Huano Acacia vs. Cherry MX Black
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Cherry MX Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice can significantly impact your typing experience, particularly between the Huano Acacia and the Cherry MX Black, both of which are linear switches designed for smooth actuation without tactile feedback. The Huano Acacia stands out with its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, offering an excellent typing experience right out of the box. Its design allows for a fluid keypress, making it an appealing choice for those who prioritize comfort and ease during long typing sessions. In contrast, the Cherry MX Black switches are renowned for their durability and textured smoothness, enhanced by Cherry's new Hyperglide tooling, which ensures a deep sound profile along with a more definitive feel due to their stiffer resistance. This makes them ideal for users who appreciate a solid, robust typing experience, especially in gaming scenarios. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Acacia and the Cherry MX Black switches, distinct differences emerge, particularly in the composition of their top housings. The Huano Acacia features a polycarbonate top housing, which is recognized for its rigidity and translucence. This material not only promotes a sharper and crisper sound profile but is also advantageous for RGB lighting applications, as it allows light to permeate effectively. In contrast, the Cherry MX Black utilizes a nylon top housing, which is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This divergence in housing materials significantly influences the acoustic characteristics of each switch; while the Acacia attains clarity and brightness, the Cherry MX Black emphasizes a rounder and more muted tone.
Interestingly, both switches share a nylon bottom housing, which fosters a similar sound profile in terms of depth and fullness. Since they both utilize nylon, users can expect a duller sound that absorbs noise more effectively when typing. This similarity means that although the top and bottom housings generate different acoustic effects, the presence of nylon in both switches' lower sections contributes to a consistent experience beneath the surface. Thus, while the overall sound profile may vary due to their differing top materials, the shared nylon bottom housing leads to comparable auditory results centered in the deeper frequencies.
Ultimately, the interplay of the housing materials—polycarbonate in the Acacia's top and nylon in both switches' bottoms—creates a distinctive dichotomy in the tactile sensations and auditory outputs experienced by users. The hard nature of the Acacia's polycarbonate enhances the auditory clarity during key releases, while the soft nylon in both models contributes to a fluid bottom-out experience. For those who appreciate a more pronounced sound effect upon key release, the Acacia may be preferable, whereas users seeking a warmer, fuller typing feel may gravitate towards the Cherry MX Black. Through these observations, it is clear that the divergent top materials significantly influence sound characteristics, while the bottom housing remains a common thread that unifies the overall typing experience across both switches.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, there are notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces that cater to different typing preferences. The Acacia switch features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it ideal for users who appreciate a medium-light feel—perfect for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Cherry MX Black switch is significantly heavier, with an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a more substantial push and a firmer typing experience. This heavier force can enhance tactile feedback for those who prefer a more forceful keystroke. Overall, users seeking a lighter option for comfort during long use should gravitate towards the Huano Acacia, while those who enjoy a heavier key feel will find the Cherry MX Black more suitable.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, a clear distinction emerges: the Acacia has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the MX Black features a travel distance of 4 mm. This indicates that the Cherry MX Black, with its longer travel distance, provides a more pronounced key press that some users might prefer for a deeper feel. In contrast, the Huano Acacia's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times, although it could feel more abrupt to those who appreciate a more substantial key press. Ultimately, the choice between these switches hinges on personal preference, with the Acacia being the shorter option and the MX Black offering the longer, more traditional travel experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Huano Acacia comes in at $3.39, whereas the Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00.
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 noted for its quieter operation compared to many other switches, providing a subtle yet satisfying acoustic profile when typing. This makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a more discreet typing experience, suitable for shared environments where noise might be an issue. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black linear switch is characterized by a low-pitched sound that produces a deeper, bass-heavy tone during use. This distinctive acoustic quality gives a reassuring auditory feedback that many users find satisfying, though it can be more pronounced depending on the keyboard and keycap choices. Therefore, while the Acacia offers a more muted sound experience, the MX Black brings a richer, deeper sound to the table.
When it comes to feel, the Acacia switches are praised for their medium-light weight that facilitates a smooth keystroke without much effort. Their generous factory lubrication contributes to a seamless typing experience right out of the box, and the minimal stem wobble enhances stability and precision. In contrast, the MX Black switches present a more textured experience, offering a noticeable friction as the keys are pressed down. This scratchy texture can appeal to users who enjoy a tactile sensation while typing. Moreover, the MX Black switches are recognized for their stiffness, requiring more force to actuate than lighter switches. This combination of texture and resistance can provide a sense of control for those who prefer a firmer key feel.
Ultimately, both the Huano Acacia and Cherry MX Black linear switches present unique characteristics that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard users. The Acacia excels in offering a quiet and effortlessly smooth typing experience, while the MX Black delivers a more tactile, textured feel with a pleasing low-pitched sound. Depending on individual preferences, users may gravitate towards one switch over the other, but each provides a solid typing experience in its own right. As such, those who appreciate a gentle typing sound and smooth action may prefer the Acacia, whereas users seeking robust auditory feedback combined with a firmer feel may choose the MX Black.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter keypress with a comfortable feel right out of the box, the Acacia is an excellent option, especially for longer typing sessions or casual gaming. It provides a satisfying typing experience with its medium-light actuation force, generous factory lubrication, and minimal wobble, making it approachable for newcomers. On the other hand, if you are someone who enjoys a more substantial, heavier feel and doesn't mind putting in the extra force while typing or gaming, the Cherry MX Black switches might be your go-to choice. The deeper sound profile and textured feel deliver a classic, satisfying experience that many enthusiasts appreciate, especially in the context of gaming for fast-paced action. In essence, choose the Acacia for a smooth, light touch, while the MX Black caters better to those who prefer a firmer, more deliberate keypress.
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