Huano Acacia vs. Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the merits of various options, such as the Huano Acacia and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3), both of which fall under the linear category but offer distinct experiences. The Huano Acacia is praised for its medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication, resulting in a smooth typing experience with minimal stem wobble right out of the box. This makes it a great choice for users who prioritize a hassle-free setup and comfortable key presses. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro switches stand out for their buttery smooth keystrokes and a satisfying low-pitched "thock" sound, making them an appealing choice for those who enjoy a tactile auditory experience while typing, all at an affordable price point. While both switches cater to gamers and typists alike, their differing characteristics may influence your preference. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
52g
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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Acacia switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3), a significant difference emerges in their top housing. The Acacia's top housing is constructed from polycarbonate, which is known for its rigidity and transparency, contributing to a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. This material allows for a more distinct resonance, especially noticeable when using RGB lighting, as the clear structure enhances illumination. In contrast, the Gateron Milky Red Pro utilizes nylon for its top housing, a softer plastic that tends to absorb sound rather than amplify it. As a result, the Milky Red Pro's sound profile is characterized by a deeper and fuller acoustics, standing in stark contrast to the crisper sound attributed to the Acacia.
On the other hand, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing material, which is nylon for both the Acacia and the Milky Red Pro (KS-3). The use of nylon in this context means that when pressing either switch, users will experience a deeper and somewhat muted sound due to the material's ability to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. The similarity in bottom housing results in a consistent feel and acoustic signature, regardless of the differences seen in the top housing materials. Therefore, while the two switches have contrasting sound profiles related to their respective top housings, they achieve a more uniform bottom-out sound experience through the use of nylon.
Ultimately, the split between the housing materials significantly impacts the overall typing experience. The polycarbonate top of the Acacia provides a sharper, more resonant sound when keys are released, while the nylon bottom cushions the bottom-out sound, leading to a satisfactory typing experience. The Gateron Milky Red Pro's nylon top also contributes to a rich, muted response during key release, while maintaining a similar nylon bottom feel. Consequently, while both switches use nylon for the bottom housing, the variations in their top housings create unique acoustic profiles, benefiting typists seeking specific sound characteristics in their mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch exhibit similar actuation forces, both requiring 45 grams to register a keystroke, making them equally responsive for users who prefer lighter switches. However, the bottom out forces differ slightly, with the Acacia at 55 grams and the Milky Red Pro at 52 grams. This indicates that while both switches facilitate a light typing experience, the Huano Acacia requires a bit more force to fully depress compared to the Gateron. Therefore, if you are looking for a switch with a slightly more substantial bottoming feel, the Acacia may be the better option; conversely, if you desire a lighter overall experience, the Milky Red Pro offers a marginal advantage. Ultimately, both switches are appropriate for users looking for comfort during prolonged typing or gaming sessions, but those preferring a firmer push should lean towards the Huano Acacia.
Travel distance
The Huano Acacia linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) has a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Acacia the shorter option compared to the Milky Red Pro, which adheres to the more traditional travel distance of 4.0 mm. For those who prefer a quicker, more responsive typing experience, the Acacia’s shorter travel distance may be more appealing as it allows for faster actuation, which is particularly beneficial for gamers. However, some users might find the Acacia's travel feels somewhat abrupt and may prefer the more pronounced feel of the Milky Red Pro, which provides a greater depth for each keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) has an MSRP of $2.61 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) for $2.30.
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 is not explicitly described, leaving its auditory characteristics somewhat of an unknown as compared to the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switch, which is noted for its deeper, bassy profile. This switch produces a satisfying thocky sound that evokes a low-pitched tone, providing a rich and pleasant auditory feedback with each keystroke. Users often appreciate this sound as it creates an engaging and immersive typing experience. However, the overall sound experience can still vary significantly based on the keyboard build and keycaps used.
When considering feel, the Huano Acacia also lacks direct descriptive feedback, leaving its tactile response to speculation. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is characterized by a notably buttery sensation, allowing for an exceptionally smooth and fluid keystroke experience. This feature facilitates a seamless typing flow, making it an attractive choice for those who prioritize effortless key presses in their typing or gaming activities.
In conclusion, while the Huano Acacia linear switch is recognized for its solid performance straight out of the box with medium-light weight and excellent lubrication, its sound and feel remain less detailed in the available information. Conversely, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) stands out for its deep, plush sound and buttery smooth feel. If you're looking for a smooth and satisfying experience, both switches may serve you well, though the Milky Red Pro might provide a more distinct auditory and tactile satisfaction. Ultimately, the choice could come down to personal preference, especially regarding sound, as both types could yield a fulfilling typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch largely depends on your preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. If you value a smooth and user-friendly typing feel straight out of the box, the Acacia's generous factory lubrication ensures a pleasant experience with minimal stem wobble, making it a great choice for those who type frequently or work long hours. Furthermore, its heavier bottom out force of 55 grams offers a reassuring tactile presence that may be more comfortable for users who prefer a slightly firmer press. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option with an emphasis on auditory satisfaction, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) delivers a buttery smooth keystroke combined with a rich, low-pitched "thock" sound that enhances the satisfaction of each keypress. This makes it ideal for gamers or typists who appreciate a deeper auditory feedback and a seamless typing experience. Ultimately, your choice should reflect both your ergonomic needs and the sensory experience you desire from your mechanical keyboard.
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