Huano Acacia vs. Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Acacia and Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) offer distinct yet appealing features for typists and gamers alike. The Acacia is celebrated for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, providing a smooth typing experience right out of the box. Its design prioritizes comfort, making it an excellent choice for users looking for a reliable, hassle-free option. In contrast, the Milky Yellow Pro is often hailed as a classic budget switch; its smoothness and "thocky" sound add a satisfying auditory element to both gaming and typing. Boasting a satisfyingly thick resistance, this switch excels at delivering an all-purpose experience, making it particularly appealing for budget-conscious enthusiasts who still seek quality. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
62g
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 and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3), a notable distinction arises from the choice of materials used for their top housings. The Acacia features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its ability to provide a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. This heightened resonance allows for a more vibrant audio experience, particularly suitable for users looking to enjoy RGB lighting effects, as the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visual aesthetics. Conversely, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) utilizes a nylon top housing, which is softer and contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile. The nylon's sound absorption properties create a duller and rounder auditory characteristic, indicating that while both switches effectively cater to different sound preferences, the materials yield contrasting acoustic results.
In examining the bottom housings, both the Acacia and KS-3 utilize nylon, resulting in a shared characteristic that enhances the overall sound experience. Both bottom housings provide a deeper and fuller auditory feedback, as nylon's sound-dampening quality aids in creating a duller sound profile that many typists may find pleasing. The use of similar materials in the bottom housing means that typing feel and sound during bottoming out will have a consistent roundness between the two switches. This coherence highlights an essential aspect of mechanical switch design, where the bottom housing plays a significant role in the tactile and auditory response experienced during key presses.
Ultimately, the differences in top housing materials between the Acacia and the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) lead to a diverse typing experience hinging on acoustic qualities. While the Acacia provides a sharper sound due to its polycarbonate top, the KS-3 offers a fuller sound profile with its nylon top. Nevertheless, both share acoustic similarities thanks to their nylon bottom housings, creating a bridge between the two switches. Users seeking distinct auditory feedback may lean towards the Acacia for its brightness, while those favoring a warmer sound may prefer the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3). Thus, while they cater to differing preferences, both switches can ultimately deliver satisfying results in terms of soundscape and typing experience.
Weight
The Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch display distinct differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Acacia features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light and ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch, which can facilitate longer typing sessions and gaming marathons. In contrast, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams and has a bottom out force of 62 grams, placing it in the medium category. This heavier push feel may appeal to those looking for a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the Acacia is the lighter option, while the Milky Yellow Pro is the heavier switch, making them suitable for different user preferences based on desired typing dynamics.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, the Acacia measures at 3.5 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Milky Yellow Pro has a travel distance of 4 mm, thus being the longer one. With the Acacia’s shorter travel distance, users seeking quick response times, particularly gamers, may find it more appealing; however, those who prefer a more substantial feel may lean towards the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro for its deeper travel. The appeal of each switch ultimately depends on individual preferences regarding responsiveness and tactile feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) has an MSRP of $2.33 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milky Yellow 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
When it comes to sound, the Huano Acacia switch remains largely undefined, lacking a specific characterization in the provided information. In contrast, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) offers a distinct audio profile that is described as low-pitched and thocky. With its bassy and rich tones, this switch produces a deep sound that resonates pleasantly during typing. The characteristic thocky noise creates a satisfying auditory feedback that many find appealing, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic experience while typing or gaming.
In terms of feel, the Acacia switch again does not provide explicit details, which unfortunately leaves its tactile sensation and feedback a bit of a mystery. However, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is highlighted for its buttery smoothness that provides an effortlessly fluid keystroke. This smooth quality contributes to a uniform typing experience, appealing to those who favor a seamless action with minimal resistance. Despite the unknowns regarding the Acacia's feel, the Milky Yellow Pro's texture has gained popularity for its effortless and enjoyable operation, positioning it as a well-rounded option in the linear switch category.
In conclusion, the Huano Acacia offers a typist-friendly experience with its medium-light weight and factory lubrication, ideal for users seeking a reliable switch right from the outset, though its sound and feel remain less defined. Meanwhile, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) stands out with its thocky sound and buttery feel, making it a favored choice among budget enthusiasts who appreciate smooth keystrokes and rich acoustics. Both switches will likely serve well for varying preferences, but those focused on auditory and tactile feedback may gravitate more towards the Milky Yellow Pro for its established character in those areas.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, you should consider your specific preferences and intended usage. If you prioritize a lighter actuation force with minimal friction for a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box, the Acacia is the better choice. Its medium-light weight and excellent factory lubrication make it ideal for prolonged typing sessions, particularly if you value comfort and comfort-centric tasks. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that strikes a balance between gaming and typing, and you appreciate a more tactile experience combined with a deeper, thocky sound, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is your go-to. Its slightly heavier actuation force and buttery feel cater well to both gamers and multitaskers who enjoy a responsive switch that doesn’t compromise on auditory feedback. Ultimately, your decision should align with whether you lean towards a lighter, smoother typing experience or a more resistant, satisfying sound profile.
Mentioned in this article
