Huano Acacia vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Acacia and Cherry MX Silent Red both offer unique features that cater to different typing preferences. The Huano Acacia switch is celebrated for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, resulting in a smooth and enjoyable typing experience right out of the box. For those who appreciate a tactile feedback without excessive noise, the Acacia is a compelling choice. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red switches maintain the classic, slightly heftier feel of the renowned MX Red but introduce a significant advantage with their silent operation. This makes them an excellent fit for noise-sensitive environments, delivering the satisfying tactile response synonymous with Cherry switches while minimizing sound disruption. Each switch has its own merits: one focusing on a fluid typing experience and the other prioritizing quiet operation. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 Silent Red switches, we see a distinction between the top houses. The Acacia features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer properties, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This characteristic sets it apart from the nylon top housing of the MX Silent Red, which tends to absorb sound more effectively due to its softer nature, yielding a deeper and fuller sound. The translucency of the polycarbonate housing also enhances its compatibility with RGB lighting, allowing for more radiant and clearer illumination, while the MX Silent Red’s nylon top may not provide the same level of brightness or clarity in light diffusion.
Interestingly, despite their differences at the top housing level, both switches employ nylon for their bottom housing, which leads to a consistency in sound profile characteristics at that level. Both the Acacia and MX Silent Red switches exhibit a deeper, rounder sound due to the nylon's sound-absorbing qualities. This shared bottom housing material means that both switches will produce a similar effect during key presses in terms of bottom-out sound, as the softer nylon significantly contributes to this acoustic presence. Therefore, while the top houses diverge in their impact on sound, the nylon bottom housing serves to normalize certain auditory experiences between the two switches.
Ultimately, the combined effects of the different housing materials result in a nuanced sound profile for each switch. The polycarbonate top of the Acacia contributes a brighter, more resonant quality to the sound upon key release, while the nylon bottom ensures a full-bodied response during key presses. Conversely, the MX Silent Red's features blend the softer, deeper sounds from its nylon top with the same nylon bottom. Therefore, while their overall sound profiles diverge due to their differing top materials, the underlying nylon in both switches links them in terms of key press experience. By understanding the implications of these distinct materials, users can set their expectations regarding the auditory and tactile feedback provided by each switch.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, both exhibit an actuation force of 45 grams, making them similarly lightweight and suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. This matching actuation force suggests that users will experience a comparable keystroke triggering experience with both switches. However, the bottom out forces diverge significantly; the Huano Acacia has a bottom out force of 55 grams, indicating a firmer feel when pressing the key all the way down. In contrast, the Cherry MX Silent Red lacks a specified bottom out force, leaving that aspect unknown. As a result, while both switches provide a similar actuation feel, the Acacia offers a slightly heavier bottoming out experience, catering to typists who may prefer a more robust feedback when fully depressed. Thus, for users who appreciate a lighter switch overall and consistent actuation, both options fit well, but the Huano Acacia will be the heavier choice when it comes to bottoming out.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, the Acacia features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the MX Silent Red has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This difference means that those who opt for the Acacia switch will experience a shorter keypress, which can be beneficial for gamers seeking quicker response times. Conversely, the MX Silent Red, with its greater travel distance, may provide a more substantial keystroke that some users find more satisfying for typing or gaming. Ultimately, if you prefer a more responsive feel, the shorter Acacia switch would be ideal, whereas if you appreciate a deeper keystroke, the slightly longer MX Silent Red will better suit your needs.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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 has not been specifically described, but it is known for its excellent typing experience, which might imply a pleasant, balanced sound profile. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red is notably muted, reducing the mechanical clack often associated with switches. It produces a thocky sound, characterized by a deep and rich tone when pressed, offering a satisfying auditory feedback that is rather low-pitched. This makes the MX Silent Red ideal for environments where noise is a concern, allowing for a quieter typing experience while still providing that tactile satisfaction.
When considering the feel of these switches, the Huano Acacia linear switch is renowned for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, which suggests a smooth and enjoyable typing experience straight from the start. Conversely, the Cherry MX Silent Red is described as textured, meaning users might experience some noticeable friction when pressing the keys. This tactile feedback may appeal to some typists who appreciate a more engaging experience, albeit at the potential cost of a non-friction-free feel that the Acacia promises.
Overall, while both switches aim to deliver a satisfying typing experience, they cater to slightly different preferences. The Huano Acacia offers a slippery and responsive feel straight from the factory, while the Cherry MX Silent Red provides a classic linear profile with the added benefit of reduced noise. If you are looking for a quieter operation without sacrificing that enjoyable typing sensation, the Silent Red could be the perfect fit. In contrast, if you prefer a more lubrication-accentuated smoothness in your keystrokes, you may find the Acacia to excel in that regard.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, your choice will largely depend on your typing preferences and the environment you’ll be using your keyboard in. If you seek a switch that offers a medium-light feel, coupled with a satisfying sound and a pleasant tactile experience straight out of the box, the Acacia could be your ideal choice. Its generous factory lubrication, minimal stem wobble, and rich, thocky sound provide an enjoyable typing experience for casual use or gaming. Conversely, if you find yourself in a noise-sensitive setting, such as an office or shared workspace, the Cherry MX Silent Red is likely the better option. With its muted sound profile and textured feel, this switch allows for undistracted typing without the typical click or clack that accompanies most mechanical keyboards. In essence, if you prioritize a balance of tactile satisfaction and quiet operation, the Silent Red will serve you well, while the Acacia excels where a lively sound and lighter actuation force are desired.
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