Huano Acacia vs. Dareu Master
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Dareu Master switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly impact your typing experience, and two linear options that stand out are the Huano Acacia and the Dareu Master. The Acacia switch is favored for its medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication, which together create an exceptional typing experience right out of the box. Users appreciate its minimal stem wobble, contributing to a smooth and reliable feel. In contrast, the Dareu Master switch offers a unique blend of smoothness and a classic clacky sound signature, thanks to its all-POM construction. Also weighing in at a medium weight, the Master is celebrated for its polished performance, making it a great choice for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. Both of these switches cater to different preferences, whether you prioritize a quiet yet smooth experience with the Acacia or the tactile sound and feel of the Master. 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
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Acacia and the Dareu Master switches, distinct differences in sound profiles emerge from their respective top housings. The Acacia features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and crisper sound due to its stiffer nature. This material's translucency also enhances RGB lighting effects, making it visually appealing. In contrast, the Dareu Master utilizes a POM top housing, which offers a deeper and more muted sound. POM, or polyoxymethylene, is less rigid than polycarbonate, lending the sound profile a softer quality that diverges significantly from the Acacia's brighter tones. Thus, the acoustic characteristics between these two switches can lead to varied user experiences based solely on the material chosen for the top housing.
Examining the bottom housings, both switches share notable similarities that influence their overall sound profiles. The Acacia is crafted with a nylon bottom housing, a classic choice that delivers a deep and full sound due to its softer composition, which absorbs sound effectively. In comparison, the Master's bottom housing is also made of POM, which, as previously noted, provides a deeper and more muted sound. As a result, while both switches possess bottom housings that yield rich low-end tones, the Acacia's nylon contributes to a rounder sound, whereas the Master’s POM ensures a more distinctive sonic quality. The interplay of materials results in an interesting dynamic where the differing top housings create a contrast, while the bottom housings exhibit some similarity in depth of sound.
In conclusion, the distinct qualities of the top and bottom housings of the Huano Acacia and the Dareu Master work together to shape the unique auditory experiences they provide. The stiffer polycarbonate of the Acacia's top housing contributes to a bright, resonant sound, while the softer nylon at the bottom adds depth and fullness. In contrast, the Master's POM top housing delivers a muted tone, complemented by the bottom's POM housing, which emphasizes a deeper sound profile. If one were to combine similar housing characteristics, one might aim to achieve a comparable sound profile to either switch; however, the Acacia's combination of materials elicits a different user experience than the Master's cohesive POM setup. The effects of these materials, notably their stiffness and sound absorption qualities, reveal the nuanced impact that housing choices can have on the tactile and auditory feedback of mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Dareu Master linear switch, both exhibit the same actuation force of 45 grams, providing a consistent tactile experience when triggering a keystroke. However, the Acacia switch features a bottom out force of 55 grams, indicating a firmer resistance when the key is fully depressed, which can offer a more substantial typing feel for users who prefer heavier switches. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Dareu Master switch is currently unknown, leaving a gap in its comparative analysis. Overall, the Acacia switch is considered medium-light and may be more suitable for users looking for a balance between comfort and tactile feedback for longer typing sessions, while the Master's characteristics remain less defined. Thus, those who favor a lighter switch with a defined bottoming out experience should lean towards the Huano Acacia linear switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Dareu Master linear switch, we find that the Acacia has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Master has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Acacia the longer option by 0.1 mm. The distinction in their travel distances highlights different user preferences; while the shorter travel distance of the Master may provide faster response times, appealing particularly to gamers, the greater depth of the Acacia might offer a more substantial feel for those who enjoy a more pronounced key press. Ultimately, whether one prefers the tactile feedback of the Acacia's longer travel distance or the crispness of the Master's shorter travel distance will depend on individual typing or gaming preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Master has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Master for $4.76.
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
The sound profile of the Huano Acacia linear switch is characterized by its subdued yet pleasant auditory feedback, striking a balance that won't disrupt your environment while providing enough sound to confirm keystrokes. In contrast, the Dareu Master linear switch boasts a distinctly clacky sound, producing a sharp and snappy auditory experience that is crisp, bright, and percussive. This difference in sound character may appeal to different preferences, with the Acacia catering to those who prefer a quieter typing experience, while the Master is suited for users who appreciate a more pronounced auditory response during use.
Moving on to the feel, the Acacia switch stands out with its medium-light weight and minimal stem wobble, delivering an enjoyable typing experience due to its generous factory lubrication. This provides a certain level of smoothness right from the get-go, making it feel fairly effortless to type on. In contrast, the Dareu Master switch strikes a medium weight as well but is described as offering a mild and polished typing experience. This means that users will find the Master to have a gentle and approachable feel, enhanced by its sleek finish that minimizes friction during key travel. Both switches are engineered for smooth operation, though the Acacia may feel slightly lighter and less pronounced in feedback compared to the Master’s more refined feel.
In conclusion, while both the Huano Acacia and Dareu Master linear switches present unique characteristics, they offer smooth typing experiences suited to different preferences. The Acacia excels in providing a quieter, more subdued sound and a lighter tactile experience, making it ideal for those seeking a gentle typing feel. On the other hand, the Master’s clacky auditory profile and polished operation cater to users who enjoy a more dynamic key press. Ultimately, both switches can deliver satisfying results depending on individual tastes, ensuring that newcomers can find a suitable mechanical switch for their typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Dareu Master linear switch hinges on your personal preferences and intended usage. If you appreciate a medium-light actuation force and desire a smooth, enjoyable typing experience right out of the box, the Acacia is a fantastic choice. Its generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble make it ideal for both long typing sessions and gaming, providing a responsive yet comfortable feel. On the other hand, if you’re looking for something that combines a moderate weight with a distinct clacky sound signature, the Dareu Master switch would better suit your needs. Its polished and mild characteristics offer an approachable typing experience, which can be appealing for users who prefer a refined touch. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize a softer, straightforward typing feel or a more engaging auditory and tactile feedback experience in your keyboard.
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