Huano Acacia vs. Gateron Mars
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Gateron Mars switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Acacia and Gateron Mars are two intriguing options worth considering, especially for those who prefer linear switches. The Huano Acacia is celebrated for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, resulting in a smooth and satisfying typing experience right from the start. Its design caters to users seeking a responsive and enjoyable feel for both gaming and typing tasks. On the other hand, the Gateron Mars boasts a unique design that combines a POK stem with a durable housing made from a blend of Nylon and POM, offering a distinct tactile experience that may appeal to enthusiasts looking for innovation in their typing feel. While both switches present a solid choice for linear switch enthusiasts, they each offer different characteristics that may suit varying preferences and types of usage. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Acacia and the Gateron Mars, distinct differences arise from the types of plastics used for the top housing, notably acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polycarbonate. The Acacia incorporates a polycarbonate top housing that enhances its sound profile, producing a sharper and crisper auditory experience. This stiffness in the polycarbonate offers clarity and resonance, which can be further highlighted due to its translucency—making it particularly favorable for RGB lighting applications. Conversely, the Mars's use of nylon for its top housing results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of the nylon absorbs more sound, creating a rounder and less piercing experience compared to the Acacia's design. As a result, these differences in top housing materials contribute significantly to the overall acoustic characteristics of each switch.
The bottom housing materials further differentiate the two switches. Both the Acacia and the Mars utilize nylon in their bottom housings, which contributes to a consistent underlying sound profile characterized by depth and fullness. This shared material choice means that the switches may achieve similar sound qualities when bottoming out, creating a satisfying and muted auditory experience. However, the Mars’s bottom housing incorporates POM (polyoxymethylene), which is known for providing a unique and pleasing sound profile that leans toward even greater muting. While both switches may evoke a sense of depth in their sound, the presence of nylon in the Acacia's bottom housing and POM in the Mars's creates nuanced differences in the overall feel and sound when pressed.
Ultimately, the interplay between the top and bottom housings of both switches results in a blending of sound qualities that reflect their material differences. The sharper and more articulate sound produced by the Acacia's polycarbonate top housing contrasts with the deeper resonance stemming from its nylon bottom, creating a complex auditory experience. Meanwhile, the Mars's combination of nylon and POM allows for a unique balance whereby the softer nylon contributes to a warm, muted sound, complemented by POM's ability to produce a distinct aural quality. While they both aim to deliver an engaging typing experience, the variance in housing materials highlights how these choices can alter tactile feedback and sound characteristics, ultimately providing distinct yet enjoyable results.
Weight
The Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch present an interesting comparison in terms of actuation force. Both switches feature the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience that can accommodate extended periods of use, whether at work or during long gaming sessions. However, while the Acacia has a defined bottom out force of 55 grams, the bottom out force for the Mars switch is currently unknown. This means that while you can expect similar actuation experiences from both switches, the Acacia offers a more substantial feel at the bottom of the keystroke, which may appeal to those who enjoy a stronger push. As it stands, the Acacia is the heavier switch in terms of bottom out force, whereas the Mars remains indeterminate in this regard.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, it becomes clear that they differ slightly, with the Acacia featuring a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Mars extends to 3.6 mm. As a result, the Acacia is the shorter option, providing a quicker response that might appeal to gamers seeking fast actuation. On the other hand, the Mars, with its longer travel distance, offers a more pronounced feedback that some users may find more satisfying. Ultimately, both switches cater to varying preferences: those who favor shorter, snappier keystrokes may lean toward the Acacia, while others who appreciate a deeper press might prefer the Mars.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Mars has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mars for $5.50.
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 considering the sound profile of the Huano Acacia linear switch, it’s characterized as relatively quiet with a smooth activation, making it an excellent choice for both office and home environments. In contrast, the Gateron Mars linear switch, while also designed for muted operation, might introduce a slightly different acoustic signature due to its unique materials and construction; however, the specific sound characteristics remain unspecified. It's important to remember that the sound produced by either switch can be influenced by various factors, including the type of keyboard they are mounted on and the keycaps used, so it's possible to achieve a similar auditory experience with both switches if paired appropriately.
In terms of feel, the Acacia switch benefits from a medium-light weight, coupled with generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, which collectively contribute to a smooth and satisfying typing experience right out of the box. The Gateron Mars switch, on the other hand, boasts an innovative design with a POK stem and a blend of Nylon and POM for its housing, suggesting a different tactile sensation, although specific details about its feel have not been provided. The combination of these qualities indicates that while both switches may offer unique tactile experiences, the Acacia switch promotes a more traditional smooth experience, while the Mars may introduce a different characterization.
In conclusion, both the Huano Acacia and Gateron Mars linear switches cater to those seeking a pleasant typing experience, albeit from different perspectives. The Acacia excels in consistent, smooth operation complemented by its lubrication and minimal wobble, making it an immediate contender for comfort. The Mars, while also designed to be quiet, showcases innovative construction elements that could offer a distinct feel, but without specific details on how that translates to tactile feedback, it remains an open question. Thus, depending on your personal preferences, you may gravitate towards one switch over the other while achieving similar results in terms of sound and overall typing satisfaction based on the factors surrounding their use.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between Huano Acacia linear switches and Gateron Mars linear switches, your primary preferences will guide your choice. If you prefer a typing experience that is medium-light and comes with smooth operation right out of the box, the Acacia switches are an excellent choice. They are especially suitable if you're looking for a responsive feel with minimal stem wobble and generous factory lubrication, ensuring pleasant and uninterrupted use from the get-go. On the other hand, if you're intrigued by innovative designs and materials, the Gateron Mars switches may pique your interest. With their unique POK stem and a housing made of a durable blend of Nylon and POM, they offer a distinctive feel and structure that might suit those wanting to explore outside traditional switch conventions. Ultimately, consider your typing preferences and whether you value a fuss-free experience with the Acacia or the innovative characteristics of the Mars. What matters most is finding the switch that complements your typing style and enhances your overall keyboard experience.
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