Huano Acacia vs. Outemu Brown
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Outemu Brown 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 Outemu Brown can significantly impact your typing experience. The Huano Acacia, a linear switch, is celebrated for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, offering a smooth and satisfying keystroke right out of the box. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer fast and fluid key presses, especially in gaming scenarios. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown switch is recognized for its tactile feedback, providing a noticeable bump at the actuation point that many typists appreciate for enhancing typing accuracy and satisfaction. While the Acacia caters to users who enjoy a quiet and uninterrupted typing experience, the Brown offers a more engaging touch sensation that can lead to a more deliberate typing rhythm. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that's right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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
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 Huano Acacia and the Outemu Brown switches share notable similarities in their materials, particularly in their top housings made of polycarbonate. Both switches benefit from the unique properties of polycarbonate, which is known to create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is largely attributed to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, which not only enhances clarity and resonance but also improves the overall auditory experience. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate allows light to pass through, making these switches particularly appealing for users who seek to incorporate RGB lighting into their setups. This commonality in housing material between the Acacia and the Brown contributes to a consistent sound quality in actuating the key switches, ensuring a satisfying auditory feedback during use.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the Huano Acacia and the Outemu Brown are constructed from nylon, a classic material choice in the keyboard switch industry. Nylon's softer composition allows it to absorb sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic contrasts sharply with the acoustic properties brought by the polycarbonate top housing, as the nylon bottom housing contributes significantly to the feeling and sound upon bottoming out the switch. Since both switches employ nylon for their bottom housing, users can expect a consistent sound quality that reflects the deeper tones typically associated with nylon materials, irrespective of the differences in the top housing.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in both the Huano Acacia and the Outemu Brown creates a unique auditory experience. While both switches exhibit similar high-pitched and crisp sounds in their top housing due to the polycarbonate, they also share a grounding, fuller sound thanks to the nylon bottom housing. The interplay between materials means that users will experience an enticing blend of sound qualities, with the top housing providing clarity and brightness while the bottom provides a warmer, deeper sound. Thus, while there are distinct qualities attributed to the materials used, the result is a complementary sound profile that leverages the strengths of both polycarbonate and nylon.
Weight
The Huano Acacia linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch exhibit distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to varying preferences among users. The Acacia features a medium-light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a more forgiving option for long typing sessions or extended gaming, as it requires less effort to register key presses. In contrast, the Outemu Brown switch has a higher actuation force at 53 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy. This increased resistance may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience, providing a firmer feedback during use. Ultimately, the Acacia is the lighter option, while the Brown is the heavier alternative; thus, users will notice a difference in their typing experience based on their preference for switch weight and feel.
Travel distance
The Huano Acacia linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Brown tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Acacia switch will provide a more responsive feel, making it a better choice for gamers who favor quicker actuation times. In contrast, the Outemu Brown, with its longer travel distance, is likely to provide a more substantial typing experience, catering to those who appreciate a deeper keypress. Consequently, if you prefer a switch that feels less abrupt and offers more feedback during use, the Outemu Brown would be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference for travel distance: the Acacia offers a shorter distance for enhanced responsiveness, while the Brown provides a longer, more traditional feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Huano Acacia comes in at $3.39, whereas the Outemu Brown 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
In terms of sound, the Huano Acacia linear switch offers a smooth and quiet typing experience, making it ideal for users seeking minimal auditory distraction while typing. Its design and construction help to mitigate any audible clacking sounds, allowing for a more serene atmosphere. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown tactile switch typically produces a noticeable but moderate sound upon actuation. This sound is characterized by a soft, tactile bump that gives audible feedback, which might appeal to users who enjoy a more pronounced auditory cue with each keystroke. However, it is essential to note that the overall sound profile can be influenced by the specific keyboard build, including the choice of case materials and keycap styles.
When it comes to feel, the Huano Acacia linear switch is renowned for its smoothness and light actuation force. With a medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication, it allows for effortless keystrokes, providing a satisfying yet subtle feedback that users can appreciate during extended typing sessions. Conversely, the Outemu Brown tactile switch features a tactile bump at the actuation point, which gives users an engaging sensation as they type. This tactile feedback can enhance the typing experience for those who prefer to feel a response from their switches, but it can also be less smooth than a linear switch, particularly for users who are accustomed to a fluid keystroke.
In conclusion, both the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch provide unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Acacia's smooth and quiet operation is perfect for users who prioritize silence and effortless keypresses, while the Brown's tactile feedback and sound may be more appealing for those who enjoy a more interactive experience when typing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual typing style and preferences, with each offering distinct qualities that can significantly enhance your keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences for typing experience and usage scenario. If you prefer a smooth and consistent keystroke with a medium-light bottom out force, the Acacia switch will likely suit you well, especially if you're looking for a quieter option with minimal stem wobble and excellent out-of-the-box performance. This makes it an ideal choice for both gaming and typing, where speed and comfort are paramount. On the other hand, if you enjoy a bit more resistance with tactile feedback to enhance your typing, the Outemu Brown switch, with its medium-heavy force and tactile bump, may be more fitting for you. It's particularly suitable for those who appreciate a more pronounced feedback when typing, which can help improve typing accuracy and provide a satisfying experience as well. Therefore, consider what aspects matter most to you—smoothness and lightness with the Acacia, or tactility and a firmer push with the Brown—to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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