Huano Acacia vs. Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting mechanical keyboard switches, the choices can greatly influence your typing experience. The Huano Acacia, a linear switch, stands out for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, delivering an exceptional typing experience right from the start. Its smooth actuation makes it ideal for both typing and gaming, appealing to users who seek responsiveness without the distraction of clicky sounds. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean, also a linear switch, prioritizes a quieter operation for those who desire a more subdued environment, potentially making it a great option for shared workspaces or late-night gaming sessions. While both switches offer a linear feel, the Acacia emphasizes a smooth typing experience with noticeable quality right out of the box, whereas the Silent Ocean caters to noise-sensitive users seeking a more discreet experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Acacia and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean, it becomes evident that both switches utilize similar materials for their construction, particularly in the top and bottom housing components. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate allows for a clearer and more resonant acoustic experience, making it particularly suited for applications involving RGB lighting due to its translucency. The shared choice of polycarbonate for the top housing in both switches indicates that users can expect a consistent sound clarity and brightness when typing, irrespective of the specific switch brand.
On the other hand, the bottom housing of both the Huano Acacia and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean is made of nylon, which brings a contrasting character to the overall sound profile. Unlike the stiffer polycarbonate, nylon being a softer plastic, dampens vibrations more effectively and thus produces a deeper, fuller sound. As a result, the typing experience on both switches is further enhanced, providing a more rounded acoustic ambiance that differs from the higher tones of the polycarbonate upper. This combination of materials ensures that while the switches share a crisp sound when the keys are released, the tactile feedback and sound during key presses will present a more mellow quality due to the nylon.
In essence, the similarities in upper housing material between the Acacia and Dustproof Silent Ocean suggest that they will yield comparable results in terms of sound clarity and visual appeal. However, the contrasting lower housing materials—nylon for both—introduce varied auditory experiences that balance the overall acoustic profile of each switch. Users can expect a sharp, resonant sound during the release of the keys, while the press will exhibit a deeper and fuller resonance, showcasing how the interplay of housing materials shapes the unique sound experience of each switch, while still adhering to the core characteristics associated with polycarbonate and nylon.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch with the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning they will feel equally responsive when initiating a keystroke. However, the bottom out forces differ significantly; the Acacia's bottom out force is 55 grams, whereas the Dustproof Silent Ocean's bottom out force is 65 grams. This makes the Acacia a lighter switch overall, suitable for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, ideal for extensive work or gaming sessions. In contrast, the heavier bottom out force of the Dustproof Silent Ocean provides a more substantial feel, appealing to those who appreciate a firmer push when typing. As such, users seeking lighter actuation and overall weight should opt for the Acacia, while those who favor a stronger tactile feedback may find the Outemu to be more satisfying.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch, it becomes clear that the Acacia, with a travel distance of 3.5 mm, offers a slightly longer experience than the Dustproof Silent Ocean, which measures at 3.3 mm. While both switches fall within the realm of shorter travel distances that many gamers now prefer for their quicker response times, the Acacia provides a more pronounced depth for those who enjoy a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. For gamers prioritizing speed and responsiveness, the Dustproof Silent Ocean may be more appealing due to its shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for either a more abrupt or a more hearty keystroke.
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 Silent Ocean 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 is typically regarded as producing a quiet yet pleasant tone due to its careful factory lubrication, which helps dampen any audible noise during key presses. This allows for a more subdued typing experience, making it suitable for environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch, while also designed for quieter operation, does not have specific characteristics noted about its sound profile. It’s important to keep in mind that the actual sound produced by either switch can vary significantly depending on the keyboard’s construction and the keycap material used.
In terms of feel, the Huano Acacia offers a well-balanced typing experience characterized by a smooth keystroke that feels satisfying thanks to its medium-light weight and generous lubrication. The minimal stem wobble further enhances the overall feel, providing consistent actuation with good stability. On the other hand, the details regarding the feel of the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switch are not specified, leaving it difficult to make precise comparisons.
In conclusion, the Huano Acacia linear switch presents a favorable combination of quietude and pleasant typing performance, making it an excellent choice for users seeking a refined experience. Meanwhile, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean’s qualities remain partially underexplored, especially regarding its sound and feel. When considering these switches, the Acacia provides a clear advantage in terms of audible feedback and tactile sensation, offering a reliable option for those who appreciate a smoother typing experience out of the box.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using them. If you favor a lighter touch for comfortable typing sessions and appreciate a well-lubricated switch that offers a pleasant feel and minimal stem wobble right out of the box, the Acacia would be an excellent option for you. Its medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams makes it ideal for extended typing tasks, allowing for a more relaxed finger movement. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly firmer keystroke with a bottom out force of 65 grams and the added benefit of dustproofing and silent operation for quieter settings—like shared spaces or late-night gaming—then the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean would be the better fit. Ultimately, consider your typing style, sound preferences, and the environments you typically find yourself in to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard experience.
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