Huano Acacia vs. Outemu Blue Jade
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Outemu Blue Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Acacia and the Outemu Blue Jade offer distinct experiences that cater to different typing preferences. The Acacia, a linear switch, boasts a medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, resulting in a smooth and consistent typing experience right from the first keystroke. This makes it an excellent choice for those who favor a quieter, more fluid typing style, whether for gaming or prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue Jade is classified as a clicky switch, delivering tactile feedback and an audible click that many typists find satisfying and energizing. This switch appeals to users who appreciate a more interactive and responsive feel, especially when engaging in typographical tasks that require distinct keystroke confirmation. 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
65g
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
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
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 Huano Acacia and Outemu Blue Jade switches utilize distinct housing materials for their top components, which results in different auditory experiences during use. The Acacia features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer properties, which contributes to a sharper, clearer, and more resonant sound profile. In contrast, the Blue Jade employs a nylon top housing, a classic choice that provides a deeper and fuller sound. This fundamental difference becomes evident when considering the impact of these materials on the sound produced during typing: the polycarbonate top of the Acacia enhances the higher frequencies, creating a more pronounced "click," while the nylon of the Blue Jade dampens those frequencies, resulting in a softer, rounder audio signature.
On the bottom housing front, both switches use nylon, which provides a consistent foundation for the sound profile across both designs. The nylon bottom of the Acacia, similar to that of the Blue Jade, contributes to a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer composition. This shared material choice means that regardless of the differences in the top housing, both switches will exhibit a similar depth and warmth in sound when bottoming out. The nylon’s ability to absorb sound allows for a more muted experience on both devices, making the tactile feedback of the switches feel softer and more rounded.
Ultimately, while the Huano Acacia and Outemu Blue Jade differ significantly in their top housing materials, their similarities in bottom housing result in comparable tactile experiences during use. The impact on sound will be decidedly influenced by the unique properties of the top housings; however, the nylon used in both bottom housings ensures that users experience a consistent depth and fullness when pressing the keys. As such, while the auditory character may differ when key presses are released, the foundational auditory profile remains grounded in the characteristics provided by the nylon bottom housings across both switch designs.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom-out force of the Huano Acacia linear switch to the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, notable differences emerge. The Acacia features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom-out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light switch that is suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Blue Jade has a higher actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom-out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This difference in weight means that the Blue Jade requires a stronger push, making it better suited for those who enjoy a more substantial feedback while typing. Overall, while both switches offer distinct experiences, the Acacia is the lighter option, ideal for extended use, whereas the Blue Jade appeals to users who favor a heavier, more pronounced keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, the Acacia measures 3.5 mm, while the Blue Jade has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference indicates that the Acacia offers a shorter travel distance, which can be beneficial for gamers seeking faster response times, as shorter distances often allow for quicker key actuation. Meanwhile, the Blue Jade, with its longer 4 mm travel, may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial keystroke experience, providing a deeper feedback that some find more satisfying during typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference: those who value responsiveness might opt for the Acacia, while those who appreciate a more pronounced depth may gravitate towards the Blue Jade.
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 Jade 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 comparing the sound of the Huano Acacia linear switch to the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, the Acacia offers a smooth, muted noise profile characteristic of linear switches. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience without the distraction of audible feedback. In contrast, the Blue Jade is renowned for its pronounced clicky sound, delivering a satisfying auditory response with each keystroke. This click sound can enhance the typing experience for users who enjoy auditory cues signaling their actions, although it might be more disruptive in shared or quiet environments.
When it comes to feel, the Acacia linear switch boasts a medium-light weight that allows for effortless keystrokes. With generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, users can expect a smooth and consistent typing experience that requires less force to actuate. On the other hand, the Blue Jade clicky switch provides a distinctly different tactile experience, combining a noticeable tactile bump with a click mechanism that adds an extra layer of feedback. This tactile response can be quite satisfying for users who enjoy a more engaged typing experience, but may feel heavier and less fluid compared to the Acacia’s linear design.
Overall, the Huano Acacia and Outemu Blue Jade switches cater to different preferences. The Acacia linear switch is ideal for users who value a smooth, quiet typing experience, while the Blue Jade appeals to those who appreciate the auditory feedback and tactile sensation of a clicky switch. Ultimately, your choice will depend on what aspects of the typing experience are most important to you, whether that’s sound, feel, or a combination of both.
Conclusion
To wrap up, your choice between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch should largely depend on your typing preferences and intended use. If you prefer a smoother, quieter experience with a medium-light actuation force that minimizes finger fatigue during long typing sessions, the Acacia is your best bet. Its generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble ensure an impressive typing experience, making it a great option for both casual typists and gamers who value speed and fluidity. Conversely, if you enjoy a more tactile and audible feedback while typing or gaming, the Blue Jade clicky switch, with its medium-heavy actuation force, might be more up your alley. Although it doesn’t boast as many standout features as the Acacia, the satisfying click sound and pronounced feel can add an engaging dimension to your typing experience. Ultimately, consider your personal preferences—whether you prioritize smoothness or feedback—to make the right choice for your mechanical keyboard journey.
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