Huano Acacia vs. Cherry Nixie
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Cherry Nixie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
In the ever-evolving world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can greatly enhance your typing experience. The Huano Acacia, a medium-light linear switch, is celebrated for its exceptional straight-out-of-the-box performance, featuring generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble that ensures smooth keystrokes and an overall satisfying typing experience. In contrast, the Cherry Nixie switches offer a revered, textured typing experience, blending their classic legacy with modern enhancements thanks to the updated materials and springs from Cherry's recent MX2A update. Known for their substantial heft and distinctive thocky sound profile, the Nixies cater to those who appreciate a low-pitched auditory feedback while typing. When choosing between these two switches, your preference will largely depend on whether you prioritize a smooth and lightweight touch with the Acacia or a more robust and textured feel with the Nixie. 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
63.5g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The comparison of housing materials between the Huano Acacia and the Cherry Nixie showcases distinct differences that impact their auditory profiles. The Acacia boasts a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffer composition. This material contributes to a sharper and crisper sound when typing, resulting in a pronounced auditory experience. The polycarbonate's translucency also allows for better RGB lighting effects, enhancing its visual appeal. In contrast, the Cherry Nixie incorporates a nylon top housing, notorious for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a rounder and more muted auditory experience compared to the sharper notes elicited by polycarbonate.
When examining the bottom housings, both the Huano Acacia and Cherry Nixie utilize nylon. This commonality results in a similar impact on the typing experience, as nylon's softer properties ensure a fuller and deeper sound profile regardless of the switch. The identical use of nylon in the bottom housing signifies a shared attribute between the two switches: a reduced impact on the auditory sharpness brought about by the top housing materials. Consequently, when a user activates either switch, they will experience the more balanced and rounded sound produced by the nylon bottom housing, regardless of the differing top housing.
In summary, while both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, the top materials diverge significantly. The Huano Acacia’s polycarbonate top housing delivers a brighter and crisper sound, ideal for RGB lighting and a more pronounced typing experience. Meanwhile, the Cherry Nixie's nylon top housing softens the sound profile, introducing more depth and warmth. These contrasts emphasize how the combination of materials influences the overall sound and feel of each switch, allowing users to select based on their preferences for audio characteristics and aesthetics in their mechanical keyboard experience.
Weight
The Huano Acacia linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch exhibit notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Acacia features a medium-light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Nixie operates with significantly heavier forces, requiring 63.5 grams for actuation and 80 grams upon bottoming out. This increased resistance provides a more substantial tactile feedback, appealing to users who appreciate a firmer push during use. Therefore, the Acacia is the lighter option, while the Nixie is the heavier switch. These contrasting forces cater to different preferences: the Acacia is better for those seeking ease and comfort, whereas the Nixie is ideal for users wanting a robust typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch, it's clear that the Acacia features a shorter travel distance at 3.5 mm, while the Nixie has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This 0.5 mm difference can significantly affect the tactile experience of each switch. For gamers seeking quicker response times, the Acacia's more compact travel distance may be preferable, offering a snappier feel for rapid inputs. On the other hand, the Nixie's longer travel distance could be more appealing for users who enjoy a deeper, more substantial keystroke, allowing for a more tactile feedback during typing. Thus, the choice between these two switches ultimately hinges on individual preferences regarding key travel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie for $4.19.
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 switch is generally regarded as producing a pleasing audio profile that complements its smooth typing experience, though specifics about its sound characteristics are not provided. In contrast, the Cherry Nixie switch stands out with its thocky and low-pitched tones, delivering a deep, rich sound with each keystroke. This acoustic quality can create an immersive and satisfying experience, reminiscent of the heavy thud or soft knock that many enthusiasts prefer. However, it's important to note that the sound produced by any switch can vary substantially based on the keyboard's construction and the keycap material used.
Regarding feel, the Acacia switch offers a medium-light weight, coupled with generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a smooth and responsive typing experience straight out of the box. The sense of ease it provides can cater well to both casual typists and gamers. The Cherry Nixie, on the other hand, is characterized by its textured feel, which introduces noticeable friction upon keypress. This texture can appeal to users seeking a more tactile interaction, although it may not suit those who favor a completely smooth experience.
In conclusion, both the Huano Acacia and the Cherry Nixie switches cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. The Acacia shines with its smooth feel and pleasant sound, making it a versatile option for various users. Conversely, Nixie switches are celebrated for their unique acoustic properties and textured tactile feedback, appealing to enthusiasts who appreciate a classic performance. While their distinctive characteristics set them apart, those who seek a solid typing experience can find satisfaction in both options, depending on their personal preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To wrap up, the choice between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a lighter feel and seek a smooth typing experience straight out of the box, the Acacia switches are likely the better fit for you. Their medium-light actuation force of 55 grams, combined with generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, allows for comfortable, rapid typing that is less taxing on your fingers over extended use. In contrast, if you prefer a more substantial and tactile experience, the Cherry Nixie switches would be your ideal selection. With a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams, these switches offer a satisfying thocky sound and textured feel, making them perfect for those who enjoy a more pronounced response with each keystroke. Ultimately, if you're looking for comfort and ease, go for the Acacia; but if you desire a robust, traditional feel, the Nixie will serve you well.
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