Huano Acacia vs. Outemu Crystal Brown
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Outemu Crystal Brown 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 Crystal Brown present two distinct options tailored to different user preferences. The Acacia, known for its medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication, offers a smooth and satisfying linear typing experience with minimal stem wobble, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize swift actuation and fluid keystrokes. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown is a tactile switch that provides a noticeable bump during actuation, catering to typists who enjoy feedback and enhanced typing accuracy. Each switch has its strengths: the Acacia ensures a seamless and quiet typing experience, while the Crystal Brown appeals to users who thrive on tactile responsiveness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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 Huano Acacia and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches both feature polycarbonate as their top housing material, which contributes to their shared sound characteristics. The polycarbonate top is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This material enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced when typing, making both switches more appealing to users who prioritize auditory feedback. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for effective RGB lighting effects, ensuring that both the Acacia and Crystal Brown can present a visually engaging typing experience in setups that incorporate illuminated switches.
In contrast, the bottom housing of the two switches differs, with both utilizing nylon. This material is recognized for its softer characteristics, which yield a deeper and fuller sound profile. When typing on switches with nylon bottom housings, the sound is perceived as duller and rounder compared to the clarity provided by the polycarbonate top. Therefore, while both the Acacia and Crystal Brown switches will deliver a crisp sound from the top housing, the nylon bottom will provide a counterbalancing depth, making for an interesting dynamic in overall sound output. This interplay of materials means that the specific sound and feel when bottoming out the keys will be notably influenced by the properties of the nylon bottom housings.
Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate top and nylon bottom in both switches creates a harmonious balance of sound profiles. Users can expect a clear, resonant audio response from the Acacia and Crystal Brown when they press and release the keys. While the top housings share the same material, enhancing the sharpness of the tactile feedback and sound, the nylon bottoms allow for a fuller experience, emphasizing the overall auditory diversity that can be achieved from different housing materials. By understanding how these materials interact, it becomes evident that despite minor differences, similar results in sound output can be anticipated, illustrating the power of carefully considered material selection in keyboard design.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, both exhibit the same actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing them as medium-light switches. This similarity means users can expect comparable performance in terms of the force required to register a keystroke and the resistance felt when pressing the key all the way down. As a result, both switches provide a comfortable typing experience, ideal for prolonged use, whether at work or during long gaming sessions. Since they share the same specifications, neither switch is inherently lighter or heavier than the other, allowing users to choose between them based on personal preference rather than weight or force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, it is evident that the Acacia switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Crystal Brown features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference in travel distance affects the typing experience significantly; those who prefer a more responsive feel often gravitate towards the Acacia switch for its quicker actuation, which can be particularly appealing to gamers seeking faster response times. Conversely, the Crystal Brown's 4 mm travel distance caters to users who enjoy a more pronounced keypress, providing a deeper and perhaps more satisfying tactile feedback. Therefore, individuals looking for a snappier response should opt for the Acacia, while those who appreciate a sturdier feel might prefer the Crystal Brown switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Huano Acacia comes in at $3.39, whereas the Outemu Crystal 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 is known for its relatively quiet operation, providing a subdued typing experience that is conducive to both office and home environments. This makes it a great choice for users who prefer a less intrusive auditory experience while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch adopts a more pronounced sound profile, featuring a subtle but noticeable click that enhances the tactile feedback. While the Acacia's quiet nature makes it an ideal option for silent surroundings, the Crystal Brown's tactile feedback might appeal to those who enjoy auditory cues during their typing sessions. However, it is essential to keep in mind that the overall sound can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard construction and keycap materials.
When it comes to feel, the Huano Acacia linear switch excels with its medium-light weight and smooth actuation, resulting in a fluid typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue over extended use. The generous factory lubrication further contributes to a silky-smooth feel that adds to the overall comfort. In contrast, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch offers a distinct tactile bump that users can feel at the actuation point, providing a more engaged typing experience. Although the tactile feedback can make typing feel more intentional, it may not resonate with users who prefer the uninterrupted action of a linear switch like the Acacia. Nonetheless, both switches offer unique typing experiences, making them suited for different preferences.
In conclusion, while the Huano Acacia linear switch stands out for its quiet operation and smooth feel, making it ideal for those looking for a refined typing experience, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch provides a different approach with its tactile feedback and audible click. Ultimately, both switches have their merits, and users can expect to achieve satisfying results with either option based on their personal preferences. Whether you lean towards a quieter, smoother action or a more tactile and audible experience, both switches cater to specific typing needs and preferences effectively.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, consider your personal preferences and typing habits. If you prioritize a smooth and quiet typing experience with minimal stem wobble and generous factory lubrication, the Acacia linear switch would be an excellent choice. Its medium-light weight allows for comfortable typing over extended sessions, making it suitable for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, if you enjoy the tactile feedback that a tactile switch provides but don’t mind a less refined feel and lack of distinguishing sound, the Outemu Crystal Brown might appeal to you. While it doesn’t boast the same factory lubrication or performance enhancements as the Acacia, it still offers a satisfying typing experience if you’re looking to engage with each keystroke more actively. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you desire a smoother linear feel or a tactile bump to guide your typing.
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