Huano Acacia vs. Outemu Lime

Overview

When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Acacia and Outemu Lime offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Acacia, a linear switch, is celebrated for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, resulting in a smooth and satisfying typing experience straight out of the box. This makes it an ideal choice for gamers and typists who prefer uninterrupted keystrokes without tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Lime, known for its tactile characteristics, provides a lightweight and subtly tactile feel that is perfect for those who crave a delicate combination of responsiveness and feedback. With their unique design, the Limes offer a muted experience that can be especially appealing to tactile switch enthusiasts who appreciate both lightness and a faint bump during keypresses. While both switches have their advantages, the choice ultimately depends on your typing style and what feels best for your individual needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Huano Acacia Linear

Outemu Lime Tactile

$3.39 per 10

$3.40 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Huano Acacia and the Outemu Lime present a fascinating contrast in their acoustic profiles and tactile experiences due to their distinct compositions. The Huano Acacia utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is characterized by its stiffer structure that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This choice of material not only contributes to clarity in the auditory experience but also enhances visual effects when RGB lighting is incorporated, thanks to polycarbonate's translucency. In contrast, the Outemu Lime features a nylon top housing, a material known for its softness and sound-absorbing qualities. This results in a notably deeper and fuller sound profile, providing a rounder auditory experience that differs significantly from the crisper tones of the Acacia.

Regarding the bottom housing, both models use nylon, which delivers a similar auditory texture, characterized by its capability to absorb sound and create a deeper resonance. In both the Huano Acacia and the Outemu Lime, the presence of nylon in the bottom housing ensures a consistent foundation that contributes to a rounded and fuller typing experience. This shared bottom housing material means that both switches will yield a similar acoustic performance in terms of bottom-out feel and sound, regardless of the differences in their top housing materials. This demonstrates how, despite the top housing variances, the bottom housing component aligns the overall typing experience and adds a critical layer of auditory quality.

The interplay between the different materials in these switches allows for a multifaceted experience. With the Huano Acacia's polycarbonate top housing providing bright, vibrant notes during release, and the Outemu Lime's nylon housing offering a more muted resonance, users can expect unique auditory experiences based on varying needs and preferences. Conversely, the shared nylon bottom housing bridges the gap between the two, ensuring that the foundation remains consistent and that users can achieve a satisfying depth regardless of the model they choose. Overall, both switches provide an interesting blend of sound profiles, showcasing how varying materials influence and enhance the mechanical switch experience.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch, we can observe notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Huano Acacia has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, which places it in the medium-light category. In contrast, the Outemu Lime features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a preferable choice for users who favor a lighter typing experience for extended periods or gaming sessions. Consequently, the Acacia switch is the heavier option, while the Lime switch provides a gentler press. As both switches have differing weights, users will likely experience contrasting typing sensations, with the Acacia offering more resistance for a substantial feel and the Lime providing a softer touch.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Huano Acacia linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Lime tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Acacia switch offers a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Lime switch. For users who prioritize rapid response times, the Lime could be the more appealing option due to its shorter travel distance, which allows for quicker actuation. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, the Acacia switch would be preferable, as its longer travel distance provides a deeper and more pronounced actuation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences regarding responsiveness and key feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Huano Acacia linear switch is characterized by its smooth, consistent noise profile, which is generally quieter than some other linear switches, but specifics are not provided. Contrastingly, the Outemu Lime tactile switch has a notably muted sound, producing a softer auditory experience thanks to its design aimed at minimizing typical mechanical keyboard noise. The Lime is described as neutral with a moderate sound profile, making it versatile for various environments, whether in an office or at home. Overall, while the Acacia is comparatively quiet, the Lime excels in providing a discreet typing experience.

When we consider the feel of the switches, the Huano Acacia is lauded for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, culminating in a smooth and satisfying typing experience that is ready to use right out of the box. In contrast, the Outemu Lime offers a feathery light touch, making it exceptionally easy to press with little effort required. Described as mild and subtly resistant, the Lime switch ensures that even extended typing sessions remain comfortable and fatigue-free. It features a polished feel that results in a slick typing experience. While both switches provide a more approachable feel, the Acacia focuses more on smoothness, whereas the Lime emphasizes a lighter and more tactile sensation.

In conclusion, both the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch cater to different preferences while providing an enjoyable typing experience. The Acacia stands out for its smooth, low-noise operation and polished feel, making it suitable for those who enjoy linear switches with minimal interruption. Meanwhile, the Lime excels in creating a lightweight tactile experience with moderated sound, perfect for users who favor a gentle touch and subtle feedback. Ultimately, both switches are crafted for comfort, with their distinctive qualities ensuring that users will find an experience tailored to their needs, whether they prioritize sound, feel, or both.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch, it's vital to consider both your typing preferences and the environment in which you'll use the keyboard. If you prefer a switch that offers a balanced feel with a slightly firmer force of 55 grams, the Acacia is an excellent choice. Its medium-light resistance, along with generous factory lubrication, provides a smooth typing experience that minimizes wobble, making it ideal for users seeking precision and control, especially in work and gaming scenarios. On the other hand, if you desire a lighter touch with a bit of tactility, the Outemu Lime is your go-to option. With a 45-gram bottom-out force, this switch caters to those who appreciate a feathery typing experience without sacrificing tactile feedback. It is also designed to be quieter, making it suitable for shared spaces or situations where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you value smoothness with weighty feedback or a light, muted tactility in your typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Acacia Linear

$3.39 per 10

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Outemu Lime Tactile

$3.40 per 10

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