Huano Acacia vs. Outemu Blue
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Outemu Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Acacia and the Outemu Blue offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Acacia, a linear switch, is celebrated for its medium-light actuation force, smooth keypresses, and generous factory lubrication, which ensure an exceptional typing experience right from the start. Many users appreciate the Acacia for its quiet operation and minimal stem wobble, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a fluid, uninterrupted typing feel. In contrast, the Outemu Blue switch stands out with its tactile and clicky feedback, providing an audible “click” upon actuation that many typists find satisfying and engaging. This makes the Blue a popular option for those who enjoy a more interactive typing experience, especially for typing and programming tasks. Each switch has its undeniable charms: the Acacia promotes speed and smoothness, while the Outemu Blue enhances tactile satisfaction and auditory delight. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of both the Huano Acacia and the Outemu Blue switches exhibit similarities that contribute to their sound profiles and functionality. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This commonality stems from the comparative stiffness of polycarbonate, allowing for a clearer resonance that enhances the overall auditory experience. The translucency of the polycarbonate housing not only supports a vibrant aesthetic when using RGB lighting but also ensures that both switches perform similarly in terms of sound clarity when illuminated. This shared material choice indicates that users can expect a heightened auditory feedback from the tops of both switches.
In contrast, the bottom housing of the Huano Acacia and the Outemu Blue examines a different dynamic, as both switches utilize nylon material. Nylon is recognized for its softer texture, which absorbs sound more than harder plastics do. As a result, switches with nylon bottom housings tend to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a more rounded auditory experience when typing. While the top housing contributes to the sound produced upon key release, the nylon bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and the tactile feedback felt during use, enriching the overall typing experience for both models.
By analyzing the distinct contributions of the housing materials in these switches, it is evident that the combination of polycarbonate tops and nylon bottoms leads to a harmonious interplay between sound clarity and auditory depth. Although the materials differ in the bottom housing, the uniformity of polycarbonate in the top preserves a consistent experience across the two models. Therefore, while the Acacia and Blue may have different feels based on their bottom housing, their clear and crisp sound from the polycarbonate tops would lead to a similar auditory experience, allowing users to enjoy the benefits of both styles effectively.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces, though the bottom out force for the Outemu Blue remains unknown. The Huano Acacia has an actuation force of 45 grams, which classifies it as medium-light, making it beneficial for those who type for extended periods or engage in lengthy gaming sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Blue requires a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams, catering to users who prefer a more substantial feel while typing. Despite the different actuation forces, the bottom out force of 55 grams for the Acacia switch emphasizes a firmer response when fully pressed down. Given that the bottom out force for the Outemu Blue is not specified, we cannot draw a direct comparison. Overall, the Acacia is lighter and more suitable for prolonged use, while the Outemu Blue will provide a slightly heavier experience for those looking for a stronger push feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, it becomes clear that the Acacia offers a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Blue measures at 4 mm. This difference means that the Outemu Blue, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more pronounced tactile feedback, appealing to users who prefer a deeper feel when typing. Conversely, the Huano Acacia caters to those looking for quicker response times, making it ideal for gamers who value speed and efficiency. Therefore, if you seek a more responsive experience, the Acacia's shorter travel distance would be the better choice; however, for those who appreciate a more substantial keystroke, the Blue's longer travel distance might be preferred.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Huano Acacia comes in at $3.39, whereas the Outemu Blue comes in at $3.10.
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 linear switch is relatively quiet compared to its clicky counterpart, making it suitable for environments where noise can be a concern. In contrast, the Outemu Blue clicky switch produces a distinctive, sharp click with each keystroke that can be quite loud and satisfying to those who enjoy audible feedback. This clicky sound, characteristic of blue switches, can be invigorating for typists who appreciate a clear auditory cue but may be disruptive in shared workspaces. It's important to note that the sound of both switches can be influenced by the specific keyboard they are mounted in, as well as the type of keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Huano Acacia features a medium-light weight, making it easy and comfortable to press, which contributes to an enjoyable typing experience. The generous factory lubrication minimizes friction and enhances smoothness, allowing for an effortless keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue switch offers a tactile bump accompanied by its notable click, providing both resistance and feedback that typists often find gratifying. This combination of tactile sensation and sound makes the Blue switch a favorite among those who prefer a more interactive typing experience, albeit at the potential expense of smoothness that the Acacia provides.
Overall, when assessing both the Huano Acacia linear and Outemu Blue clicky switches, they cater to different preferences in the typing experience. The Acacia stands out for its smoothness and quieter operation, ideal for those who want a more subdued experience without compromising too much on feel. Conversely, the Outemu Blue shines when it comes to tactile and auditory feedback, making it a suitable choice for typists who thrive on that interaction. Each switch has its unique qualities that will appeal to different users, and the choice ultimately hinges on whether one prioritizes a gentle touch and quiet operation or a pronounced click with a tactile bump.
Conclusion
To conclude, when it comes to choosing between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, your personal preferences and usage scenarios are paramount. If you appreciate a smoother and quieter typing experience, the Acacia linear switch is likely your best bet. Its medium-light actuation force and well-lubricated design make it ideal for extended typing sessions, allowing you to enjoy a consistent and pleasant feel with minimal fatigue. This makes the Acacia particularly suitable for typing, coding, or other tasks where a subdued yet responsive action is essential. On the other hand, if you thrive on tactile feedback and auditory cues that enhance your typing experience, the Outemu Blue clicky switch could be the better choice. With its distinct click sound and tactile bump, the Blue switch is favored by those who enjoy the nostalgic mechanical keyboard feel and prefer auditory confirmations for key presses. This might be particularly appealing for gamers or typists who find satisfaction in the enhanced feedback, despite the potential for it to be louder. Ultimately, your decision should align with your typing style and the environment in which you’re typing or gaming, ensuring you choose the switch that brings you the most joy and productivity.
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