelly switch offers a lighter feel with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This means that typists and gamers who prefer a lighter touch for extended use would likely favor the Jelly switch, as it requires less force for actuation and bottoming out. Conversely, the Acacia provides a slightly heavier push, catering to those who seek a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the Jelly is the lighter option while the Acacia is heavier, appealing to different user preferences in keyboard feel and comfort.
Travel distance
The Huano Acacia linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the HMX Jelly linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This difference means that the Jelly switch may provide a more pronounced tactile experience, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial keypress. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Acacia switch could be favored by gamers seeking quicker response times and a more immediate feel. Ultimately, if you're someone who enjoys a deeper, more pronounced keypress, the Jelly’s 3.8 mm travel distance would be the better choice, while those who prefer a snappier feel may lean towards the Acacia with its 3.5 mm travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Jelly has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jelly for $2.99.
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 has a sound profile that is not explicitly described; however, it is generally known that linear switches tend to have a quieter operation compared to clicky or tactile switches. This means that the Acacia likely produces a smooth and unobtrusive sound when pressed, making it a great choice for quiet environments. On the other hand, the HMX Jelly linear switch boasts a low-pitched, deep, thocky sound, which can offer a satisfying auditory response while still being relatively quiet, thanks to its linear nature. However, the actual sound produced will ultimately depend on the type of keyboard and keycap material you choose, which can influence how the switches perform acoustically.
When it comes to feel, the Acacia linear switch is characterized by its medium-light weight and minimal stem wobble, resulting in a comfortable and stable typing experience. The generous factory lubrication further enhances this feeling, allowing for a smooth keypress as you type. In comparison, the HMX Jelly linear switch is described as super smooth with a lightweight 42g actuation force, making it effortless to press down and providing a fluid typing experience. The two switches may offer similarly enjoyable feelings, but the Acacia might feel slightly more stable due to its minimal wobble, while the Jelly excels in providing a lightweight and silky touch.
Overall, both the Huano Acacia and HMX Jelly linear switches present excellent options for keyboard enthusiasts looking for quality linear experience. The Acacia is likely to provide a stable and quiet typing experience with its minimal wobble and medium-light weight, while the Jelly offers a unique thocky sound profile combined with a super smooth touch. Ultimately, the choice between them would depend on personal preference, especially regarding sound and tactile feedback, but users can expect to have a satisfying experience with either switch, particularly when paired with the right keyboard and keycaps.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch, you should consider your priorities in typing feel, sound profile, and actuation force. If you prefer a switch that strikes a balance between med-light weight and a smooth typing experience, the Acacia is an excellent choice. It offers a bottom-out force of 55 grams, making it suitable for typists who enjoy a little resistance while typing, combined with its generous factory lubrication that minimizes stem wobble for consistent performance. This is particularly ideal if you want a reliable switch that feels solid without being overly heavy. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter actuation and a more pronounced auditory feedback, the Jelly switch may be the better option for you. Its 48-gram bottom-out force and deep, thocky sound signature will appeal to those who prefer a pronounced auditory experience while typing, along with a super smooth action thanks to its excellent factory lube. Thus, your decision ultimately hinges on whether you prioritize a slightly heavier feel and a stable typing experience with the Acacia or a lightweight, acoustically pleasing sound with the Jelly. Both switches have distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose based on what feels and sounds best to you.
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