Huano Acacia vs. HMX KD200
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the HMX KD200 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Acacia and the HMX KD200 offer two distinct experiences, despite both being linear switches. The Acacia is celebrated for its medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication, delivering a smooth and satisfying typing experience right from the start, making it an excellent choice for those seeking comfort and ease of use during long typing sessions. In contrast, the HMX KD200 is known for its distinctive clackiness, setting it apart as the most audible member of the HMX Film switch family, perfect for users who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic feedback while typing. While both switches cater to different preferences, the Acacia leans towards a quieter, more fluid experience, while the KD200 appeals to those who favor a more tactile and audible response. However, 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
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Huano Acacia and the HMX KD200 switches present a fascinating study in contrasts, especially in their upper components. The Acacia features a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This is primarily due to the material's stiffness, which allows for greater resonance and clarity—ideal for users who prioritize a crisp auditory feedback while typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it particularly effective for enhancing RGB lighting effects, lending a visually striking element to customizable keyboards. In contrast, the KD200 utilizes a nylon top housing, which is celebrated for delivering a deeper and fuller sound profile. The inherent softness of nylon absorbs sound, resulting in a sound that is rounder and more subdued, which may appeal to users looking for a more muted auditory experience.
When examining the bottom housings, it's noteworthy that both the Acacia and the KD200 employ nylon material, reinforcing their commonalities. This means that regardless of the differing top housing materials, both switches will yield similar auditory characteristics in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. The use of nylon here favors a softer sound profile, creating a consistent experience for users who appreciate a more subdued typing experience. This dual-emphasis on nylon in both switches’ bottom housings suggests that while the overall sound might differ when keys are released, the impact during pressing will share a harmonious depth and fullness, attributable to the nylon's sound-absorbing properties.
Ultimately, the combination of these materials results in distinct auditory profiles influenced by the differentiation in top housing materials. The Huano Acacia, with its polycarbonate top, is likely to be favored by those looking for a sharper and more vibrant sound during key releases, while the KD200's nylon top offers a softer, more mellow auditory response. However, since both switches share the same nylon material for their bottom housings, users can expect a consistent and rich experience when the keys are pressed. Therefore, while the switches provide unique experiences based on their top materials, the shared characteristics of the nylon bottom ensure that both models will have a pleasingly round and full sound during typing.
Weight
The Huano Acacia linear switch and the HMX KD200 linear switch share a common actuation force of 45 grams, indicating that both require the same amount of pressure to trigger a keystroke, which makes them ideal for those looking for a balanced typing experience. However, they differ in their bottom out forces, with the Acacia requiring 55 grams to bottom out, whereas the KD200 has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. This difference suggests that the KD200 provides a slightly more gentle transition when fully pressed, making it potentially more comfortable for prolonged use, particularly during long gaming sessions or extensive typing periods. Therefore, while the actuation forces of both switches are equivalent, the KD200 ultimately stands out as the lighter option in terms of bottom out force, allowing for a softer landing, whereas the Acacia provides a more substantial feel overall for those who prefer a heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Huano Acacia linear switch and the HMX KD200 linear switch both feature an identical travel distance of 3.5 mm, meaning that the distance each switch travels from the top to the bottom is precisely the same. As a result, users will experience similar keypress feedback and actuation height when using either switch, leading to a uniform typing experience. Since both switches share this travel distance, they are expected to provide comparable performance in terms of key response and tactile feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX KD200 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the KD200 for $3.29.
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
When comparing the sound profile of the Huano Acacia linear switch to the HMX KD200 linear switch, we find distinct differences that could appeal to different preferences among users. The Acacia's sound is characterized by its smooth and subdued nature, contributing to a quieter typing experience without overly loud clacks, making it more suitable for office environments or quiet settings. In contrast, the KD200 is notable for being the clackiest member of the HMX Film switch family, featuring sharper, more pronounced sounds that provide a satisfying auditory feedback with each keystroke. This difference suggests that if you prefer a more muted experience, the Acacia will serve you well, while the KD200 will cater to those who enjoy more pronounced acoustics in their typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Acacia switch offers a delightful typing experience thanks to its medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication, resulting in a smooth and responsive action with minimal stem wobble. This makes it a pleasure to type on for extended periods, as the friction is reduced, enhancing overall comfort. Conversely, the KD200 also has its distinct advantages, although specific details about its feel are not provided. Given its classification within the HMX Film switch family, one might infer that it offers a solid and possibly tactile experience, but the definitive nuances in feel remain unspecified.
In conclusion, both the Huano Acacia and HMX KD200 linear switches provide unique characteristics that cater to different auditory and tactile preferences. With the Acacia providing a quieter, smooth, and comfortable typing experience, it is excellent for those who prioritize a serene environment. On the other hand, the KD200 appeals to users who indulge in a louder and more pronounced sound profile. While their feel qualities diverge slightly, the Acacia stands out with its lubrication and minimal stem wobble, presenting as an overall well-rounded choice for typing comfort. Ultimately, personal preference plays a critical role in deciding between these two switches, as both have distinct advantages that could suit varying user needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the HMX KD200 linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and intended use. If you prefer a switch with a medium-light actuation force for a balanced typing experience that combines comfort and responsiveness, the Acacia is your go-to option. Its generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble make it an excellent choice for both typing and gaming right out of the box. On the other hand, if you enjoy a lighter feel and are looking for a switch that offers a distinct auditory feedback, the KD200 presents itself as an enticing alternative. Known for its unique clackiness, the KD200 can enhance your typing experience with a lively sound profile, making it ideal for those who appreciate a bit of acoustics in their key presses. Therefore, consider your priorities—whether it's a smooth and stable feel or a more engaging auditory experience—with your choice of switch to nail down the mechanical keyboard setup that suits you best.
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