Huano Acacia vs. Gateron Mini i
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Gateron Mini i switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Huano Acacia and the Gateron Mini i can significantly influence your typing experience. The Acacia, known for its medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication, offers a smooth, linear typing experience with minimal stem wobble, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a fluid keystroke without tactile interruption. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i introduces a subtle tactile feedback that caters to those who enjoy a bit of responsiveness in their typing without a loud auditory presence. Its lightweight design is particularly favorable for extended typing sessions in office environments, where a quiet, focused atmosphere is essential. While the Acacia provides an effortless glide ideal for gaming and fast-paced tasks, the Mini i ensures a satisfying yet subdued feedback that aligns with professional settings. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that aligns with your typing preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Huano Acacia and Gateron Mini i switches exhibit distinct characteristics primarily due to their differing top housing materials. The Acacia features a polycarbonate top housing, which is renowned for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is largely a result of polycarbonate's stiffer composition, lending itself to greater resonance and clarity. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for a seamless integration with RGB lighting, enhancing not only visual appeal but also sound clarity, especially upon release. In contrast, the top housing of the Gateron Mini i is made from nylon, which absorbs more sound and results in a noticeably deeper and fuller auditory experience. The softer plastic quality of nylon means that while the Mini i may not excel in crispness like the Acacia, it offers a rounder sound that some users might prefer for a more muted typing experience.
Both switches share the same nylon material in their bottom housing, providing consistency in creating a deeper sound profile across the board. The use of nylon in both the Acacia and Mini i ensures that the bottom-out sound and feel during key presses are soft and duller, which appeals to those who favor a quieter and more subdued typing experience. Thus, when it comes to the bottom housing, both switches operate similarly, ensuring a cohesive auditory experience despite the differences in their top housings. The properties of nylon allow for effective sound absorption, contributing to a full-bodied response when bottoming out.
Ultimately, the combination of different materials in the top housings leads to unique sound signatures for the Huano Acacia and Gateron Mini i, while their shared nylon bottom housings harmonize the acoustic characteristics to a degree. The Acacia's polycarbonate top emphasizes brightness and clarity, particularly on key releases, whereas the Mini i's nylon top focuses on producing a rich and rounded sound. Thus, users can expect a distinctive acoustic experience depending on the switch preference, with the bottom housing ensuring a consistent feel and sound depth across both models. Ultimately, the choice between the two types may come down to personal preference for either a sharper or a fuller sound profile.
Weight
The Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Acacia switch requires an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, classifying it as medium-light. In contrast, the Mini i switch is lighter overall, with an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Gateron Mini i provides a lighter keystroke experience, making it potentially ideal for users who prefer easier actuation and longer typing sessions. If you prioritize a more substantial typing feel, the heavier forces of the Acacia switch may be more appealing, as they offer a firmer response. Overall, those looking for a lighter switch should lean towards the Gateron Mini i, while the Huano Acacia is suited for those who appreciate a stronger push.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, the Acacia offers a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Mini i has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Acacia switch provides a more pronounced depth, appealing to users who prefer a hearty typing experience, particularly those who enjoy a more tactile feedback. In contrast, the Mini i, with its shorter travel distance, may be more suited for gamers or users seeking quicker response times. Ultimately, opting for the Acacia will give a sensation of more pronounced travel, while choosing the Mini i may feel a bit more abrupt, catering to different preferences in typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Huano Acacia comes in at $3.39, whereas the Gateron Mini i comes in at $6.00.
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 generally characterized by a smooth and quiet operation, making it suitable for those who prefer a more subdued typing experience. While specific details may be lacking, linear switches like the Acacia typically ensure a low audible footprint. In contrast, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch presents a neutral sound profile that is moderate, striking a balance between being noticeable yet unobtrusive. This quality makes it versatile for various environments, particularly where noise might be a consideration, such as in an office setting.
When discussing the feel of these switches, the Acacia is recognized for its medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication, contributing to a pleasant and fluid typing experience right from the start. Although specific descriptors for its tactile feedback are not provided, linear switches generally offer a consistent keypress without tactile bumps, allowing for smooth and seamless keystrokes. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i stands out with its bouncy and snappy characteristics, providing enjoyable rebound with each press. The lightweight design contributes to an effortless typing experience, reducing finger fatigue even during longer sessions. Furthermore, its mild and stepped sensations offer gentle resistance, enhancing overall comfort while maintaining that satisfying tactile feedback.
In summary, both the Huano Acacia and Gateron Mini i switches cater to different preferences while ensuring a smooth typing experience. The Acacia provides a quieter linear feel suitable for those desiring minimal noise, while the Mini i combines gentle tactility and a balanced sound profile ideal for professional settings. Overall, whether you lean towards the smoothness of linear switches or appreciate the subtler feedback of tactile options, both switches can provide satisfying outcomes based on your typing style and environmental needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch should depend on your specific typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you appreciate a medium-light feel that balances performance and comfort, the Acacia is an excellent choice, particularly if you enjoy a smooth, linear typing experience with minimal stem wobble and a satisfying response straight out of the box. This switch is well-suited for those who prefer a quieter typing experience, making it versatile enough for both home and office environments. On the other hand, if you seek a lightweight switch that provides gentle tactile feedback without disruptive noise, the Gateron Mini i is the way to go. Ideal for long hours of typing, this switch features a bouncy, easy-to-press design that minimizes finger fatigue, making it particularly appealing for professionals in shared workspaces. Ultimately, your decision hinges on whether you value a linear, effortless keystroke or a tactile, responsive feedback that still maintains a subtle profile.
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