Huano Acacia vs. Keygeek Keylin
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Keygeek Keylin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Acacia and the Keygeek Keylin stand out as two compelling linear options, each offering unique characteristics that cater to different user preferences. The Acacia is revered for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, providing an excellent typing experience straight out of the box, making it a great choice for those seeking a straightforward and satisfying feel with little customization needed. In contrast, the Keygeek Keylin leverages new molds to deliver a premium typing experience characterized by rich acoustics and exceptional smoothness, appealing to users who appreciate a more tactile feedback and a harmonious sound profile while typing. Both switches have their merits, with the Acacia focusing on ease and consistency, while the Keylin emphasizes auditory and tactile pleasure. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
38g
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
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
UPE
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
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the Huano Acacia and the Keygeek Keylin, we observe distinct differences in the composition of their top housings. The Acacia features a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer composition. This material's natural transparency also offers enhanced aesthetics, particularly with RGB lighting, as it allows illumination to shine through beautifully. In contrast, the Keylin utilizes a nylon top housing. Nylon's relatively softer texture results in a deeper, fuller sound profile, dampening sound and providing a more subdued auditory experience. These contrasting top housing materials significantly influence the acoustic properties and overall user experience when typing on each switch.
However, when we shift our focus to the bottom housings, we find a congruency between the Acacia and the Keylin, as both switches feature nylon as their bottom material. This similarity means that both switches will share characteristics attributed to nylon, such as producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. As nylon absorbs sound, it enhances the overall typing experience by providing a more rounded auditory feedback during key presses. Consequently, the impact of nylon on the bottom-out sound and feel will be consistent across both switches, which harmonizes the overall experience when the keys are pressed down.
Ultimately, the combination of different materials in the top and bottom housings produces unique sound profiles for each switch. The polycarbonate top of the Acacia lends itself to a clear release note, while the nylon bottom contributes to a warm, rounded feel. On the other hand, the Keylin’s nylon top engenders a more muted sound with a fuller character, while its nylon bottom maintains consistent qualities across both switches. By contrasting the top materials in this way, it becomes clear that while both switches share similarities in their bottom housing, they deliver distinct auditory experiences influenced by their top housing choices. Thus, users can select the switch that best fits their preference for sound characteristics without compromising the nylon's beneficial properties in their typing experience.
Weight
The Huano Acacia linear switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch differ in both actuation force and bottom out force, catering to different typing preferences. The Acacia switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, classifying it as medium-light, while the Keylin switch is lighter, with an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This difference means that users of the Keylin will likely find it easier to press down the keys, making it more suitable for prolonged typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. Conversely, the Acacia switch offers a heavier push feel, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Overall, while both switches provide unique advantages depending on user preference, the Keylin is the lighter option, making it ideal for extended use, while the Acacia caters to those who appreciate a bit more resistance in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch, we find that the Acacia has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Keylin measures 3.6 mm. This means that the Keylin switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, providing a bit more depth when pressed down compared to the Acacia. For users who favor a more responsive feel, the Acacia’s shorter travel distance may be preferable, as it can lead to quicker actuation times, ideal for fast-paced gaming. Conversely, those who appreciate a more substantial key press may find the Keylin’s additional 0.1 mm more to their liking. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize responsiveness or a more pronounced key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keylin has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keylin 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
In terms of sound, the Huano Acacia linear switch is noted for its quiet operation, which is ideal for environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. Its generous factory lubrication contributes to a smooth keypress, further mitigating any potential sound that could come from the switch. On the other hand, the Keygeek Keylin linear switch offers a richer acoustic profile, providing a more premium sound that enhances the overall typing experience. While the Keylin's inherent characteristics add depth, it’s essential to remember that sound perception can vary significantly based on the choice of keyboard plate and keycap materials.
When it comes to feel, the Huano Acacia switch is recognized for its medium-light weight, allowing for a comfortable typing experience that doesn’t require excessive force. The well-applied lubrication reduces friction, making each keystroke smooth and pleasant. In comparison, the Keylin linear switch boasts exceptional smoothness that stems from the new molds used by Keygeek, promising a snappy yet cushioned response as you type. While both switches prioritize a smooth feel, the Keylin’s design may provide a slight edge in delivering a more polished experience.
In conclusion, both the Huano Acacia and Keygeek Keylin linear switches cater to typists looking for smooth and pleasant experiences, though they offer different acoustic qualities. The Acacia is quiet and easy to type on, while the Keylin delivers a richer sound, enhancing the tactile experience. Ultimately, the best choice will depend on individual preferences, but both switches promise to deliver satisfying performance for typing enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Acacia and the Keygeek Keylin linear switches largely depends on your personal preferences regarding force, sound, and overall feel. If you prefer a switch that strikes a balance with its medium-light actuation and provides a solid typing experience right out of the box, the Acacia is an excellent choice. With its 55-gram bottom out force, you might appreciate the control it offers during typing or gaming sessions, along with its generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, ensuring a stable and satisfying interaction. On the other hand, if you're inclined towards a lighter touch, the Keylin, with its 48-gram bottom out force, can be ideal for you, especially if you enjoy a smoother action and richer acoustics. The unique molds from Keygeek contribute to a refined tactile experience, making these switches feel exceptionally smooth. In terms of auditory feedback, while the sound profile of the Acacia has a moderately satisfying tone, the Keylin might appeal if you seek a more refined acoustic experience. Ultimately, your decision should align with whether you value a bit more resistance and stability or prefer lighter actuation with enhanced smoothness and sound.
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