Huano Acacia vs. HMX Lucky
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the HMX Lucky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Acacia and the HMX Lucky offer distinct experiences in the realm of linear switches, catering to different preferences among typists and gamers alike. The Huano Acacia is celebrated for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, delivering an excellent typing experience straight out of the box. This makes it an appealing choice for those who value smooth keystrokes and a responsive feel without needing to modify their switches extensively. On the other hand, the HMX Lucky switch features softer, glittery nylon housings, which contribute to its lightweight nature and create a typing experience that is both neutral and deeply satisfying. The Lucky is ideal for users who prioritize a softer tactile feel and a bit of personality in their keyboard aesthetics. Both switches present compelling options, yet they serve different user needs and styles. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
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
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Huano Acacia and the HMX Lucky switches utilize different materials for their top housings, leading to distinct sound characteristics. The Acacia features a polycarbonate top, which is notable for its stiffness and translucency, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This characteristic makes polycarbonate especially advantageous for RGB lighting applications, as the clear material allows light to pass through effectively. On the contrary, the Lucky switch utilizes nylon for its top housing. As a softer plastic, nylon absorbs more sound, which results in a deeper, fuller sound profile. This fundamental difference in material fundamentally shapes the auditory experience of each switch, highlighting how housing materials can significantly influence sound quality.
However, both the Huano Acacia and HMX Lucky incorporate nylon as their bottom housing material. In both cases, this common choice for the bottom housing creates a uniform sound experience in terms of depth and resonance. With both switches using nylon for the bottom, the sound profile shared between them will accentuate the softer, rounder auditory qualities typical of nylon. This shared material means that when users engage with either switch, they will notice similarities in bottom-out sounds and vibrations regardless of the differences in their top housing, creating a more cohesive typing experience when both materials are considered together.
In summary, while the Huano Acacia and HMX Lucky switches differ in their top housing materials—polycarbonate for the Acacia and nylon for the Lucky—their shared use of nylon in the bottom housing serves to unify some aspects of their sound characteristics. Users will enjoy a distinctive response when pressing down due to the nylon's sound-absorbing properties, while the sharper or fuller upper-end tonality differences remain reliant on the material chosen for the top housing. This blend of materials showcases how different housing types can work together to create a diverse yet complementary auditory experience in mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Acacia switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the HMX Lucky switch is lighter, featuring an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, indicating a more delicate touch. This difference in actuation force suggests that typists and gamers who prefer a lighter key feel for sustained usage may gravitate toward the Lucky switch, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience might favor the Acacia. The bottom out forces also reflect this trend, with the Lucky's lighter force contributing to a softer landing, whereas the Acacia provides a firmer experience. Ultimately, the Acacia is the heavier option in both actuation and bottom out forces, while the Lucky offers a lighter feel that may appeal to a different type of user.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch, we find that they differ slightly, with the Acacia measuring 3.5 mm and the Lucky at 3.8 mm. This means the Lucky switch has a longer travel distance, which may appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial keystroke feel, as it provides a more pronounced depth during typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Acacia's shorter 3.5 mm travel distance is tailored for those who favor quicker response times, making it more suitable for fast-paced gaming scenarios. Choosing the Acacia may result in a more rapid actuation, while the Lucky could provide a more satisfying tactile experience for those who prefer a hearty depth in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preference regarding responsiveness and depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Lucky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lucky for $2.99.
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 offers a relatively quiet operation, allowing for a discreet typing experience that makes it suitable for both home and office environments. The combination of its good factory lubrication and medium-light weight helps to minimize any audible feedback, resulting in a smooth typing sound that doesn’t draw excessive attention. On the other hand, the HMX Lucky linear switch produces a unique auditory profile thanks to its softer, glittery nylon housing. While it also maintains a quiet typing experience, the materials contribute to a distinct sound quality that can differ slightly from the Acacia, adding a touch of character to each keystroke. Ultimately, both switches are likely to create a pleasant soundscape, albeit with nuanced differences stemming from their construction.
When it comes to feel, the Huano Acacia linear switch is characterized by its medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication, which combine to provide a smooth and satisfying typing experience. The minimal stem wobble further enhances its feel, giving typists a sense of stability and control over their keystrokes. In contrast, the HMX Lucky linear switch is designed with a more lightweight feel, which may appeal to those who prefer a less resistant typing experience. It offers a neutral yet deeply satisfying feedback due to the unique characteristics of its nylon housing, making it an attractive option for users who enjoy a lighter touch. While both switches deliver smooth keystrokes, the Acacia provides a more stable input feel, while the Lucky emphasizes a light and playful typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Huano Acacia and HMX Lucky linear switches provide enjoyable typing experiences, each with their unique qualities. The Acacia excels in providing a stable, quiet, and smooth feel, making it ideal for those who prioritize consistent performance. Meanwhile, the Lucky showcases a lighter, satisfying feel that adds an element of fun to the typing experience. The subtle differences in sound and feel between the two may guide your choice, but either option delivers excellent results straight out of the box for newcomers exploring the world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a typing experience that is slightly heavier and offers a more solid feel, the Acacia might be the right choice for you. With a bottom out force of 55 grams, it provides a nice balance of resistance and responsiveness, making it ideal for those who enjoy a tactile feedback with minimal stem wobble, thanks to its generous factory lubrication. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter touch for a quicker response with less effort, the Lucky switch is likely to suit you better. With its 43 grams of actuation force, the Lucky’s softer nylon housing allows for a smoother, more effortless typing experience that many find satisfying and enjoyable. Both switches excel in their own ways, so consider your typing habits: if you type with more authority, go for the Acacia; if you prefer a gentle touch, the Lucky will likely be your best fit. Ultimately, experimenting with both switches, if possible, will give you the best insight into what aligns with your personal typing style.
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