Huano Acacia vs. KTT Orange
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the KTT Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Huano Acacia and the KTT Orange provides distinct benefits that cater to varying preferences among typists and gamers alike. The Huano Acacia is celebrated for its medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication, offering an exemplary typing experience straight out of the box with minimal stem wobble. This makes it a strong contender for those who appreciate a smooth, consistent response without the need for additional modifications. In contrast, the KTT Orange switches stand out with their unique 22mm long spring, delivering a bouncy typing feel that many enthusiasts crave. Coupled with a polycarbonate milky top housing and vibrant orange nylon bottom, the KTT Orange excels in providing a frictionless experience paired with a delightful low-pitched sound profile. While the Acacia is geared towards those seeking straightforward comfort and stability, the KTT Orange caters to users who enjoy a more dynamic and lively typing sensation. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Huano Acacia and the KTT Orange switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a comparable sound profile characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper tone. This similarity arises from polycarbonate’s inherent properties as a stiffer plastic, which contributes to a clear and resonant quality in sound performance. The use of polycarbonate also serves an aesthetic purpose; the material’s translucency allows for effective RGB lighting, enhancing visual appeal. Therefore, in terms of top housing, both the Acacia and the Orange switches will deliver a similar auditory experience, making them sound alike when it comes to the activation and release of the key.
However, the differences between the two switches become apparent when examining their bottom housings. The Acacia employs nylon for its bottom housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a duller and rounder tonal quality compared to the stiffer polycarbonate. In contrast, the KTT Orange employs polycarbonate for its bottom housing as well, perpetuating the crisp sound characteristics established by the top housing. This leads to a sharper sound upon bottoming out as well. Consequently, while both switches produce a clearer sound due to their design, the Acacia will exhibit a more rounded sound due to the nylon, whereas the Orange will maintain a more pronounced resonance.
In essence, the distinct mix of materials used for the bottom housings creates nuanced variations in sound and feel for each switch. Typing on the Huano Acacia provides a rich, fuller acoustic experience thanks to the nylon bottom, making it suited for users focused on a softer typing feel. Alternatively, the KTT Orange, with both its top and bottom housings made of polycarbonate, offers a consistently crisp and sharp auditory feedback which may appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced keypress experience. The interplay of materials results in varied user experiences and sound signatures, influencing the overall charm of each switch despite their similarity in top housing.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, both share similar characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, but they have slight variations. The Acacia has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Orange switch requires a slightly higher actuation force of 46 grams and a lower bottom out force of 53 grams. This makes the Acacia marginally lighter to press down initially, making it more suited for prolonged typing sessions or gaming, as it may reduce fatigue over time. In contrast, the KTT Orange, being a bit heavier, could provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Overall, while both switches are in the medium-light category, the Acacia is lighter during actuation, while the Orange offers a slightly firmer push when bottoming out.
Travel distance
Both the Huano Acacia linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, indicating that they will provide a similar feel in terms of keypress depth. Since both switches have the same travel distance, users can expect an equivalent tactile experience when typing or gaming, allowing for similar responsiveness and feedback. This parity in travel distance means that those looking for consistent keypress performance between the two switches can confidently choose either option without worrying about differences in how far they need to press down on the keys.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange 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
The sound profile of the Huano Acacia linear switch is not specified, leaving its acoustic qualities open to interpretation based on usage factors such as the keyboard frame and keycap selection. However, the KTT Orange switch excels in this area with its low-pitched sound profile, characterized by a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. This acoustic quality can contribute to a more subdued typing experience, which many users find calming and pleasant. Ultimately, while the Acacia’s sound remains unspecified, the KTT Orange offers a defined auditory experience favored by those who appreciate low-pitched switches.
In terms of feel, the Huano Acacia linear switch boasts a medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication, allowing for a generally pleasant typing experience straight out of the box. This switch is designed to minimize stem wobble, enhancing stability while typing. Conversely, the KTT Orange switch is noted for its bouncy feel, thanks to a 22mm long spring that provides a lively, elastic feedback sensation. Additionally, the frictionless nature of the KTT Orange allows for smooth key travel, minimizing resistance and offering a fluid typing experience. While both switches promise enjoyable tactile experiences, the Acacia presents a more stable and balanced feel, whereas the Orange emphasizes a dynamic and smooth responsiveness.
Considering all the information, both the Huano Acacia and KTT Orange linear switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. While the Acacia’s sound qualities remain unknown, the KTT Orange stands out with its low-pitched acoustics. The Acacia offers a stable and enjoyable typing experience enhanced by its lubrication and minimal wobble, while the KTT Orange provides a bouncy and frictionless experience. Ultimately, choosing between them depends on whether you prioritize a calm yet stable typing environment or a lively, smooth feedback sensation. Regardless of your choice, both switches promise to deliver satisfying results for your mechanical keyboard needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, your decision should hinge on your specific typing preferences and the overall experience you're seeking. If you value a well-rounded typing experience with great factory lubrication right out of the box, then the Acacia, with its slightly heavier bottom-out force of 55 grams, offers a smooth and stable feel that is ideal for those who enjoy consistent and balanced keypress feedback. This makes it a fantastic choice if you plan to engage in a lot of typing or gaming over extended periods. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that delivers a bouncy and lively feel, with its 22mm long spring and low-pitched sound profile, the KTT Orange may be more suited to you. Its frictionless travel and fun, elastic feedback make it an excellent option for gamers or typists who appreciate a more dynamic typing experience that still remains effortless. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize stability and consistency with the Acacia or prefer a more vibrant and active feel with the KTT Orange.
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