Huano Acacia vs. Bsun Olive

Overview

When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the decision often boils down to personal preference and typing style. The Huano Acacia, a linear switch, is celebrated for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, which together create an extraordinarily smooth and satisfying typing experience right out of the box. This makes the Acacia an ideal choice for those who prioritize fluid keystrokes and a quieter typing environment. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive is a tactile switch that stands out with its unique all-POM housings, delivering a resonant, deep sound that is music to the ears of tactile enthusiasts. Characterized by its pronounced feedback and a crisp bottom-out feel, the Olive offers an invigorating typing experience for those who appreciate the physical sensation of each keystroke. While both switches offer compelling benefits—whether it's the smooth operation of the Acacia or the tactile satisfaction of the Olive—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Huano Acacia Linear

Bsun Olive Tactile

$3.39 per 10

$5.80

$4.70 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Huano Acacia and the Bsun Olive switches present a clear contrast in both design and sound profile. The Acacia features a top housing made from polycarbonate, a material known for its stiffness, which contributes to a sharper, clearer, and more resonant sound profile. This characteristic is particularly advantageous for users who prioritize an articulate auditory experience, especially in setups where RGB lighting is involved, as polycarbonate’s translucency enhances the lighting effects. In contrast, the Olive utilizes a POM (polyoxymethylene) top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and more muted sound. While both materials contribute to the overall switch performance, their distinct acoustic properties result in fundamentally different auditory experiences when engaging with each key.

Examining the bottom housing materials reveals a different comparison. The Acacia employs a nylon bottom housing, which is celebrated for its ability to absorb sound and create a fuller, deeper tonal quality. The soft nature of nylon allows for a sound that is rounder and softer upon bottoming out, creating a different tactile feel that might appeal to users who prefer a more subdued typing experience. In contrast, the Bsun Olive features a POM bottom housing, which boasts qualities that align closely with the Acacia's nylon. Although both materials generate a deeper and more muted sound profile, POM's inherent characteristics might not absorb sound to the same extent as nylon, leading to potentially subtle variances in feedback during typing.

Overall, both the Huano Acacia and the Bsun Olive offer unique sound experiences as a result of their chosen materials, but they also share some commonalities. While the top housings present distinct auditory signatures—with polycarbonate favoring clarity and POM providing a muted depth—the bottom housings serve to deepen and enrich the sound output for both switches. If one were to use switches with both top and bottom housings from either the Acacia or Olive, the differing sound profiles would create an intriguing blend, reflecting the interplay of sharper clarity and softer nuances. Ultimately, the choice of housing material plays a pivotal role in shaping the overall feel and sound of each switch, making the materials' properties an essential factor for users in search of their ideal typing experience.

Weight

The Huano Acacia linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch exhibit some interesting differences in their bottom out forces, despite having the same actuation force. Both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams, which makes them equally suited for users who prefer a lighter pressing experience, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Huano Acacia has a 55-gram force requirement, while the Bsun Olive features a heavier 65-gram bottom out force. This discrepancy means that while both switches feel similar during the initial actuation, the Olive switch provides a more substantial push at the bottom, catering to those who prefer a firmer typing experience. As such, users who favor a lighter feel overall may lean toward the Acacia, whereas those seeking a heavier, more tactile response should consider the Olive switch.

Travel distance

The travel distances of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch exhibit a slight yet notable difference, with the Acacia measuring 3.5 mm and the Olive at 3.4 mm. This makes the Olive the shorter option, while the Acacia has a longer travel distance. For gamers who prefer quicker response times, the Olive's shorter travel distance can provide a more responsive feel, making it a suitable choice for fast-paced gameplay. Conversely, those who enjoy a more substantial key press may appreciate the Acacia's slightly longer travel distance, offering a more pronounced depth. While both switches fall within the realm of shorter travel distances trending in modern keyboards, the Acacia ultimately offers a marginally deeper experience, conducive for users who favor a more traditional feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the Huano Acacia switch is characterized by a more subdued and pleasant auditory experience, making it suitable for environments where quieter operation is desired. In contrast, the Bsun Olive switch produces a resonant, deep sound that stands out, delivering an auditory experience that is both distinct and satisfying. While the sound of any switch can be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps used, the Acacia's quieter operation and the Olive's notable resonance create a clear divergence in their auditory qualities, catering to different preferences.

In terms of feel, the Huano Acacia switches provide a smooth typing experience aided by their medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble. This results in a comfortable and fluid keystroke performance right out of the box. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive switches are defined by their pronounced tactile feedback and invigorating nature, with their sharp and snappy characteristics making every keypress feel responsive and engaging. The Olive's unique design, which includes a long pole stem, contributes to its medium tactile feedback that is both firm and accentuated, providing a distinctly different feel compared to the more neutral Acacia switches.

Overall, the choice between Huano Acacia and Bsun Olive switches ultimately comes down to personal preference regarding sound and feel. The Acacia offers a more muted auditory presence paired with a smooth typing experience, while the Olive delivers a loud, deep sound and a more tactile, responsive feel with its pronounced feedback. Each switch brings unique qualities that cater to different users, ensuring that whether one desires a quieter typing experience or a more invigorating tactile feedback, there is a suitable option available.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a smoother and quieter typing experience, the Acacia switch, with its medium-light actuation force of 55 grams, is an excellent option. Its generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble allow for a seamless feel straight out of the box, making it ideal for long typing sessions where comfort is a priority. The Acacia's sound profile tends to be less pronounced, which is great if you're working in quieter environments or need to minimize noise while typing.

On the other hand, if you crave a tactile feedback experience that provides a distinct and satisfying audible response, the Bsun Olive switch may be your go-to option. With a firmer actuation force of 65 grams, the Olive switch delivers invigorating tactile feedback that is accentuated by its unique design and POM housing. This results in a sharp, snappy feel as you type, which can be particularly enjoyable for those who value tactile engagement and a deeper auditory experience. The pronounced feedback of the Olive switch makes it suitable for gamers or typists who appreciate a more interactive connection with their keyboard.

In summary, your decision should hinge on whether you prioritize a smooth and quiet experience with the Acacia or a more tactile, engaging feel with the Olive. Both switches offer their own merits, catering to different preferences in the vast world of mechanical keyboards.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Acacia Linear

$3.39 per 10

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Bsun Olive Tactile

$5.80

$4.70 per 10

Learn more