Huano Acacia vs. Cherry MX Orange
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Cherry MX Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly influence your typing experience, and two noteworthy options are the Huano Acacia and the Cherry MX Orange switches. The Huano Acacia is celebrated for its medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication, which together create a smooth and satisfying typing experience right out of the box, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize comfort and minimal stem wobble. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange switches revive the beloved original MX Orange design with updates that enhance performance to meet the demands of modern users, catering to gamers and typists alike who value a reliable and consistent keystroke. While both switches share the linear characteristic, which is ideal for quick and easy actuation without tactile feedback, they each bring unique qualities to the table that can align differently with individual preferences. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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 Cherry MX Orange, a notable distinction arises from the top housing composition. The Acacia utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiff plastic nature. This rigidity allows for a clear and resonant sound, making the Acacia particularly attractive for users who prioritize auditory feedback in their typing experience. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange employs a nylon top housing, characterized as a classic material that yields a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, providing a duller and rounder auditory experience. Thus, while both switches have unique sound profiles influenced by their top housing materials, the Acacia favors a bright and crisp tone while the MX Orange leans towards a warmer, more muted sound.
The bottom housing for both the Huano Acacia and the Cherry MX Orange is made of nylon, which serves to harmonize their overall sound profile regardless of the differences in the top housing materials. Because nylon is recognized for its sound absorption qualities, it contributes to a deeper and fuller acoustic response in both switches. This means that while the switch feels different when typed on, the bottom housing of both the Acacia and MX Orange supports a consistent underlying sound characteristic. Both switches, therefore, exhibit a fullness imparted by their nylon bottom housing, creating a more substantial typing feel and sound upon bottoming out.
Ultimately, these housing material differences culminate in a range of auditory experiences shaped by the blend of responsiveness and qualities from each segment of the switch. When a switch like the Acacia is pressed, it produces a bright sound upon release due to its polycarbonate top housing, while the MX Orange offers a smoother, deeper sound from its nylon top. Nonetheless, the nylon bottom housing in both creates a commonality that can lead to similar feelings of weight and depth when the switches bottom out. The integration of different materials thus encapsulates a rich tapestry of tactile and auditory feedback in each typing experience; users may prefer one switch over the other dependent on whether they seek a high-pitched clarity or a broader, fuller response.
Weight
The Huano Acacia linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch exhibit notable differences in actuation force but are less clear when it comes to bottom out force. The Acacia switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it a lighter option that facilitates extended typing sessions and may appeal to users who prefer less resistance in their keystrokes. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange boasts a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, providing a more substantial push feel that some typists and gamers might prefer for a more tactile experience. As for the bottom out force, the Acacia switch is clearly defined with a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the value for the MX Orange is listed as unavailable. Thus, users seeking a lighter overall experience might gravitate towards the Huano Acacia, while those desiring a firmer feel would likely opt for the Cherry MX Orange.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch, the Acacia has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the MX Orange comes with a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This indicates that the Acacia switch offers a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to users seeking quicker response times for gaming, while the MX Orange's 4.0 mm travel distance provides a more traditional, deeper feel that some users might prefer for typing or gaming. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for either a snappier, less abrupt response or a more substantial keypress sensation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Orange has an MSRP of $4.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Orange for $3.89.
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
In terms of sound, the Huano Acacia linear switch is known for a relatively quiet operation, producing a muted acoustic profile that won't disturb those around you. This makes it a strong choice for office environments or shared spaces where noise levels need to be minimized. The Cherry MX Orange switch, on the other hand, is similarly designed for low sound output, ensuring a quiet typing experience that also aligns with quieter workspaces. While specific descriptions of the sound profile may differ, both switches cater to users seeking a more discreet auditory experience, allowing for a similar level of silence between the two.
When it comes to feel, the Huano Acacia linear switch is characterized by its medium-light weight, which provides a smooth typing experience with generous factory lubrication that further enhances the glide of the switch. The minimal stem wobble also contributes to a sense of stability and precision during typing. The Cherry MX Orange switch similarly aims to offer a pleasing typing experience, having been refined in the MX2A generation to meet both demand and performance expectations. While the specific tactile feedback characteristics and weight may have nuances between the two, both switches are designed to deliver a reliable and enjoyable feel, promoting efficient and comfortable typing sessions.
In conclusion, both the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch offer appealing sound and feel qualities that cater to users looking for a quiet, smooth typing experience. With the Acacia providing a slight edge in factory lubrication and stability due to minimal wobble, and the MX Orange ensuring enhanced performance with its MX2A lineage, either option will satisfy the needs of those who prioritize a discreet and comfortable typing experience. Whether you choose the Acacia or the MX Orange, you can expect to enjoy similar outcomes that cater to a quieter and more refined keyboard environment.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you favor a switch that is medium-light in feel and offers an exceptional typing experience right out of the box due to its generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, the Huano Acacia would be an excellent choice for you. This switch is ideal for both typing and gaming, making it a versatile option that is comfortable and satisfying. On the other hand, if you are seeking a more nostalgic experience with enhanced performance, the Cherry MX Orange, revived from its original design, caters to enthusiasts who appreciate a touch of history in their switch while still meeting modern demands. Ultimately, if you're looking for a smooth feel with classic roots, the MX Orange may be your go-to option, while the Acacia might serve you better for immediate comfort and pleasure in typing and gaming. Your choice should reflect your priorities in tactile feedback, sound preference, and the overall feel you are looking to achieve in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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