Huano Acacia vs. Gateron Melodic
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Gateron Melodic switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, personal preference plays a crucial role in determining the ideal choice for a user's typing style and experience. The Huano Acacia, a linear switch, is celebrated for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, which collectively produce an exceptional typing experience right out of the box. Ideal for those who favor a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke without tactile bumps or noise, the Acacia offers a serene workspace. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic, a clicky switch, revitalizes the traditional clicky category by blending classic tactile feedback with modern enhancements like smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems. This ensures that users can enjoy the invigorating click sound characteristic of clicky switches, all while maintaining an impressively smooth typing experience. Each switch presents unique advantages depending on whether you prioritize a quiet, linear feel or a more engaging, tactile click. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Yes
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
Both the Huano Acacia and the Gateron Melodic switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which is instrumental in producing a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This consistency in housing material means that users can anticipate similar auditory experiences when using either switch, regardless of the brand. Polycarbonate's rigidity contributes to a clear and resonant sound that is particularly effective when enhanced with RGB lighting. This uniformity highlights the aesthetic appeal of each switch, as both are designed to showcase the illumination offered by RGB lights, creating a visually striking setup alongside the auditory qualities.
The bottom housing of both switches diverges as they utilize nylon, heralded as a classic material in switch manufacturing. The experience of typing on switches featuring nylon bottoms tends to deliver a deeper and fuller sound profile, owing to the softer nature of the nylon plastic. This absorption of sound results in a sound that is duller and rounder, contrasting with the sharper accents produced by the polycarbonate tops. Consequently, even though both switches share a polycarbonate top, the unique characteristics of the nylon bottom housing will influence the overall feel and sound when the keys bottom out, leading to a distinctive typing experience unique to each switch.
When considering the overall performance of the Huano Acacia and Gateron Melodic switches, it becomes clear that their sound and tactile profiles are shaped by the combination of their materials. The polycarbonate tops emphasize clarity and resonance, while the nylon bottoms provide warmth and depth, creating a well-rounded auditory experience. Users who select either switch will notice that even though the top housings are identical, the differing contributions of the nylon bottom will lead to a nuanced variation in how each switch feels and sounds during use. Thus, choosing between the two may come down to personal preferences for specific sound profiles and typing experiences, even with shared top housing materials.
Weight
The Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch present contrasting characteristics in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Acacia switch features a notably lighter actuation force at 45 grams, contrasted with the Melodic, which lacks a specified actuation force but has a bottom out force of 60 grams. The bottom out force of the Acacia is 55 grams, making it slightly lighter overall compared to the Melodic's 60 grams. This means that typists may find the Acacia more conducive for extended use, particularly in long typing sessions or gaming, while the Melodic, with its heavier bottom out force, might appeal to those who prefer a firmer tactile response. Thus, the Acacia is the lighter option, providing a more delicate touch, whereas the Melodic offers a stronger push feel appropriate for users seeking substantial feedback while typing.
Travel distance
The Huano Acacia linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Melodic clicky switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference in travel distance reflects the preferences of different types of users: gamers might favor the Acacia's shorter travel for quicker response times, making it well-suited for fast-paced gaming scenarios. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic, with its longer 4 mm travel distance, may appeal to those who appreciate a more substantial tactile sensation and a deeper press, creating a more traditional typing experience. Therefore, if you opt for a switch with a shorter travel, you'll benefit from a more responsive feel, whereas the longer travel switch may deliver a more satisfying keypress for those who prefer depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 maintains a notably subdued auditory profile, offering a whisper-like typing experience that allows for quiet environments—ideal for those who prefer understated operations. In contrast, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch presents a more pronounced auditory experience, characterized by its resonant, high-pitched clicks that create an immersive soundscape. It combines a clean and sharp sound with a crunchy texture, reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves, making it particularly appealing to users who enjoy the nostalgic auditory feedback of classic clicky switches.
In terms of feel, the Acacia delivers a smooth and pleasant typing experience, enhanced by its medium-light actuation force and generous factory lubrication. This results in minimal stem wobble and a linear feel that many find pleasurable for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic excels with its buttery smooth keystrokes and invigorating tactile feedback. The combination of a snappy reaction and moderate to firm actuation force creates a dynamic and responsive experience, making each keypress engaging and satisfying.
Ultimately, the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch cater to different preferences. With the Acacia's quiet, smooth operation appealing to those who value subtlety, and the Melodic's loud, tactile feedback attracting users who thrive on auditory cues and pronounced actuation, each offers unique qualities that enhance the typing experience. Your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a tranquil atmosphere or seek the engaging sounds and feelings associated with clicky switches.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and desired sound profile. If you prefer a smoother, quieter typing experience with minimal distractions, the Acacia switch may be the better choice. Its medium-light weight of 55 grams, combined with generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, ensures a seamless and responsive feel that's ideal for long typing sessions or gaming without fatigue. However, if you enjoy the classic tactile and auditory feedback of a clicky switch, the Gateron Melodic offers a compelling option. With a slightly heavier actuation force of 60 grams, its resonant and crunchy sound profile adds a satisfying auditory layer to your typing experience, making each keystroke feel invigorating. The Melodic's buttery smooth operation alongside its pronounced feedback can enhance your overall interaction with your keyboard, especially for those who appreciate the nostalgic feel of a clicky switch. Therefore, consider what aspects of keyboard feel and sound are most important to you, and let that guide your decision.
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