Huano Acacia vs. Gateron Oil King (V2)
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Gateron Oil King (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choices can be overwhelming, especially with the variety of linear switches available on the market. Two noteworthy options are the Huano Acacia and the Gateron Oil King (V2), both of which cater to different preferences for touch and sound. The Huano Acacia boasts a medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, providing an impressive typing experience right out of the box; it's ideal for those who appreciate a smooth and stable feel without the need for extensive customization. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King (V2) stands out for its remarkable buttery smoothness and its unique sound profile, reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping, making it perfect for users who prioritize auditory feedback and tactile comfort in their typing experience. While both switches offer excellent linear characteristics, they cater to different user experiences and 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
65g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the Huano Acacia and the Gateron Oil King (V2) switches, we see a clear contrast in the composition of their top housings, which significantly influences their acoustic profiles. The Acacia utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound due to its rigidity. This material not only offers a remarkable resonance that enhances the overall sound when depressing the keys but is also translucent, making it an excellent choice for RGB backlighting enthusiasts who desire a vibrant aesthetic. In contrast, the Oil King (V2) employs nylon for its top housing, contributing to a deeper and more rounded sound profile. The soft nature of nylon absorbs more sound, leading to a less piercing auditory experience, which may appeal to users looking for a more subdued keypress.
The differences do not stop at the top housing, as the bottom housings of both switches also contribute uniquely to their respective sound profiles. The Acacia features a nylon bottom housing, mirroring its tactile feel with a fuller sound that is characteristic of nylon. This choice gives the Acacia a balanced sound when typing, as the softer plastic dampens higher frequencies. Meanwhile, the Oil King (V2) distinguishes itself with a proprietary INK blend bottom housing, which is engineered to create a higher-pitched and somewhat clacky sound. This bottom housing accentuates the pronounced auditory feedback of the switch, distinguishing it from the Nylon bottom of the Acacia, which mellows out the auditory response.
Ultimately, the interplay of these housing materials leads to distinct typing experiences and sound profiles for each switch. While the Acacia's polycarbonate top yields a clear and resonant sound when the key is released, complemented by its nylon bottom for a deeper bottom-out feel, the Oil King (V2) achieves a unique auditory signature through its combination of nylon and the INK blend materials. Those who seek similar results in sound across both switches can experiment with their configurations, as it is vital to consider that the top and bottom housing materials work in tandem to create the overall acoustic experience. By strategically pairing top and bottom housings from both switches, one can customize the desired sound characteristics, blending the clarity of polycarbonate with the warmth of nylon or the distinct pitch of the proprietary INK blend.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron Oil King (V2) linear switch, we see a notable difference in both the actuation force and bottom out force. The Acacia switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, while the Oil King (V2) requires a heavier actuation force of 55 grams. This means that the Acacia is easier to press, making it a potentially more comfortable choice for long typing sessions or gaming. In terms of bottom out force, the Acacia also has a lower value at 55 grams compared to the Oil King's 65 grams. This reinforces the Acacia's status as the lighter option overall, appealing to users who prefer a softer touch, while the Oil King provides a more substantial typing experience for those who favor a stronger push feel. Overall, if you desire a lighter switch for extended use, the Huano Acacia would be the more suitable choice, whereas the Gateron Oil King (V2) caters to those looking for a heavier, more tactile response.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron Oil King (V2) linear switch, notable differences arise. The Huano Acacia features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Oil King (V2) has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that, for those who favor a more responsive feel, the Acacia may be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance, which can facilitate quicker key presses. Conversely, the Oil King (V2) offers an additional half-millimeter of travel, appealing to users who prefer a deeper and more satisfying keystroke. Ultimately, if quick response times are your priority, the Huano Acacia is the shorter option; however, if you prefer a more substantial typing experience, the Gateron Oil King (V2) with its longer 4 mm travel might be more suited to your needs.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Huano Acacia comes in at $3.39, whereas the Gateron Oil King (V2) comes in at $6.50.
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 discussing sound, the Huano Acacia switch is notably absent in specific descriptions, leaving its acoustic profile somewhat mysterious. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King (V2) is celebrated for its low-pitched and bassy sound. This means that when typing on the Oil Kings, you’ll experience a richer, deeper auditory experience, characterized by a mellow tone that can be likened to the satisfying sound of dark chocolate snapping. The Oil Kings can provide a more immersive sound environment, particularly suited for those who prefer a weighty acoustic signature in their typing experience. It's important to note that sound is influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard construction and keycap materials, so results can vary even among the same switches.
In terms of feel, the Acacia switch shines with its medium-light actuation weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, all contributing to an impressive typing experience right out of the box. In comparison, the Gateron Oil King (V2) is described with an array of qualities that highlight its creamy, silky, buttery, and polished feel. This implies an exceptionally smooth and cohesive keystroke experience, allowing fingers to glide effortlessly over the switches. The combination of factory lubrication and inherent design ensures that the typing sensation on the Oil Kings is refined, making it a true delight for users who prioritize smoothness and ease of use.
Overall, both the Huano Acacia and Gateron Oil King (V2) switches offer distinct yet appealing qualities. While the Acacia is noted for its consistency and solid typing experience, the Oil King (V2) excels in delivering a luxurious, buttery feel along with a rich acoustic profile. Ultimately, the choice between them will come down to personal preference: if you lean towards a more traditional typing experience, the Acacia may be preferable, while those seeking an indulgent, smooth ride may find the Oil King (V2) suits their style better. Regardless of choice, both switches promise a quality experience, ensuring that even newcomers can enjoy the fundamentals of mechanical typing.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron Oil King (V2) linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter touch and want a switch that feels great right out of the box, the Acacia is an excellent choice. With its medium-light force of 55 grams, it’s perfect for typing quickly and comfortably, especially during long writing sessions or gaming marathons. The generous factory lubrication ensures a smooth experience, making it ideal if you're new to mechanical keyboards and want a switch that requires minimal tweaking. However, if you find satisfaction in a more pronounced resistance and crave a richer auditory experience, the Gateron Oil King (V2) may be more suited to you. With its medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, this switch offers a creamy, buttery feel and a distinctive low-pitched, bassy sound that provides a satisfying depth to each keystroke. Ultimately, whether you lean toward the effortless lightness of the Acacia or the robust smoothness of the Oil King, both switches have unique qualities to enhance your typing journey.
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