Huano Acacia vs. Gateron Luciola

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly affect your typing experience, and two intriguing options are the Huano Acacia and the Gateron Luciola. The Acacia, a linear switch, is celebrated for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, providing an excellent typing feel straight out of the box. These characteristics make the Acacia an appealing choice for those seeking a smooth and reliable typing experience without the need for additional modifications. In contrast, the Gateron Luciola not only captures attention with its unique glow-in-the-dark feature but also delivers a medium heft with a smooth, bouncy feel and a distinct sound reminiscent of a shaken can of spray paint. This adds an element of auditory satisfaction that some typists may find enjoyable. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences—whether you prioritize a polished performance or an eye-catching aesthetic, there’s a switch to fit your 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

Gateron Luciola Linear

$3.39 per 10

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Acacia and the Gateron Luciola, one can observe distinct characteristics that influence their sound profiles. The Acacia features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and clarity. This material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, enhancing the overall acoustic experience, especially when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucency. The polycarbonate's properties allow for a clear resonant sound that many enthusiasts appreciate. In contrast, the Luciola's proprietary INK blend top housing provides a similarly pointed and higher-pitched sound profile; however, it is crafted from a unique mixture that tempers sharpness to deliver a more balanced, clacky tone. While both switches produce higher frequencies, the Acacia might edge out in terms of clarity due to the stiffer polycarbonate.

The bottom housing of both switches introduces another layer to this comparison. The Acacia utilizes a nylon bottom housing known for producing a deeper, fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, tends to absorb sound waves and dampen vibrations, leading to a more rounded sound when the key is bottomed out. In contrast, the Luciola again leans towards its INK blend, which mirrors its top housing by delivering a high-pitched yet not overly sharp sound profile. This similarity suggests that while the Luciola aims for a consistent sound across its whole structure, it may lack the depth offered by the Acacia’s nylon bottom. The difference in materials results in the Acacia providing a more varied auditory profile overall, while the Luciola focuses on maintaining a uniform sound character.

Ultimately, while both switches offer engaging auditory experiences, the combination of materials in each plays a crucial role in their performance. The distinctive properties of polycarbonate and nylon in the Acacia create a sound that is both crisp and full-bodied, with clear separation between the top and bottom acoustics. On the other hand, the Luciola's INK blend in both housing components ensures a cohesive high-pitched sound throughout, which may appeal to those who prefer a more consistent sound texture. If one were to wish to achieve similar results between the two, they could experiment with the placement of dampening materials or mod the housings to find a sound that best suits their typing preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on individual sound profile preferences, with the Acacia leaning toward clarity and depth, while the Luciola offers a tight, controlled clack.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Acacia has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Luciola features both a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, placing it in the medium range. This distinction means that users who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions might gravitate towards the Acacia, while those seeking a more substantial typing experience may favor the Luciola due to its increased actuation and bottom out forces. Overall, the Acacia enables easier keystrokes, making it potentially more suitable for extensive use, whereas the Luciola provides a firmer feel for users who enjoy the resistance of a heavier switch.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, the Acacia measures 3.5 mm, while the Luciola has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Luciola provides a marginally deeper press, which some users may prefer for a more substantial tactile experience. On the other hand, the Acacia, being shorter by 0.1 mm, might appeal more to gamers or those who prioritize quick response times, making it feel more responsive with less distance to travel. Thus, while both switches offer relatively short travel distances, the Acacia is the shorter option and may be preferred by those who want a snappier action, while the Luciola caters to users looking for a bit more depth in their keystrokes.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Huano Acacia switch offers a more muted auditory experience compared to the Gateron Luciola, which is characterized by its clacky and chirpy tones. The Acacia is designed to provide a smooth and refined profile, likely leaning towards a more understated sound with fewer sharp overtones. In contrast, the Luciola’s sound has distinct high-pitched qualities that include crisp and bright notes, enhanced by its marbly resonance, making it feel lively and energetic. This prominent acoustic signature, along with its hollow sound profile reminiscent of a shaken spray paint can, sets it apart as an engaging choice for users who appreciate auditory feedback.

When it comes to feel, the Huano Acacia excels in delivering an enjoyable typing experience, aided by its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble. This combination translates to a consistent and tactile response that many users find satisfying. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola is known for its snappy and buttery qualities, providing a responsive and polished typing sensation. The switch comprises a smooth keystroke experience that feels lively due to its bouncy nature, giving it an engaging and almost effortless feel when typing. While both switches aim to provide a smooth experience, the Acacia focuses on stability and comfort, whereas the Luciola offers a more dynamic and responsive interaction.

In conclusion, both the Huano Acacia and Gateron Luciola linear switches present unique qualities catering to different preferences. Users seeking a more subdued and stable typing experience may prefer the Acacia, while those drawn to vivacious auditory and tactile feedback will find the Luciola appealing. Regardless of your choice, you can expect a satisfying experience from both, as each brings distinct characteristics that can enhance the overall mechanical keyboard experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, when choosing between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, consider your typing preferences and style. If you lean towards a lighter keystroke and appreciate a more subdued sound profile, the Acacia is a fantastic choice. With its medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, it offers a smooth, responsive typing experience right out of the box, aided by its generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble. This switch is ideal for those who type for extended periods and prefer an overall quieter setup. Conversely, if you're drawn to a slightly heavier switch that offers a unique auditory experience, the Gateron Luciola might be your go-to. With its 60 grams of bottom out force, this switch provides that medium heft and delivers a lively, clacky sound, reminiscent of a "can of spray paint" being shaken. The vibrant lights and its more pronounced feedback cater well to gamers and those who enjoy an engaging, lively typing experience. Ultimately, your choice should be guided by whether you seek a soft, smooth typing experience with the Acacia or the bouncy, dynamic feel with the Luciola.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Acacia Linear

$3.39 per 10

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Gateron Luciola Linear

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

Learn more