Huano Acacia vs. Outemu Dustproof Blue
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Outemu Dustproof Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Acacia and Outemu Dustproof Blue serve two distinct typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Acacia, a linear switch, is favored for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, delivering an exceptionally smooth and pleasant typing experience right from the start. This makes it an ideal choice for gamers and typists who appreciate a quieter and uninterrupted keystroke without tactile bumps. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Blue is a clicky switch that is renowned for its distinctive auditory feedback, providing a satisfying "click" with each press that enhances the typing experience, making it a popular option for those who enjoy a more tactile and audible response. While both switches offer unique benefits—smoothness and quietness from the Acacia, and feedback and engagement from the Dustproof Blue— each is tailored to specific user needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that's perfect 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
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 Outemu Dustproof Blue switches share a notable similarity in their top housing material, both utilizing polycarbonate. This shared characteristic contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, which is enhanced by the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. The translucency of the material not only allows for improved sound characteristics but also provides an attractive aesthetic when paired with RGB lighting. This ensures that users who prioritize both visual appeal and acoustic clarity will find comparable outcomes in sound resonance and illumination between the two switches, highlighting the effectiveness of polycarbonate in enhancing the overall performance of the switches.
In contrast to the uniformity in top housing materials, the Huano Acacia and Outemu Dustproof Blue switches employ different materials for their bottom housings. The Acacia features nylon, known for its softer composition that absorbs sound and leads to a deeper, fuller sound profile during use. Meanwhile, the Dustproof Blue also utilizes nylon as its bottom housing material, thus inheriting the same acoustic qualities. This similarity means that typing on both switches will produce a consistent sound experience, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory feedback upon keypresses. Consequently, users will experience a similar feel and sound when bottoming out, despite the identity of the switch.
When both the top and bottom housing materials are analyzed, it's evident that while the top housings of the Huano Acacia and Outemu Dustproof Blue switches yield identical sound properties due to their polycarbonate construction, the nylon bottom housings ensure that users will still enjoy a rich, full-bodied acoustic experience. This combination creates a cohesive and balanced sound profile, where the sharper qualities of the polycarbonate top resonate clearly upon release, while the nylon bottom provides a satisfying thump when pressed. Therefore, both switches, despite their different branding, ultimately deliver similar auditory results and tactile feedback, appealing to those who appreciate nuanced sound characteristics in their keyboard experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces that cater to varying user preferences. The Acacia switch features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it suitable for users who prioritize a softer touch for extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Dustproof Blue switch demands a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, appealing to those who appreciate a more substantial feedback and resistance during use. Consequently, the Acacia switch is categorized as medium-light, while the Dustproof Blue is considered medium-heavy. If users prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods, the Acacia would be the better choice, whereas those seeking a firmer keystroke would benefit from the Outemu Dustproof Blue.
Travel distance
The Huano Acacia linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Acacia the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers who seek quicker response times due to its reduced travel distance. On the other hand, the Dustproof Blue, with its 4 mm travel distance, offers a more traditional feel that some users may prefer for its satisfying depth and feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference: if you favor rapid actuation and responsiveness, the Acacia is the better choice, whereas if you enjoy a more substantial and tactile experience, the Dustproof Blue may be more suited to your tastes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Huano Acacia comes in at $3.39, whereas the Outemu Dustproof Blue 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 it comes to sound, the Huano Acacia linear switch offers a relatively quiet typing experience. This characteristic is ideal for users who prefer a more subdued audible feedback while typing. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch delivers a much louder and distinct clicking sound with each keystroke, which many users find satisfying and indicative of tactile feedback. The significant difference in these sound profiles makes the Acacia more suitable for shared workspaces or quieter environments, while the Dustproof Blue appeals to those who enjoy the auditory confirmation of their actions.
In terms of feel, the Acacia linear switch stands out with its medium-light resistance, allowing for smooth and effortless key presses. This quality, combined with generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, contributes to a consistent and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch is characterized by a more tactile and pronounced feedback on actuation, combined with a heavier resistance, which some typists may find engaging. However, if smoothness is what a user is after, the Acacia would be the preferred choice in terms of feel.
In summary, the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch cater to different preferences in both sound and feel. If you value a quiet, smooth typing experience, the Acacia will serve you well with its refined performance. Conversely, if you enjoy pronounced feedback and a distinctive click, the Dustproof Blue will satisfy that desire. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your specific typing style and the environments in which you intend to use them.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a smoother, quieter typing experience with a medium-light actuation force, then the Acacia switch is the way to go; its generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble mean you can enjoy an excellent typing experience right from the start. This makes it ideal for long typing sessions and general use, especially if you value a more subtle and refined feel without the auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you are drawn to tactile feedback and a more pronounced clicking sound while typing, then the Dustproof Blue could be your choice, particularly if you enjoy the excitement of a heavier switch. With its medium-heavy bottom out force, it may be better suited for those who like to feel more resistance and enjoy the unique acoustics of clicky switches. Ultimately, your choice should align with your typing needs—whether it’s a silent, smooth experience with the Acacia or a loud, tactile one with the Dustproof Blue.
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