Huano Acacia vs. Cherry MX Brown
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Cherry MX Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Acacia and Cherry MX Brown are two compelling options that cater to different preferences. The Acacia, a linear switch, is renowned for its medium-light weight and smooth keystrokes, enhanced by generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, making it an ideal choice for users seeking a fluid and uninterrupted typing experience right from the start. In contrast, the Cherry MX Brown provides a tactile feedback with its gentle bump on actuation, described by many as subtle, offering a delightful blend of responsiveness and comfort for those who appreciate a bit of texture in their keystrokes. While the Acacia caters to gamers and typists looking for speed and smoothness, the MX Brown appeals to those who enjoy the cues of tactile feedback without excessive noise. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Huano Acacia and Cherry MX Brown switches exhibit distinct differences in their top housing materials, which significantly influence their sound profiles during use. The Acacia features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and translucency. As a result, switches made with polycarbonate create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when the keys are pressed. This quality is particularly beneficial for users who desire a pronounced auditory feedback, especially when utilizing RGB lighting that can shine through the clear material. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown utilizes a nylon top housing that, while classic in switch design, contributes to a duller and rounder sound experience. This is due to nylon's softer properties that absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory feedback, contrasting with the clearer output of the Acacia's polycarbonate.
In contrast, both switches share a similarity in their bottom housing material, which is made of nylon. This commonality leads to a unified sound profile when users engage with the switches. Both the Acacia and Cherry MX Brown benefit from the sound-absorbing characteristics of nylon in the bottom housing, which provides a consistent and rounded auditory experience, regardless of what is happening with the top housing. The nylon construction dampens sound upon bottoming out, producing a satisfying and muted thock that enhances the tactile experience of typing. Therefore, while the top housing materials lead to divergent sound qualities, the nylon bottom housing helps to anchor both switches into a familiar and pleasant auditory realm.
When utilizing either of these switches, the differences brought by their respective top housings will play a significant role in the overall typing experience. With the Huano Acacia, users can expect a bright and resonant sound thanks to its polycarbonate structure at the top, complemented by the softer, deeper sound of the nylon bottom housing. Conversely, the Cherry MX Brown presents a more rounded sound profile with its nylon top housing, harmonizing with the nylon bottom to offer full coverage in terms of sound depth. Ultimately, if one were to swap the top housings between the two switches, one would be able to achieve distinct sound profiles: the MX Brown’s deeper tone combined with the Acacia’s sharper notes, showcasing how the materials interact to influence both the auditory and tactile experiences while typing.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, it’s interesting to note that both switches have identical specifications regarding actuation and bottom out force. Both switches feature an actuation force of 45 grams, meaning that the force required to trigger a keystroke is the same, offering a similar typing experience for users seeking light resistance. Additionally, both switches have a bottom out force of 55 grams, indicating that the force needed to fully depress the key is also equivalent. This parity suggests that users will experience similar results in terms of responsiveness and bottoming out between the two options. Consequently, both the Huano Acacia and Cherry MX Brown can be considered medium-light switches, making them suitable for prolonged typing or gaming as they are easier on the fingers compared to heavier options.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, we find that the Acacia switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, whereas the MX Brown measures at 4 mm. This difference in travel distance can significantly impact the typing experience: the Acacia's 3.5 mm travel caters to those who prefer a snappier, more responsive feel, making it a suitable choice for gamers looking for quick actions. In contrast, the MX Brown's longer 4 mm travel may appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial and tactile feedback, as it allows for a deeper keystroke that can feel more satisfying for extended typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference, with the Acacia switch offering a shorter, quicker response and the MX Brown providing a more traditional, deeper 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 Brown 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
The sound profile of the Huano Acacia linear switch is generally smoother and quieter compared to the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, which is noted for its bassy and low-pitched audio characteristics. The MX Brown's deeper sounds come from its tactile bump, providing a richer aural experience during key presses. While the Acacia may not have the same level of auditory presence, it offers a more subdued typing sound, thanks to its linear nature, making it less intrusive in shared environments. The overall acoustic experience will also depend on the choice of keyboard and keycaps, which can further influence how these switches sound when in use.
When it comes to feel, the Huano Acacia switches offer a smooth and consistent typing experience right from the start, characterized by medium-light weight and minimal stem wobble. This makes for a pleasant and efficient actuation. In contrast, the Cherry MX Brown switches feature a discernible tactile bump that provides feedback on actuation, accompanied by a certain level of textural feel that can be perceived as scratchy by some users. While the Acacia promotes a seamless press ideal for fast typing, the tactile bumps of the MX Brown give users a reassuring indication of actuation, catering to those who prefer a more engaging interaction with each keystroke.
In summary, while both switches facilitate enjoyable typing experiences, they cater to different preferences. The Huano Acacia linear switch excels in providing a smooth and quiet performance, ideal for users who prioritize linearity and minimal noise. In contrast, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch appeals to those who appreciate subtle feedback and a richer sound profile. Ultimately, both switches have their strengths and can satisfy different typing styles; your choice will depend on whether you value a smooth experience or prefer tactile feedback with sound.
Conclusion
To wrap up, your choice between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prioritize a smooth and consistent keypress with minimal resistance or bump, the Acacia is an excellent option. Its medium-light weight, paired with great factory lubrication, allows for a seamless and enjoyable typing experience for both casual use and gaming. This makes it a solid choice if you prefer a quieter setup without the tactile feedback that can sometimes disrupt your flow. On the other hand, if you appreciate the subtlety of tactile feedback without the clicky sound that accompanies some other switch types, the MX Brown will likely serve you well. Its gentle tactility and low-pitched, bassy acoustics provide a pleasant auditory experience while typing, making it ideal for both professional work environments and casual typing sessions where you want to feel the keystrokes. In essence, select the Acacia for a smooth ride or the MX Brown for that delightful tactile response, depending on what typing experience you value most.
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