Huano Acacia vs. KTT Mallo
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the KTT Mallo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Acacia and the KTT Mallo stand out as two distinct options, each catering to different preferences in typing experience. The Acacia, a linear switch, is celebrated for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, which together create an excellent typing experience right out of the box. Its smooth keystrokes are favored by those who prioritize speed and fluidity, making it an ideal choice for gamers or typists who appreciate uninterrupted action. In contrast, the KTT Mallo, categorized as a tactile switch, embodies subtlety and finesse with its gentle tactility that provides just enough feedback without being overwhelming. Its medium-light typing feel, combined with a neutral sound signature, makes it versatile for various environments, appealing to those who enjoy a more nuanced typing experience. While both switches offer unique benefits, they cater to different user needs; the Acacia excels in speed and smoothness, whereas the Mallo offers a refined feedback experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Huano Acacia and the KTT Mallo both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which significantly influences their acoustic performance. This shared choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, appealing to users who favor clarity in their typing experience. Polycarbonate's inherent stiffness contributes to this resonant quality, allowing for a more defined sound when key presses are made. Aesthetically, the clear nature of polycarbonate also lends itself well to RGB lighting configurations, enhancing the visual appeal of both switches by allowing light to pass through without obstruction. In this regard, both switches leverage the advantages of polycarbonate to create a similar auditory and visual experience.
In contrast to their top housings, the Huano Acacia and the KTT Mallo employ nylon for their bottom housing, which contrasts sharply with the polycarbonate top in terms of acoustic influence. Nylon is recognized for its softer texture, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The material's ability to absorb sound results in a more muted and rounded acoustic experience compared to the sharper tones produced by polycarbonate. While the top housing contributes to the sound produced upon releasing a key, the bottom housing heavily influences the bottom-out sound and overall feel of the switch, creating a dynamic interplay between the materials used in both switches.
While both switches utilize the same materials—polycarbonate for the top and nylon for the bottom—their combination creates distinct sound profiles that cater to a variety of user preferences. The consistency in material choice allows for a reliable and predictable performance across both switches, with enhanced clarity from the polycarbonate’s properties and depth from the nylon's characteristics. As a result, both the Huano Acacia and KTT Mallo deliver a balanced acoustic experience, merging the crispness of their polycarbonate tops with the warmth provided by their nylon bottoms for a comprehensive typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch, we see some interesting characteristics. The Acacia features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the KTT Mallo switch does not have a specified actuation force, but it shares the same bottom out force of 55 grams as the Acacia. This means that if the actuation force of the Mallo is similar to the Acacia's 45 grams, users can expect a somewhat similar keystroke experience. However, since the Mallo switch's actuation force is unknown, it's challenging to draw definitive conclusions about how the two switches will feel during use. Regardless, the Acacia will likely be the lighter option, appealing to those who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, while the unknown actuation force of the Mallo leaves its weight preference unconfirmed. The shared bottom out force suggests that both switches will provide a similar tactile feedback when fully pressed, making either a dependable choice for users seeking a medium-light switch.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Huano Acacia linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the KTT Mallo tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you're looking for a more responsive typing experience, the Acacia's shorter travel distance may be more suitable for you, as it allows for quicker key presses, a feature particularly favored by gamers. On the other hand, the Mallo’s longer travel distance offers a more substantial feel, which some users may prefer for a more deliberate and satisfying typing experience. Therefore, if you value speed and responsiveness, the Acacia would be the preferable choice, while if you lean towards a firmer and deeper keystroke, the Mallo would better meet your needs.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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
When it comes to sound, the Huano Acacia linear switch has a profile that can be described as smooth but specific details are not provided. In contrast, the KTT Mallo tactile switch is notable for its neutral sound signature, making it a versatile choice suitable for various environments. It produces a subdued sound when pressed, which lacks the dominating noise often associated with some mechanical switches. This characteristic makes both switches good options for environments where noise might be a concern, although the Acacia’s sound profile remains a bit less defined.
In terms of feel, the Acacia switch features medium-light weight with generous factory lubrication that ensures a smooth typing experience. While its exact tactile feedback is not elaborated upon, it allows for a satisfying experience right from the start. The KTT Mallo, on the other hand, excels in subtler feedback with its feathery actuation, requiring minimal effort to press and reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. It offers a mild and stepped tactile feel that provides gentle feedback without overwhelming the typist, making it accessible for beginners while still appealing to experienced users. The switches embody a gentle resistance that does not overpower the user, making them suitable for extended usage.
In conclusion, while the Huano Acacia linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch differ significantly in their sound profiles—with the Acacia being less defined and the Mallo being neutral and subdued—they both present a pleasant typing experience tailored to user comfort. The Acacia's smooth operation is complemented by the Mallo's gentle tactile feedback. These unique characteristics ensure that typists will find enjoyment in both options, although the feel and sound of each will cater to different preferences or settings. If you desire a direct experience between the two types, ensuring both switches are paired with similar boards and keycaps will provide a consistent baseline to evaluate their unique qualities.
Conclusion
In summary, when considering which switch to choose between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch, it largely comes down to your typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you favor a smooth, linear typing experience that delivers immediate satisfaction right out of the box with minimal wobble and excellent lubrication, the Acacia is an excellent choice. Its medium-light actuation force is forgiving, making it well-suited for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. On the other hand, if you appreciate tactile feedback but desire a gentler experience, the KTT Mallo offers a subtle tactility and feathery touch that provides just enough resistance to enhance typing without overwhelming your fingers. Its neutral and subdued sound makes it adaptable for an office setting or shared spaces without causing distractions. Therefore, your choice will hinge on whether you prefer the smoothness of a linear switch or the gentle feedback of a tactile switch, ultimately contributing to a more personalized and enjoyable typing experience.
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