Huano Acacia vs. Outemu Dustproof Black

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Acacia and the Outemu Dustproof Black offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences among typists and gamers alike. The Acacia is celebrated for its medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication, which contributes to a smooth and satisfying typing experience right out of the box, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize comfort and performance in their daily typing tasks. In contrast, while specific strengths of the Outemu Dustproof Black are less well-documented, it is regarded for its durability and resilience against dust, which makes it a potentially long-lasting option for users in environments where debris might be a concern. Both switches fall within the linear category, emphasizing a smooth keypress without tactile bumps or audible clicks, but the unique characteristics of each may influence your choice depending on your typing needs and environment. 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 Dustproof Black Linear

$3.39 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials used in the Huano Acacia and the Outemu Dustproof Black switches exhibit striking similarities, particularly in their top housing, which is made from polycarbonate. Both switches benefit from the unique properties of this material, as polycarbonate is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is largely due to its relatively stiff nature, which allows for a clear resonance when the switches are engaged. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate not only contributes to the aesthetic appeal of the switches but also enhances the visual appearance when RGB lighting is incorporated, making both switches visually compelling and sonically engaging when illuminated.

However, the bottom housing of each switch diverges in material, with both employing nylon. This classic choice plays a significant role in shaping the overall auditory experience of typing. The softer properties of nylon absorb sound waves, resulting in a deeper, fuller sound profile compared to the more resonant qualities of the polycarbonate top housing. While the polycarbonate materials are responsible for the sharpness and brightness of the sound when keys are released, the nylon bottom housing ensures a more muted and rounded auditory feedback upon bottoming out. This combination of materials creates a balanced sound signature that blends the crispness of polycarbonate with the warmth of nylon in both switch models.

In summary, although both the Huano Acacia and the Outemu Dustproof Black switches employ identical top housing materials that yield similar sonic characteristics, they utilize different bottom housing materials that influence the overall typing experience. With the polycarbonate tops generating clarity and vibrancy during key releases, and the nylon bottoms contributing depth and richness during key presses, users can expect a harmonious sound profile that showcases the strengths of both materials. This careful engineering allows for a diverse auditory experience, making both switches appealing options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking both aesthetics and performance.

Weight

The Huano Acacia linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch offer contrasting actuation and bottom out forces, which significantly impact the typing experience. The Acacia switch features a medium-light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it suitable for extended typing sessions and casual gaming due to its lighter push feel. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Black switch requires a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial typing sensation. Consequently, those who favor lighter switches for comfort during long use periods would gravitate towards the Acacia, while those preferring a more robust feedback would likely opt for the Dustproof Black. Overall, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces suggest that users should choose according to their typing preferences and intended usage.

Travel distance

The travel distances of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch differ, with the Acacia measuring 3.5 mm and the Dustproof Black at 4 mm. This makes the Huano Acacia the shorter option, offering a more responsive feel that gamers often prefer for quicker key presses. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Black, with its longer 4 mm travel distance, may provide a more satisfying and deeper experience for those who enjoy a heftier keystroke. While both switches have their unique advantages, the choice between them will ultimately depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus depth in typing feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the Huano Acacia linear switch is generally characterized by a smooth and muted sound, making it ideal for a quiet typing environment. Its thoughtful design minimizes auditory distractions, which is particularly beneficial for users who prefer a more subdued experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch does not have any specific sound qualities attributed to it; however, it's worth noting that the overall sound produced by a switch can greatly depend on the board and keycaps used, which means the Dustproof Black's sound profile remains largely subjective and may vary with different setups.

In terms of feel, the Huano Acacia provides a satisfyingly smooth typing experience thanks to its medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication. This results in minimal stem wobble, allowing for a precise and responsive keystroke that enhances overall typing comfort. Conversely, the feel of the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch is unspecified, meaning that the experience may vary widely. Without detailed feedback on its tactile response or smoothness, the Dustproof Black may offer a different feel that could either appeal or not resonate with users compared to the Acacia.

Overall, while the Huano Acacia linear switch offers distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to users seeking a smooth and quieter typing experience, the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch leaves some aspects of its performance unknown. For those preferring a tactile and responsive setup right out of the box, the Acacia is an excellent choice. The Dustproof Black, despite a lack of specific characteristics, may still provide a satisfactory experience depending on individual preferences and the setup chosen, but users can expect more consistency with the Acacia.

Conclusion

To sum up, choosing between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-light feeling and a smooth typing experience with minimal resistance, the Acacia switch, featuring a 55-gram bottom out force and excellent factory lubrication, is the ideal choice for you. It offers a satisfying tactile feedback and performs well for both gaming and typing, making it versatile for different tasks. On the other hand, if you are someone who enjoys a heavier switch for a more deliberate typing experience, the Outemu Dustproof Black, with its 80-gram bottom out force, may be more suitable. While it lacks the generous lubrication that the Acacia offers and is often not celebrated for its sound or feel, its weight can provide an extra layer of feedback that's favored by some typists. Therefore, consider how hard or soft you like to press your keys, and whether you prioritize a refined feel and sound versus a heavier resistance when making your choice.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Acacia Linear

$3.39 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Dustproof Black Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more