Huano Acacia vs. Cherry MX Purple RGB
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options are the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch. The Huano Acacia is celebrated for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, which collectively create an outstanding typing experience right from the start. This linear switch is ideal for those who prefer smooth key presses and quick actuation without the distraction of tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch is designed to offer a refined tactile experience, featuring a short, medium-strength bump that many typists and gamers appreciate for the satisfying feedback it provides. Developed in collaboration with keyboard enthusiast Glarses, this switch caters to users who enjoy the reassurance of tactile confirmation with each keystroke. Ultimately, while the Acacia may be the go-to choice for those prioritizing a fluid typing experience, the MX Purple RGB might be better suited for users seeking tactile engagement. 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
45g
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 Purple RGB switches, distinct differences arise in the composition of their top housings. The Acacia switch features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to the material's stiffness. This characteristic not only enhances sound clarity but also allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects, as the translucency of polycarbonate effectively showcases the illumination from beneath. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB employs a nylon top housing, a softer material that absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper, rounder tonal quality. This difference implies that while Acacia appeals to those seeking crispness and brightness in their keystrokes, the MX Purple caters to users who prefer a more subdued auditory experience.
The bottom housing of both switches utilizes nylon, which creates a solid ground for comparison. In both cases, nylon's softer nature results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is known for its sound-absorbing qualities. This similarity ensures a more controlled and muted sound when keys are fully pressed, regardless of the unique characteristics of the top housings. Hence, while the MX Purple and Acacia switches diverge in the sound profile created by their top housings, the bottom housings reinforce a common auditory experience that emphasizes a rounder sound upon bottoming out.
Ultimately, the distinctive combinations of materials in each switch result in a nuanced play of sound profiles that can cater to different user preferences. The Huano Acacia, with its polycarbonate top housing, emphasizes clarity and brightness, making it ideal for gamers and typists who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback. Conversely, those who enjoy a softer keypress experience would find the Cherry MX Purple RGB appealing, as its nylon top muffles sounds for a richer, fuller feel. Regardless of these differences, the nylon bottom housing in both switches fortifies their ability to deliver a satisfying typing experience, illustrating how the interplay of material characteristics can create user-specific outcomes in mechanical keyboard performance.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch, we find both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them relatively equivalent in this regard. This means that both switches will provide a similar feel when it comes to the force required to engage a keystroke, which can be beneficial for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the Huano Acacia has a measurable bottom out force of 55 grams, indicating that it requires a bit more force to fully press the switch down compared to the actuation force. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Cherry MX Purple RGB is unknown, leaving it ambiguous whether it would feel heavier or lighter upon bottoming out. Consequently, while both switches are equally light in terms of actuation force, the Huano Acacia is heavier overall due to its bottom out force, making it more suitable for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch, there is a notable difference. The Acacia switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch provides a more pronounced depth when pressed, which can be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial key feel. On the other hand, the shorter 3.5 mm distance of the Huano Acacia switch may cater to gamers looking for quicker actuation and faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference; if you prefer a swift and responsive key press, the Acacia would be the better option, whereas those who appreciate a deeper and more tactile experience might gravitate towards the Cherry MX Purple RGB.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
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
When it comes to sound, the Huano Acacia linear switch is generally quieter compared to other mechanical switches, producing a soft and subtle sound profile that doesn’t distract from the typing experience. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB produces a more noticeable sound, characterized by a pronounced bump during actuation that adds a tactile auditory feedback to the typing experience. However, the sound of both switches can be influenced significantly by the choice of keyboard, keycaps, and even the typing surface, which means users could achieve a range of auditory experiences regardless of the switch type.
Regarding feel, the Huano Acacia offers a smooth typing experience thanks to its medium-light weight, factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, making it ideal for users seeking fluid key presses without extra resistance. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Purple RGB emphasizes a tactile experience with its medium-strength bump, designed to provide feedback with each key press. This tactile bump is a distinctive feature that gives typists a sense of precision during use, making it particularly appealing to those who prefer a bit of resistance when pressing keys.
In summary, while the Huano Acacia linear switch focuses on offering a smooth and quiet typing experience, the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch provides that satisfying tactile feedback with a more pronounced sound. Both switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel, allowing users to select one that best suits their typing style. Whether you value a silent and smooth operation or a tactile sensation with auditory feedback, both can provide satisfying results if matched with the right keyboard and components.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a smooth and linear feel with minimal resistance, the Acacia is an excellent choice. Its medium-light actuation force of 55 grams allows for effortless key presses, which is particularly beneficial for those who type quickly or prefer a softer keystroke. Additionally, the generous factory lubrication means you'll enjoy a satisfying experience right out of the box, making it great for both casual users and enthusiasts seeking a smooth, uninterrupted typing rhythm. On the other hand, if you thrive on tactile feedback and enjoy a pronounced bump with each keystroke, the Cherry MX Purple RGB could be the way to go. Its refined tactile experience, combined with an unknown bottom-out force, caters to those who like to feel their key presses, enhancing typing accuracy and engagement, especially in gaming scenarios. So, whether you lean towards a silky-smooth linear feel or a tactile bump, your choice should reflect how you engage with your keyboard daily.
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