Huano Acacia vs. Outemu Cream Yellow

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, players and typists often find themselves weighing the benefits of various options, such as the Huano Acacia and the Outemu Cream Yellow. The Acacia is a linear switch celebrated for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, which together create a smooth and satisfying typing experience right from the start. It excels for those who prefer a seamless keystroke without the tactile bump. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow, while less discussed, brings a distinct tactile feedback to the table, making it an appealing choice for users who thrive on the sensation of each key press. The tactile feel can enhance typing accuracy and provide satisfying auditory feedback, catering to those who enjoy a more interactive and engaging experience. Ultimately, your choice between the Huano Acacia and the Outemu Cream Yellow will hinge on your personal preferences for smoothness versus tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Huano Acacia Linear

Outemu Cream Yellow Tactile

$3.39 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Acacia and the Outemu Cream Yellow, a clear distinction arises in their top housing compositions. The Acacia features a polycarbonate top housing, a material renowned for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiff nature. Polycarbonate's translucency not only allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects but also enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced when typing. In contrast, the Cream Yellow employs a nylon top housing, which offers a markedly different auditory experience. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound effectively and produces deeper, fuller tones, resulting in a more muted acoustic signature. This fundamental variance in material affects not only the sound profile but also the intended aesthetic when using the switches in RGB setups.

Both the Huano Acacia and the Outemu Cream Yellow share a commonality in their bottom housing, as both switches utilize nylon. This similarity in material results in a consistent sound profile characterized by a deeper and fuller quality during typing. The nylon construction absorbs sound more than harder plastics, which means that both switches will exhibit a duller and rounder sound when keys bottom out. Therefore, while the Acacia’s polycarbonate top enhances clarity, the nylon bottom ensures that both switches deliver a consistently warm and rich typing experience. The shared material in the bottom housing creates a foundation for a cohesive auditory atmosphere, regardless of the differences in the top housing.

In essence, the differences between the Huano Acacia and Outemu Cream Yellow lie in their top housing materials, with polycarbonate yearning for clarity and nylon fostering depth. While the Acacia's unique polycarbonate top contributes to a brighter sound, the Cream Yellow’s nylon top provides a warmer tone. However, the shared nylon bottom housing establishes a balanced and rich sound profile across both models, highlighting how the distinctions lie particularly in the acoustics when keys are released. This duality is what makes mechanical keys appealing; the amalgamation of materials allows for a nuanced typing experience that can be tailored based on user preference. Overall, while the combination of materials yields distinct results based on the activity of pressing or releasing a key, the incorporation of nylon in both models facilitates a fundamentally analogous sound experience during typing.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, both exhibit the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. This means that typists and gamers looking for a lighter feel can expect similar responsiveness from both switches, which could enhance typing comfort during extended periods of use. However, the bottom out forces differ slightly, with the Acacia switch requiring a force of 55 grams to bottom out, while the Cream Yellow reaches a heavier 60 grams. This distinction means that while both switches are easy to actuate, the Outemu Cream Yellow offers a slightly more substantial feel when pressed all the way down, appealing to those who prefer a firmer feedback during typing. Hence, for those who value a lighter overall experience with less resistance, the Huano Acacia might be the preferable choice, while the Outemu Cream Yellow caters to individuals seeking a more pronounced push at the bottom-out stage.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, we find that the Acacia has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Cream Yellow measures slightly shorter at 3.3 mm. This means that if you are looking for a switch that feels a bit more responsive due to its shorter travel distance, the Cream Yellow would be the better choice. In contrast, the Acacia provides a more substantial keypress, which some users might prefer for a deeper typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference regarding responsiveness versus depth, with the Acacia having the longer travel distance and the Cream Yellow being the shorter option.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Huano Acacia linear switch is known for its relatively quiet operation, offering a smooth and mellow typing experience that minimizes disruption in shared spaces. This quality is enhanced by its factory lubrication, which also dampens any potential noise generated during key presses. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch's sound profile is not clearly defined, but tactile switches typically produce a more pronounced sound compared to linear switches due to the tactile bump that can create an audible click. Ultimately, while the Acacia offers a quieter typing experience, the Cream Yellow may produce slightly more sound during use, although this can vary based on the chosen keyboard and keycap materials.

When it comes to feel, the Huano Acacia linear switch delivers a smooth and consistent response, thanks to its medium-light weight and minimal stem wobble. This combination allows for a satisfying experience that is ideal for both typing and gaming, as it provides a gentle and fluid keystroke without any hurdles. In contrast, the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch is designed to give a noticeable tactile bump at the actuation point, which can enhance typing accuracy for users who prefer tactile feedback. However, the specifics of how it feels in terms of resistance and smoothness remain less documented. Despite this, users seeking a more tactile experience will likely appreciate the Cream Yellow for its distinct feedback, while those favoring a seamless and smooth keystroke will lean towards the Acacia.

In conclusion, while both the Huano Acacia and Outemu Cream Yellow switches offer enjoyable typing experiences, they cater to different preferences. The Acacia’s silent operation and smooth feel make it an excellent choice for users who prioritize a quiet, fluid typing experience right out of the box, while the Cream Yellow’s tactile feedback appeals to those who appreciate the clear sensation of actuation. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your desired typing sound and feel, but either switch will provide satisfactory performance tailored to your specific needs.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, you should consider your typing preferences and what you value in your mechanical keyboard experience. If you prefer a smoother and quiet typing experience, the Acacia switch, with its medium-light actuation force and generous lubrication, is likely the better choice for you. It allows for faster typing while minimizing fatigue over extended periods, making it ideal for those who type frequently or for long sessions. On the other hand, if you're leaning towards a tactile switch and enjoy a bit more resistance in your keystrokes, the Cream Yellow’s medium force may appeal to you; however, be aware that it doesn't offer the same level of smoothness straight out of the box, which may necessitate additional tuning or modding. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your tactile and auditory preferences, as well as how you plan to use your keyboard—whether for gaming, typing, or a combination of both.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Acacia Linear

$3.39 per 10

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Outemu Cream Yellow Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more