Huano Acacia vs. Outemu Black

Overview

When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Acacia and the Outemu Black stand out as two popular linear options, each offering distinct experiences. The Huano Acacia is renowned for its medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication, delivering an exceptional typing experience right from the start with minimal stem wobble. This makes it a great choice for users who prioritize smooth and quiet keystrokes, perfect for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, the Outemu Black lacks significant standout features, though it does cater to those who prefer heavier resistance in their key presses. This switch can appeal to users who like a more deliberate typing experience, offering a sense of control and consistency. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your typing style and preferences.

By the numbers

Huano Acacia Linear

Outemu Black Linear

$3.39 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

The Huano Acacia and Outemu Black switches both employ polycarbonate for their top housings, which yield remarkably similar sonic characteristics. Polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic, enhances sound clarity and resonance, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile when the key is pressed. This is particularly advantageous for users who seek an enhanced auditory feedback experience when typing. Furthermore, both switches, featuring clear polycarbonate housings, allow for superior RGB lighting effects, making them visually appealing for setups where aesthetics matter as much as functionality. Given their shared material for the top housing, it is expected that the auditory experience during the actuation of both switches would be closely aligned.

In contrast to the polycarbonate top, the bottom housings of both the Acacia and Black switches are made from nylon. This choice emphasizes distinct acoustic properties, as nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound more effectively than harder materials. Consequently, this results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, especially noticeable when bottoming out the key. Therefore, while the top housing contributes to the clarity and pitch of the sound when the switch is released, the nylon bottom housing ensures that the overall typing experience maintains a richer auditory quality. This balance between the two materials allows for a nuanced sound profile developed through the interaction of the stiffer top and the softer bottom.

Overall, the combination of polycarbonate on top and nylon on the bottom for both the Huano Acacia and Outemu Black switches creates a cohesive auditory landscape. The synergy between the two materials means that users can expect a harmonious typing experience that marries clarity with depth. While the top housing is key for the sharpness of the sound during key releases, the bottom housing significantly influences the overall feel and sound of the switch when pressed down. This design allows for a well-rounded performance that utilizes the strengths of each material, leading to similar sound profiles despite minor variances in other aspects that may exist between the switches.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Outemu Black linear switch, a distinct difference emerges in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Acacia boasts a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, while the Black switch has a significantly heavier actuation force of 65 grams. This difference in actuation force indicates that those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions may find the Acacia more appealing, as it eases fatigue over prolonged use. Conversely, the heavier actuation force of the Black switch may cater to users who enjoy a more substantial and deliberate keystroke experience. Similarly, in terms of bottom out forces, the Acacia's 55 grams contrasts sharply with the Black's 82 grams, further solidifying the Acacia as the lighter option and the Black as the heavier one. Therefore, if you're inclined towards a lighter typing experience, the Huano Acacia is the preferable choice, while the Outemu Black will satisfy those who favor a heavier and more tactile feedback.

Travel distance

The Huano Acacia linear switch and the Outemu Black linear switch exhibit differences in their travel distances, with the Acacia featuring a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Black has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on keys, the Acacia will provide a slightly shorter response before reaching the bottom compared to the Black. For gamers or those prioritizing quick response times, the shorter travel distance of the Acacia aligns better with their needs, whereas the Black may appeal to users who prefer a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes due to its longer travel distance. Thus, the Acacia switch offers a more responsive feel, while the Outemu Black provides a more traditional and substantial typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the Huano Acacia linear switch is characterized by a smooth and relatively quiet operation, making it suitable for environments where noise reduction is a priority. This quietness, combined with the generous factory lubrication, helps to reduce any potential scratchiness that might occur during typing, providing a pleasant auditory experience. In contrast, the Outemu Black linear switch is noted for its firm and distinct sound when bottoming out, which can produce a more pronounced thock compared to the Acacia. However, it's important to note that the overall sound of both switches can vary based on the choice of keyboard, mounting style, and keycap material used.

When it comes to feel, the Acacia switch shines with its medium-light weight, which allows for a more comfortable and responsive typing experience. This switch features minimal stem wobble, contributing to a sense of stability and precision while typing. On the other hand, there is limited information about the feel of the Outemu Black linear switch. This lack of detail leaves some uncertainty, but those familiar with Outemu Blacks often describe them as having a heavy and smooth action that might appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feeling under their fingers.

In conclusion, while the Huano Acacia linear switch offers a well-rounded experience with its soft sound and responsive feel, the Outemu Black linear switch seems to cater to a different preference, providing a firmer tactile response with a pronounced bottom-out sound. Despite the unknown qualities regarding the Outemu Black's feel, it is evident that choosing between these two switches will largely depend on your personal typing style and ambient sound preferences. If you prefer a quieter and smoother experience, the Acacia is the way to go, while the Outemu Black could offer a satisfying firmness for those who enjoy a more robust feel in their typing.

Conclusion

To sum up, your choice between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Outemu Black linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and what you value in a keyboard experience. If you prefer a smoother, more responsive feel with a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, the Acacia switches are an excellent option. Their generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble ensure a pleasant typing experience right from the start, making them ideal for long hours of work or gaming with less finger fatigue. Additionally, if a quieter typing environment matters to you, the Acacia is likely to suit your needs better. Conversely, if you prefer a firmer resistance while typing or gaming and don’t mind a heavier force of 82 grams at the bottom, the Outemu Black switches could be a good fit for you. These switches may require a breaking-in period to reach optimal performance, but they may offer a more pronounced tactile feedback due to their higher force requirement, which some users prefer for a satisfying keystroke. Consider your typing style, the applications for which you'll use the keyboard, and personal comfort, and you'll find that both switches excel in their own ways, serving different needs effectively.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Acacia Linear

$3.39 per 10

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Outemu Black Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more