Huano Acacia vs. Cherry MX Red
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Cherry MX Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Acacia and the Cherry MX Red stand out as popular options among enthusiasts, each offering its own unique characteristics for a tailored typing experience. The Acacia switch is celebrated for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, which together create an exceptional typing feel right from the start. This makes it an ideal choice for users who prioritize smooth keystrokes and minimal resistance. In contrast, the Cherry MX Red is renowned for its slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, providing a robust typing sensation that merges responsiveness with a satisfying auditory depth, often described as "thocky" and "low-pitched." As a result, while the Acacia may appeal to those who favor a lighter, smoother touch, the MX Red caters to users who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback and sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your personal preferences.
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
The housing materials of the Huano Acacia switches and the Cherry MX Red switches reveal distinct characteristics that influence their resulting sound profiles. The Acacia uses a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper and crisper sound due to the stiffer nature of the plastic. This property enhances the switch's overall acoustics, making it ideal for gamers and typists who favor a louder and more resonant typing experience. The translucency of polycarbonate also allows for effective RGB lighting, making it aesthetically appealing for users who enjoy customizable lighting effects in their keyboards. In contrast, Cherry MX Red switches employ a nylon top housing that creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nylon material absorbs sound, resulting in a profiled sound that resonates with a rounder quality, which may appeal to users who prefer a more muted auditory feedback during typing or gaming.
Interestingly, the bottom housings of both the Huano Acacia and Cherry MX Red switches share the same material—nylon. This consistency in bottom housing encourages a deeper sound profile for both switches. As a classic switch housing material, nylon’s inherent softness contributes to a more subdued and cushioned feel when the switch bottoms out. This shared quality means that the bottom-out experience for both switches tends to feel similar, providing a sense of familiarity for users transitioning between different brands. However, the variation in the top housing—polycarbonate for the Acacia and nylon for the MX Red—significantly alters the two switches' overall acoustic signatures.
In summary, while the Huano Acacia and Cherry MX Red switches both harness nylon for their bottom housings, their juxtaposed top housing materials deliver differing auditory experiences. The Acacia leverages the sharpness of polycarbonate to produce a crisper sound during key release and ideal RGB compatibility, whereas the Cherry MX Red relies on the absorptive properties of nylon to create a deeper and more rounded sound overall. Ultimately, both switches can deliver similar bottom-out feel and sound due to their shared bottom housing material, yet the distinct top housing materials lead to varied preferences among users based on their desired auditory experience.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch to the Cherry MX Red linear switch, it is notable that both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally responsive when it comes to triggering a keystroke. However, the bottom out force reflects a distinct difference: the Acacia switch has a bottom out force of 55 grams, indicating that it requires more force to bottom out compared to the unknown value for the Cherry MX Red, which does not specify a bottom out force. This means that while both switches feel light and easy to actuate, the Acacia will provide a heavier resistance at the bottom, which may lead to a different tactile experience for users who prefer that substantial feel. Thus, if you are looking for a lighter option overall, both actuation forces being the same makes either a suitable choice; however, opting for the Huano Acacia results in a slightly heavier bottoming out experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, a clear difference emerges. The Acacia features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Cherry MX Red has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Huano Acacia switch is the shorter option, offering slightly faster response times, which may appeal to gamers seeking a more responsive experience. In contrast, the Cherry MX Red, with its longer travel distance, provides a more substantial feel—ideal for users who prefer deeper keystrokes. Therefore, if you prioritize quick actuation and responsiveness, the Acacia stands out, whereas the MX Red caters to those who appreciate a more pronounced keypress.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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 switch is known for its pleasing auditory profile that provides a balanced and pleasant typing experience, though specific descriptors such as "thocky" or "low-pitched" might be less pronounced compared to some other switches on the market. This makes it suitable for users who prefer a quieter operation without too much pronounced sound. In contrast, the Cherry MX Red switch delivers a deeper sound profile characterized by a thocky resonance, producing a satisfying auditory depth with each keystroke. This low-pitched sound adds a layer of richness, creating a more immersive typing experience that many users find satisfying, especially in gaming or intensive typing situations.
As for feel, the Huano Acacia switch offers a medium-light weight that strikes a fine balance between ease of actuation and tactile responsiveness. With generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, it provides a smooth and seamless typing experience right from the start, allowing for consistent key presses. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red switch presents a slightly heftier feel, which some users may find gives a more grounded typing experience. However, it is also textured, introducing noticeable friction during actuation that can impact the overall typing experience. This scratchiness can be a point of preference for users who enjoy that tactile feedback, while others may favor the smoother operation of the Acacia switch.
In conclusion, while both switches offer their unique characteristics, they cater to slightly different preferences. The Huano Acacia, with its smooth actuation and balanced sound profile, makes it an excellent choice for users seeking a quieter and refined experience. Meanwhile, the Cherry MX Red’s deeper, thocky sound and heavier feel appeal to those who appreciate more auditory depth and tactile feedback in their keystrokes. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize sound or feel in your typing experience, as each can deliver satisfying results based on your preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, consider your preferences for typing feel, sound, and overall experience. If you’re looking for a switch that provides a medium-light feel combined with excellent stock lubrication and minimal stem wobble, the Acacia is an enticing option. This makes them a great choice if you enjoy a fluid typing experience right out of the box without the need for extensive customization. On the other hand, if you appreciate a slightly heavier key press and a deeper auditory feedback, the MX Red will likely suit you better. Its thocky and low-pitched sound can bring a satisfying tactile dimension to your typing, making it a reliable choice for those who enjoy a bit more heft in their keystrokes. Ultimately, your choice should hinge on whether you prioritize a lightweight, smooth experience like that of the Acacia, or the more pronounced, textured typing feel with a richer sound profile offered by the MX Red.
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