Huano Acacia vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Acacia and Gateron Mountain Top stand out as two compelling linear options, each tailored for distinctive typing experiences. The Huano Acacia shines with its medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication, offering a smooth and enjoyable typing experience right out of the box, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who prioritize feedback and responsiveness without excessive effort. In contrast, the Gateron Mountain Top switches are designed with office environments in mind, delivering a quiet yet subtly noticeable typing experience that balances discretion with a comfortably light actuation. This makes them ideal for professionals who need to minimize noise while maintaining a satisfying keystroke. Both switches cater to specific preferences and settings, allowing users to choose based on their typing needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that is right for you.
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Acacia and the Gateron Mountain Top switches, significant differences can be observed between their respective top housings. The Huano Acacia features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is largely due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, allowing for enhanced resonance and clarity in sound. Aesthetically, its translucency makes it an ideal choice for RGB lighting, as it permits light to diffuse prominently through the housing. In contrast, the Gateron Mountain Top utilizes a nylon top housing, which is characterized by a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer properties enable it to absorb more sound, thereby producing a rounder, more muted auditory experience. This fundamental difference in materials leads to distinct sound characteristics in each switch, influencing user experience during typing.
Despite these differences in top housing materials, both the Acacia and Mountain Top switches share nylon as their bottom housing material, resulting in similar acoustic properties for the bottom. Both switch types produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon’s ability to muffle and absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. Therefore, when pressing the switch, users can expect that the bottom housing will contribute significantly to the bottom-out sound and overall feel. The commonality of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that both switches deliver a consistent base tone, which reflects the classic qualities associated with nylon housing materials.
Overall, the contrasting top housing materials of polycarbonate and nylon in the Acacia and Mountain Top switches lead to distinctive auditory experiences, while the shared nylon in the bottom housing harmonizes their sound profiles during keystrokes. The sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate top in the Acacia creates an acute distinction when releasing the key, whereas the softer nylon top of the Mountain Top results in a more rounded and muted sound. Ultimately, for users seeking a combination of these acoustic characteristics, the two switches demonstrate how different materials can work synergistically to shape a comprehensive typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, their actuation and bottom out forces reveal distinct preferences for different users. The Acacia switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light, whereas the Mountain Top switch boasts a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Mountain Top is generally easier to press, making it more suited for users who favor prolonged typing sessions or lighter key feel. On the other hand, the Acacia provides a slightly heftier push, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Therefore, while both switches are low in force requirements, the Gateron Mountain Top is the lighter option and might be preferable for those who prioritize comfort during extended use, while the Huano Acacia suits users looking for more feedback with each keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, it is evident that the Acacia switch has a distance of 3.5 mm, making it the longer option, while the Mountain Top features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This 0.1 mm difference may seem minimal, but for gamers and typists who seek quicker response times, the shorter travel distance of the Mountain Top could offer an advantage in terms of actuation speed. Conversely, those who prefer a more substantial feel under their fingers might find the extra depth of the Acacia switch more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference regarding responsiveness and tactile feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Huano Acacia comes in at $3.39, whereas the Gateron Mountain Top 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 known to provide a more relaxed and understated auditory profile. While exact specifics of the sound it produces aren’t available, users can expect a typing experience that prioritizes low noise, making it suitable for various environments, including shared spaces. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch is engineered with discretion in mind, resulting in a sound profile that is neutral. This means its sound is moderate and won’t be distracting whether you're typing at home or in an office setting. Both switches facilitate a quieter typing experience, making them favorable choices for users who prioritize minimizing noise.
When it comes to feel, the Acacia switch boasts a smooth actuation along with minimal stem wobble, ensuring a consistent and satisfying experience right out of the box. Its medium-light weight contributes to a balancing act, providing a pleasant feedback without overwhelming resistance. In contrast, the Mountain Top switch is characterized by a bouncy feel, offering a spring-like feedback that enhances the typing dynamics. With its easy-to-press design, minimal force is needed for actuation, promoting a comfortable typing session and reducing fatigue. The Mountain Top also integrates characteristics such as mildness and a snappy responsiveness, all while maintaining a low-impact typing sensation. Together, these attributes render the Mountain Top switch lively and fun to use, compared to the more straightforward feel of the Acacia.
Overall, both the Huano Acacia and Gateron Mountain Top linear switches cater to users looking for a pleasant and efficient typing experience, albeit with differing focuses. The Acacia provides a smooth and quietly enjoyable experience, making it ideal for users who appreciate ease of use without the need for excessive noise. Conversely, the Mountain Top switch adds an element of bounce and responsiveness, making it particularly enjoyable for those who relish a more dynamic feel during typing. Ultimately, both switches are dependable in delivering comfortable typing experiences that cater to both novices and experienced typists alike.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, consider your specific needs and environment. The Acacia switch, with its medium-light actuation force of 55 grams, is particularly well-suited for users who desire a solid typing experience with tactile feedback and minimal stem wobble right out of the box. If you prefer a slightly firmer key feel and value a typing experience that is both comfortable and engaging, the Acacia may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you operate in an office setting or share your workspace with others, the Gateron Mountain Top switch, with its lighter 50 grams actuation force and bouncy feel, might be more appropriate. Its discreet nature and subdued sound signature make it perfect for uninterrupted typing in professional environments, while also promoting comfort during lengthy typing sessions. Ultimately, your decision should align with whether you prioritize a snappier, more responsive feel for personal use or a quieter, more unobtrusive switch for shared spaces. Each switch has its strengths, so consider your typing habits and environment carefully to find the best fit for your mechanical keyboard.
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