Huano Acacia vs. Gateron Jupiter Red

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Acacia and the Gateron Jupiter Red both stand out in their own unique ways, catering to different user preferences within the realm of linear switches. The Huano Acacia is celebrated for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, which contribute to a remarkable typing experience right out of the box. This makes it a solid option for those seeking ease and comfort during extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Red boasts a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke thanks to its single-stage spring, providing a medium-heavy actuation that many users find satisfying. Its high-precision molds and softly diffused backlighting further enhance the overall experience, making it appealing to those who prioritize a seamless and consistent feel. While both switches offer impressive features, they cater to distinct preferences, and users may choose the Acacia for a lighter touch or the Jupiter Red for a more substantial keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.

By the numbers

Huano Acacia Linear

Gateron Jupiter Red Linear

$3.39 per 10

$2.80 per 10

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Housing materials

The Huano Acacia and Gateron Jupiter Red switches share a notable similarity in their top housing material, both utilizing polycarbonate. This choice of material contributes to a distinctive sound profile characterized by sharpness, high-pitched clarity, and crispness. Being a relatively stiffer plastic, polycarbonate enables a clear resonance that enhances the auditory feedback of the switches. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate in the top housing is advantageous for users who wish to incorporate RGB lighting, as it allows light to pass through more effectively. This shared material serves to unify the performance characteristics of both switches in terms of sound clarity and aesthetic appeal.

In contrast, the bottom housing of the Acacia and Jupiter Red switches is made from nylon, which offers different acoustic properties compared to their polycarbonate tops. Nylon, being a softer plastic, contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. It effectively absorbs sound, resulting in a more muted and rounded auditory experience when typing. The interplay of the two different materials in both switches enhances the overall typing experience, as the nylon bottom housing emphasizes tactile feedback and sound absorption during key presses, while the polycarbonate top housing allows for clearer and more articulate sound upon release.

This combination of polycarbonate tops and nylon bottoms means that while both the Huano Acacia and Gateron Jupiter Red switches have distinct acoustic qualities, they are designed to create a balanced auditory experience in unison. The sharper, crisper notes produced by the polycarbonate will be contrasted by the deeper sounds from the nylon, leading to a dynamically rich experience when typing. Despite the differences in sound profiles contributed by the top and bottom housings, users can expect a harmonious performance from both switches, ensuring a satisfying response whether they are typing or gaming.

Weight

The Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, making them comparable in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. However, the bottom out force differs where the Acacia reaches 55 grams while the Jupiter Red has a bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that although both switches feel similar during regular typing or gaming, the Gateron Jupiter Red provides a slightly heavier resistance once fully pressed down. Consequently, the Acacia can be considered the lighter option overall, making it potentially more comfortable for extended typing sessions, while the Jupiter Red, being heavier at bottom out, may appeal more to those who prefer a more substantial feel in their keystrokes. Overall, users looking for a lighter experience may find the Huano Acacia more suitable, whereas those who enjoy a firmer bottoming out sensation may gravitate towards the Gateron Jupiter Red.

Travel distance

The Huano Acacia linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference suggests that the Acacia, with its shorter travel distance, may provide a more responsive experience, which is often favored by gamers looking for quicker reaction times. Conversely, the Jupiter Red, with its traditional 4 mm travel distance, may appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced and heartfelt actuation, offering a deeper keystroke that can enhance typing comfort for some users. Thus, if you prioritize speed and responsiveness, the Acacia would be the ideal choice, whereas if you appreciate a deeper key press, the Jupiter Red would be more suitable. Overall, the Acacia is the shorter option, and the Jupiter Red is the longer one.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Huano Acacia linear switch hasn't been provided any specific descriptors, leaving its acoustic qualities a bit of a mystery. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Red is classified as a neutral switch, suggesting it presents a moderate sound profile. This neutrality makes the Jupiter Reds versatile for various environments, whether at home or in a professional setting, accommodating both novices and experienced typists. Ultimately, you can expect a balanced auditory experience from the Jupiter Red switch while the Acacia's sound remains unknown, which does leave its performance open to interpretation based on the mechanical setup.

Regarding feel, the Huano Acacia provides a superior typing experience straight out of the box, attributed to its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble. However, the specifics regarding its tactile feedback and overall typing sensation have not been defined. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Red is characterized by a polished, creamy, silky, and mild feel, thanks to a combination of high-quality materials and effective lubrication. The Jupiter Reds promise reduced friction, a smooth keystroke, and a luxurious typing sensation that appeals to users seeking a refined experience. While the Acacia is noted for its excellent typing capabilities, its exact feel compared to the exceptional smoothness of the Jupiter Red remains unspecified.

In conclusion, both the Huano Acacia and Gateron Jupiter Red switches offer distinct appeals for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Acacia excels with its factory lubrication and minimal wobble for an impressive typing experience, it lacks defined sound characteristics and feel specifics. Meanwhile, the Jupiter Red stands out with its neutral sound profile and a remarkably smooth and polished feel, making it a prime option for users seeking seamless typability. While their qualities are different, those considering the Acacia can still expect a commendable experience, though the Gateron Jupiter Reds may provide a smoother and more consistent typing journey.

Conclusion

To wrap up, your choice between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch ultimately comes down to your typing preferences and intended usage. If you favor a lighter actuation and a smoother, more forgiving typing experience right out of the box, then the Acacia is undeniably a solid choice. Its medium-light weight combined with generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble will make it ideal for long typing sessions, especially if you’re new to mechanical keyboards or prefer a less strenuous typing experience. On the other hand, if you appreciate a slightly more pronounced actuation force and a polished feel with a seamless keystroke, the Jupiter Red might be better suited for you. With their medium-heavy weight, smooth operation, and high-precision molds, these switches provide a more consistent typing experience that can be very rewarding for users who enjoy a firmer feedback. Overall, assessing your typing style and whether you prioritize lightness or a more robust feel will guide you in making the best choice between these two impressive linear switches.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Acacia Linear

$3.39 per 10

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Gateron Jupiter Red Linear

$2.80 per 10

Learn more