Huano Acacia vs. TTC Light Cloud V2
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the TTC Light Cloud V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Acacia and TTC Light Cloud V2 both offer unique attributes that cater to different typing preferences. The Huano Acacia is renowned for its medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication, providing a smooth and enjoyable typing experience right out of the box, making it an appealing choice for users who appreciate a consistent feel with minimal stem wobble. On the other hand, the TTC Light Cloud V2 distinguishes itself as a preferred silent switch, designed for those who desire a lightweight and refined typing experience; its mild, muted characteristics create a delicate and feathery touch that many typists seek for more nuanced feedback. While both switches offer excellent options for linear typing, their individual features cater to different needs—whether you're looking for a straightforward, reliable performance or a whisper-quiet, gentle touch. 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
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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
Gold-plated double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Acacia and the TTC Light Cloud V2 switches, we see a distinct difference in their top housings. The Acacia features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and translucency. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, enhancing clarity, especially when paired with RGB lighting. The use of polycarbonate allows for a more resonant sound since the stiffer material facilitates improved sound transmission. In contrast, the Light Cloud V2 employs a nylon top housing. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that is softer and more sound-absorbent compared to polycarbonate. As a result, the nylon top of the Light Cloud V2 produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating an overall rounder acoustics experience.
While the top housings differ significantly in material, both switches share the same nylon bottom housing. This commonality means that despite the differences in their sound profiles due to the top housing, the foundational sound characteristics imparted by the bottom housing will remain consistent. The nylon bottom housing in both switches lends to a deeper and fuller sound profile, with its ability to absorb sound contributing to a nuanced typing experience. When pressed, users will notice that both switches exhibit a similar depth and roundness due to the shared material in the bottom housing, regardless of the differing top housing materials.
In terms of overall performance, the differences between the Huano Acacia and the TTC Light Cloud V2 will hinge largely on the interaction of their respective top housings with their common bottom housing. The polycarbonate top of the Acacia will emphasize higher frequencies and provide a crisp snap with every keystroke, while the nylon top of the Light Cloud V2 results in a softer, more subdued feedback. Ultimately, users will experience a combination of these sound profiles when typing, reflecting the unique characteristics of each switch. Thus, while the Acacia and Light Cloud V2 switches present differing top housing materials, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that both can deliver gratifying acoustic experiences, albeit with distinct sonic signatures.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch, we see both similarities and differences that cater to varying user preferences. Both switches feature the same actuation force of 45 grams, indicating that users will experience a similar ease of keystroke activation, making them suitable for extended typing sessions without fatigue. However, the bottom out forces diverge slightly, with the Acacia at 55 grams and the Light Cloud V2 at 58 grams. This means that while both switches activate with equal effort, the Light Cloud V2 requires a bit more force to register a full press, leading to a firmer bottoming out sensation. Consequently, the Acacia can be considered the lighter option overall, offering a less forceful bottom out experience compared to the heavier Light Cloud V2. Users who prefer a lighter switch may gravitate towards the Acacia, while those who appreciate a more substantial typing feel might prefer the additional weight of the Light Cloud V2.
Travel distance
Both the Huano Acacia linear switch and the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch feature identical travel distances of 3.5 mm, meaning that users will experience the same amount of travel when pressing down on either switch. This equal travel distance results in a similar tactile experience, allowing for consistent performance across both types of switches. Therefore, those who prefer one switch over the other can expect comparable keyfeel and actuation characteristics, enhancing uniformity in typing or gaming situations.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Light Cloud V2 has an MSRP of $6.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Cloud V2 for $5.49.
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 particularly notable for its performance, yet the specifics of its acoustic profile remain unspecified. In contrast, the TTC Light Cloud V2 is characterized by its muted sound, producing a softer and quieter experience compared to standard mechanical switches. The neutral sound profile of the Light Cloud V2 makes it versatile, accommodating both beginners and advanced users, whether they're typing in a home office or a shared workspace. While the exact sound of the Acacia switch isn't detailed, users can generally expect a quieter experience from linear switches, especially when compared to clicky or tactile options.
When examining feel, the Acacia switch provides a pleasant typing experience characterized by a medium-light weight, ample factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, which enhances stability and overall comfort. Although the specifics of the Acacia's feel are not elaborated, the TTC Light Cloud V2 offers a mild typing experience that is easy to press. It requires minimal actuation force, resulting in a feathery and responsive feel. This greatly reduces finger fatigue over long typing sessions, making it appealing for various uses such as gaming, schoolwork, or professional tasks. Both switches strive for comfort but do so with slightly different philosophies; the Acacia leans towards stability, while the Light Cloud V2 emphasizes an effortless typing experience.
In summary, while the Huano Acacia linear switch excels in providing a comfortable typing experience characterized by stability and less wobble, the TTC Light Cloud V2 focuses on a light, muted, and ultra-refined feel that prioritizes ease of use. The Acacia may offer a more traditional linear feel, while the Light Cloud V2 provides a gentler typing experience, making it potentially more suitable for those who favor lighter switches. Both options cater to comfort and reduced finger fatigue, appealing to an audience looking for reliable performance in their mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and typing needs. If you favor a lighter key press and an effortless typing experience, the Acacia, with its 55 grams bottom out force, provides a medium-light feel that is well-suited for both casual typing and professional use. Its generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble ensure a smooth performance right out of the box, making it an excellent choice if you want a reliable and less fatiguing experience during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a slightly sturdier switch that offers a refined, muted typing experience, the Light Cloud V2 could be your go-to option. With a bottom out force of 58 grams, it strikes a balance between responsiveness and moderate resistance, ideal for those who appreciate a more nuanced touch while maintaining a quiet operation. Its easy-to-press nature makes it a great option for environments where noise levels matter. In essence, consider what aspects of typing experience—be it light feel versus refined resistance or sound characteristics—are most important to you as you make your selection.
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