Huano Acacia vs. Kailh BCP

Overview

When it comes to enhancing your typing experience, the choice of mechanical keyboard switches can make all the difference, and two popular options to consider are the Huano Acacia and the Kailh BCP. The Acacia, known for its medium-light weight and impressive factory lubrication, provides a smooth and enjoyable typing experience right out of the box, boasting minimal stem wobble that ensures consistency with each keystroke. In contrast, the Kailh BCP brings a unique twist to linear switches by reimagining the classic Black Cherry Pie with custom-molded designs that eliminate the need for disassembly. This switch is characterized by a creamy, elastic feel and a signature poppy sound profile, adding a delightful auditory element to each key press. While both switches cater to those who prefer a linear typing experience, the Acacia leans towards a more subtle, refined feel, whereas the BCP delivers a bouncier and more playful interaction. 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

Kailh BCP Linear

$3.39 per 10

$5.00

$4.75 per 10

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Housing materials

The Huano Acacia and Kailh BCP switches utilize differing materials for their top housing, specifically polycarbonate for the Acacia and nylon for the BCP. The choice of polycarbonate in the Acacia's housing leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, enhancing the clarity and resonance when keys are pressed. This is primarily because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, allowing it to vibrate in a way that produces a clear sound. Furthermore, the transparency of the polycarbonate makes it an excellent choice for RGB lighting applications, as the illumination can shine through the material, adding a visual aesthetic to the keyboard experience.

In contrast, the Kailh BCP employs nylon for its top housing, which is known for producing deeper and fuller sound profiles. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. This material produces a warmer sound, which contrasts with the crispness of polycarbonate. The tactile feel while typing is also impacted; nylon's sound absorption contributes to a more muted feedback when keys bottom out. Aesthetically, nylon may not provide the same transparency as polycarbonate, thus limiting its capability to showcase RGB lighting effects.

However, both switches use nylon for their bottom housing, which creates a consistent auditory experience across the two models. With both the Huano Acacia and the Kailh BCP employing nylon in their bottom housings, users can expect a deeper and fuller sound profile when bottoming out keys, as nylon absorbs sound effectively. This shared characteristic ensures that despite the differing top housing materials resulting in unique upper key sounds, the overall impact on sound production, engaging the user in a fuller auditory experience, remains comparable due to the similar nylon bottom housing. Thus, while the switches may vary in their top housing materials, the incorporation of nylon at the bottom effectively harmonizes the sound profile for both switches.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Kailh BCP linear switch, notable differences arise in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Huano Acacia features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorized as medium-light. In contrast, the Kailh BCP requires a heavier actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy range. As a result, the Acacia switch is the lighter option, which may appeal to those who prefer a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, the BCP's heavier forces provide a more substantial typing experience for users who enjoy a firmer push. Based on these specifications, users seeking a balance of ease and comfort might opt for the Huano Acacia, while those looking for a more robust feel would likely prefer the Kailh BCP.

Travel distance

Both the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Kailh BCP linear switch feature an identical travel distance of 3.5 mm, which means that users will experience the same amount of key movement when pressing down on either switch. This equal travel distance suggests that they will yield very similar tactile feedback and actuation experiences, making the overall typing sensation comparable. Consequently, whether using the Acacia or the BCP, users can expect consistent responses in their typing activities due to this uniformity in travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Huano Acacia linear switch offers a relatively subdued auditory profile, with a gentle and soft click-free operation that prioritizes a whisper-quiet typing experience. This makes it an excellent choice for office environments or shared spaces where noise can be an issue. On the other hand, the Kailh BCP linear switch stands out with its distinctly poppy and clacky sound, giving more auditory feedback with each keystroke. This sound signature enhances the typing experience for users who appreciate a lively acoustic presence as they type, making it a good fit for those who find enjoyment in a more dynamic soundscape.

When it comes to feel, the Huano Acacia linear switch is favored for its medium-light weight combined with generous factory lubrication, which results in a smooth and consistent keystroke. The minimized stem wobble contributes to a stable and reliable typing experience right out of the box. In contrast, the Kailh BCP linear switch presents a creamy, viscous, and elastic sensation that feels bouncy under the fingers. This unique tactile quality creates a sense of responsiveness that can be invigorating for users, making it a fun switch for those who enjoy a more engaging typing feel.

In conclusion, both the Huano Acacia and Kailh BCP linear switches offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Acacia is ideal for users seeking a quieter, refined typing experience with minimal distractions, while the BCP provides a more energetic and lively feel, appealing to those who enjoy auditory feedback. Depending on your priorities—whether sound or feel—you'll find that both switches can deliver satisfying results, albeit through different sensory pathways.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Kailh BCP linear switch ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter touch with a smooth, refined feel that requires less force to actuate, the Acacia switch is the better option for you. Its medium-light weight, paired with generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, creates an enjoyable typing experience straight out of the box. This makes it an excellent choice for long typing sessions or if you are transitioning from a membrane keyboard. On the other hand, if you desire a more tactile sensation with a heavier actuation force and a unique auditory feedback, the BCP switch will likely appeal to you. Its medium-heavy weight combined with a creamy, elastic feel not only enhances your typing experience but also delivers a distinctly poppy and clacky sound profile that adds to the enjoyment of each keystroke. Overall, assess what you value more in your mechanical keyboard—if it’s ease of use and comfort, go for the Acacia; if it’s an engaging sound and a pronounced tactile feel, the BCP will be your best bet.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Acacia Linear

$3.39 per 10

Learn more

Kailh BCP Linear

$5.00

$4.75 per 10

Learn more