Huano Acacia vs. Gazzew LT
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Gazzew LT switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Acacia and Gazzew LT stand out as two compelling options for enthusiasts of linear switches. The Huano Acacia is beloved for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, all contributing to an exceptional typing experience right out of the box. This switch offers a satisfying feel that caters to those who prioritize smooth, effortless keystrokes. In contrast, the Gazzew LT, known for its striking lilac hue, delivers a unique auditory experience with its deep, resonant thockiness—perfect for users who relish both tactile feedback and an immersive sound profile. While both switches excel in their respective domains, your choice will ultimately depend on whether you prefer the effortless glide and straightforward typing of the Acacia or the thocky, auditory delight of the LT. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Housing materials
The Huano Acacia and Gazzew LT switches exhibit distinct characteristics in their housing materials, which significantly influence their auditory and tactile experiences during use. The Acacia features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. This property allows for a clearer and more resonant sound, making it particularly suitable for RGB lighting setups given its translucency. In contrast, the Gazzew LT utilizes a proprietary plastic blend, often termed "boba plastic," for its top housing. This material differs fundamentally from polycarbonate, delivering a softer sound profile that is richer and deeper. As a result, while both may offer satisfying auditory feedback, the Acacia leans towards a more vibrant and crisp sound, while the LT is characterized by warmth and depth.
On the other hand, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing materials, utilizing a nylon construction for the Acacia and a similar proprietary blend for the LT. The nylon bottom housing in the Acacia generates a deeper and fuller sound profile, attributed to its softer nature, which absorbs sound, resulting in a rounder acoustic experience. This enhances the bottom-out sound when the key is fully pressed. Similarly, the Gazzew LT’s bottom housing, composed of its proprietary blend, similarly emphasizes depth and richness in sound. This parallel in bottom housing materials indicates that each switch's tactile feedback remains deeply resonant, with the softness of both materials contributing to a generally satisfying typing experience.
Ultimately, the interplay between the top and bottom housing materials in each switch creates unique auditory profiles. The Acacia's polycarbonate top enhances clarity on the release of the key, while the nylon bottom focuses on sound and feel upon bottoming out. Conversely, the LT's "boba plastic" top softens the overall sound experience, creating a rounded profile that blends seamlessly with the deeper output of its proprietary material in the bottom housing. Thus, while the Acacia and Gazzew LT offer different experiences in terms of top housing, both switches provide a rich auditory experience owing to their soft bottom housings, affirming that similar outcomes can be achieved with the right balance of materials.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces arise. The Acacia boasts an actuation force of 45 grams—a medium-light weight—making it ideal for users seeking a comfortable typing experience during extended sessions. In contrast, the LT’s actuation force remains unspecified, leaving it unclear at what weight the keypress registers. However, the LT does feature a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams compared to the Acacia’s 55 grams, positioning the LT as a medium-heavy option. This difference suggests that while the Acacia might favor those who prefer a lighter touch, the LT caters to users desiring a more substantial feel. Consequently, if you're looking for a lighter switch that supports longer typing or gaming durations, the Huano Acacia would be the preferred choice, whereas the Gazzew LT offers a heavier tactile experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch, we find that the Acacia has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the LT has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. This difference highlights a key aspect of switch preference: the Acacia, with its longer travel distance, caters to those who enjoy a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, potentially offering a more tactile, heavier depth. In contrast, the LT, being the shorter option, is likely to appeal to gamers and users who prioritize quick response times in their typing or gaming experiences. Therefore, while both switches aim to accommodate different user needs, the Acacia provides a deeper press, whereas the LT allows for faster actuation due to its shorter distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Huano Acacia comes in at $3.39, whereas the Gazzew LT comes in at $6.50.
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 noteworthy for its unobtrusive acoustic profile, providing a virtually silent experience that allows for focused typing without disturbing those around you. This makes it an ideal choice for environments where noise is a concern. In contrast, the Gazzew LT linear switch boasts a deep, resonant sound that many enthusiasts refer to as "thocky." With its bassy and low-pitched characteristics, each keystroke delivers a satisfying auditory feedback that resembles a gentle thud, adding a pleasant auditory dimension to the typing experience. The amplification of the sound differs significantly between the two, with the LT providing a richer, deeper sound that can enhance the enjoyment of typing.
When it comes to feel, the Acacia switches shine with their medium-light actuation force and generous factory lubrication, offering a smooth and pleasant keystroke right out of the box. The low stem wobble enhances stability, resulting in a consistent typing experience. However, details about the tactile feel of the LT switches remain unknown. What is evident, though, is their reputation for a seamless glide, which suggests a luxurious experience as your fingers glide over the keys. This glide might even contribute to a smooth and satisfying typing rhythm that many users relish.
In conclusion, while the Huano Acacia linear switch offers a quieter typing experience and a smooth feel, the Gazzew LT linear switch delivers a richer auditory experience and seamless glide. Depending on your preferences, if you gravitate towards a more subtle auditory output and a reliable feel, the Acacia may be better suited for you. However, if you prefer a rich sound profile and an enjoyable glide, the LT could be the switch of choice. Both switches offer highly enjoyable typing experiences, catering to different preferences in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch, it's essential to consider your personal preferences and typing habits. If you prefer a lighter keystroke with minimal effort, the Acacia switch, with its medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams, may be the ideal choice for you. This switch excels in providing a smooth and enjoyable typing experience right out of the box, thanks to its generous factory lubrication and reduced stem wobble. It’s particularly suited for users who appreciate a more subtle sound profile and a fast, responsive feel during typing.
On the other hand, if you gravitate towards a heavier actuation force and enjoy a richer auditory experience, you might find the Gazzew LT switch more aligned with your needs. With a bottom-out force of 65 grams, the LT offers a satisfying, thocky sound that resonates deeply with each keystroke, adding an audible dimension to your typing that many find pleasurable. This switch is ideal for those who enjoy that tactile feedback combined with a luxurious feel, as it provides a seamless glide that enhances overall performance.
In summary, choose the Acacia for its lighter actuation and smooth, undemanding feel, particularly if you type for long periods without requiring much force. On the other hand, opt for the Gazzew LT if you prefer a more tactile experience with a heavier feel and enjoy the rich, bassy sound profile that can elevate your typing sessions. Ultimately, your choice should align with your typing style, desired sound, and overall gaming or work preferences.
Mentioned in this article
