Huano Acacia vs. HMX Lotus

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Acacia and HMX Lotus both offer linear designs tailored for different typing experiences. The Acacia stands out with its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, resulting in a smooth and satisfying typing experience right from the start. This makes it an excellent choice for users who prioritize comfort and fluidity during prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus features a medium weight of 50g at bottom out, complemented by a bright, resonant sound that adds an engaging auditory dimension to keystrokes. The Lotus switches are designed to provide a super bouncy feel, making each typing experience lively and enjoyable. While both switches deliver unique benefits—comfort in the case of the Acacia and an exciting tactile feedback with the Lotus—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your needs.

By the numbers

Huano Acacia Linear

HMX Lotus Linear

$3.39 per 10

$3.49

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Huano Acacia and the HMX Lotus reflect a distinct contrast in their acoustic properties due to their respective materials. The Acacia utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate allows for a clearer and more resonant sound, making it particularly effective when RGB lighting is employed, as its translucency enhances the visual elements of the switch. In contrast, the Lotus features a nylon top housing, known for its deep and full sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a duller tone that often enhances the overall typing experience by giving it a smoother, rounder characteristic. Hence, while the Acacia's polycarbonate offers clarity, the Lotus's nylon promotes warmth in sound production.

When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Huano Acacia and HMX Lotus opt for nylon material, bringing them to a similar ground in this aspect. This placement of nylon in both switches ensures that users will experience deeper, fuller sound profiles on bottoming out, contributing to a satisfying tactile feedback during use. As both housings are made of the same material, the acoustics during keypresses will resonate similarly, thus creating a consistent auditory experience regardless of the differences in their respective top housings. The defining feature of the bottom housing remains the impact it has on the overall sonic experience during key presses.

Overall, the Huano Acacia and HMX Lotus showcase how diverse material choices can influence the typing experience. The Acacia's polycarbonate top enhances clarity and brightness, appealing to those who prefer a more pronounced sound, while the Lotus's nylon top focuses on an intimate, fuller sound. However, both switches' nylon bottom housings ensure that the final output retains depth and richness, underscoring the importance of each material's contribution to the overall performance of the switches. By combining different materials, both designs successfully achieve unique sound profiles, appealing to a wide range of preferences among typists and gamers alike.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch, both exhibit matching actuation forces of 45 grams, meaning users will have a similarly light touch when typing or gaming, which can be beneficial for extended use without fatigue. However, the bottom out forces vary, with the Acacia requiring 55 grams to register full depression, making it slightly heavier than the Lotus, which bottoms out at 50 grams. This difference indicates that the Acacia provides a more substantial feel at the bottom of the keystroke, which some users might prefer for a more tactile experience. Overall, while both switches share the same actuation force, the Acacia's heavier bottom out force may appeal to those who favor a more defined typing experience, while the lighter bottom out of the Lotus may be more comfortable for long sessions.

Travel distance

Both the Huano Acacia linear switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch feature a travel distance of 3.5 mm, indicating that both switches provide the same level of keypress depth when pressed. This equal travel distance means that users can expect a similar tactile experience in terms of how far the switch travels from the top to the bottom, resulting in comparable feedback and responsiveness during use. Since both switches share this identical travel distance, enthusiasts can select either option without worrying about the practical differences in keypress travel, as both will deliver similarly consistent results.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Huano Acacia linear switch has a more subdued auditory profile, contributing to a quieter typing experience that may appeal to those who prefer discretion while typing. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus linear switch produces a bright, resonant sound that can add a lively character to each keystroke. The contrast between the two indicates that if you're looking for a more ambient typing experience, the Acacia may be the better choice, while the Lotus might be ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic feedback.

When it comes to feel, the Acacia switch stands out with its medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication, making typing feel smooth and effortless right out of the box. This low resistance can lead to a pleasant overall experience for both casual typists and gamers alike. The HMX Lotus linear switch, with its medium weight of 50g bottom-out force, offers a distinctly bouncy feel that engages the typist as each keystroke feels pleasantly springy. While the Acacia focuses on a seamless typing experience, the Lotus provides an energizing sensation that invigorates every press.

In summary, the Huano Acacia and HMX Lotus linear switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Acacia's quieter sound profile and smooth operation suit those who favor a more refined typing experience, while the Lotus's bright acoustics and bouncy feedback bring excitement and responsiveness to the keyboard. Depending on your personal preference for either a subtler or more animated typing experience, both switches promise satisfaction, ensuring that users can enjoy their mechanical keyboard setups tailored to their specific desires.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences for typing feel and sound characteristics. If you lean towards a slightly heavier feel with a bottom-out force of 55 grams, and appreciate a smooth, well-lubricated experience right from the start, then the Acacia is an excellent choice. It provides a consistent typing experience with minimal stem wobble, making it ideal for those who prioritize stability and a medium-light actuation. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of 50 grams, coupled with a bouncy sensation and a bright, resonant sound, the Lotus switches would be more suitable. The Lotus excels in delivering a delightful acoustic feedback that can elevate your typing experience, making your keystrokes feel more engaging and energizing. Ultimately, your decision should reflect what you find most enjoyable when typing or gaming, whether you value a smooth, controlled action with the Acacia or an exhilarating and lively feedback with the Lotus.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Acacia Linear

$3.39 per 10

Learn more

HMX Lotus Linear

$3.49

$2.99 per 10

Learn more