Huano Acacia vs. Outemu Maple Leaf

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between different options, such as the Huano Acacia, a linear switch, and the Outemu Maple Leaf, a tactile switch. The Acacia is celebrated for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, delivering a smooth and satisfying typing experience right from the start. This makes it an excellent choice for users who prioritize speed and fluidity, whether for gaming or fast-paced typing sessions. On the other hand, the Outemu Maple Leaf, characterized by its tactile feedback, offers a different appeal: the distinct bump at the actuation point provides both a sensory signal and an audible click, enhancing the typing experience for users who enjoy a more traditional feel and clarity in their keystrokes. Each switch has its unique advantages, catering to different preferences and typing styles. 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 Maple Leaf Tactile

$3.39 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

The Huano Acacia and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches demonstrate significant differences in their top housing materials, which consequently influence their sound profiles during use. The Acacia employs a polycarbonate top housing that is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound that is crisp and resonant due to the material's stiffness. In contrast, the Maple Leaf features a nylon top housing that engenders a deeper and fuller sound profile, characterized by the material's inherent ability to absorb sound. This variance in materials means that users looking for a more vibrant keystroke may gravitate towards the Acacia, while those preferring a smoother and rounder auditory experience may opt for the Maple Leaf.

When it comes to the bottom housings, both the Huano Acacia and the Outemu Maple Leaf utilize nylon, solidifying a commonality in their design that rewards typists with a deeper and fuller sound due to nylon’s softer characteristics. This parallel in the bottom housing allows both switches to achieve a consistent dampening effect that cushions the noise when bottoming out. Such compatibility implies that while the top housings contribute distinctively to the overall sound experience, the shared nylon material in the bottom housings ensures that both switches deliver a satisfying tactile feel alongside their acoustic profiles.

Ultimately, while the top and bottom housings of the Huano Acacia and Outemu Maple Leaf switches differ significantly, they do share a commonality in their nylon bottom housing, which promotes a fuller sound experience. Users will feel this impact distinctly when pressing down on the switches, as the bottom housing's qualities take precedence during bottoming actions. The blend of materials thus creates a unique auditory journey, balancing the distinctive high-pitched clarity of polycarbonate with the resonant depth of nylon at the bottom, illustrating the nuanced interplay between housing materials in mechanical keyboards.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, there is a noticeable difference in both actuation and bottom out forces that caters to distinct preferences. The Acacia switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it suitable for those who favor a softer keypress, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Maple Leaf switch offers a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more tactile and substantial typing experience for users who prefer a firmer push. This means that if you're looking for a lighter feel, the Acacia is the better choice, whereas those who appreciate a bit more resistance when typing should lean toward the Maple Leaf. Overall, the differences in weights highlight the contrasting user experiences between these two switches.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, the Acacia offers a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Maple Leaf has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Acacia switch provides a fuller experience with more depth during key presses, which may suit users who appreciate a more substantial feel. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Maple Leaf switch may appeal to gamers who favor rapid response times, as shorter travel distances are often associated with quicker actuation. Therefore, if you're looking for a more responsive feel, the Outemu Maple Leaf would be the better choice, while the Huano Acacia may be preferable for those who enjoy a more pronounced key press.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Huano Acacia linear switch offers a smooth and relatively quiet typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a subtler auditory feedback. This can be particularly appealing in shared workspaces or during late-night gaming sessions. Conversely, the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch tends to produce a more pronounced sound due to its tactile bump, leading to a more audible keystroke. However, the exact sound characteristics of the Maple Leaf are largely dependent on factors like the keyboard design and keycap material, which can alter the overall acoustic profile during use.

In terms of feel, the Acacia linear switch is characterized by its medium-light weight and smooth tactile response. The generous factory lubrication minimizes friction, resulting in a consistent and enjoyable typing experience straight out of the box. On the other hand, the feel of the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch is less well-defined, with no notable attributes highlighted. This makes it difficult to draw direct comparisons regarding the tactile feedback and overall sensation when typing on the Maple Leaf switch.

Ultimately, if you're looking for a quality typing experience, the Huano Acacia linear switch stands out with its balanced sound and feel, complemented by thoughtful design features like proper lubrication and minimal stem wobble. While the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch is less documented, the variances in sound and feel mean that the Acacia might provide a more consistent experience for newcomers. If you seek certain auditory or tactile qualities, the Acacia will likely fulfill those needs more reliably.

Conclusion

In summary, when deciding between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, your choice should be guided by your specific typing preferences and the kind of experience you seek. If you prefer a switch that offers a smoother, lighter feel with a bottom-out force of 55 grams, the Acacia is an excellent choice for you. Its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble ensure a pleasant typing experience right from the start, making it ideal for long typing sessions and gaming where rapid key presses are essential. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more defined tactile feedback with a heavier resistance of 65 grams, the Maple Leaf switch may better suit your needs, especially if you appreciate the sensation of tactile bumps that help with typing accuracy. While the Maple Leaf lacks some of the acclaims that the Acacia holds, a firmer switch can be beneficial for those who prefer noticeable actuation points for every key press. Ultimately, your choice hinges on whether you prioritize a light and smooth typing experience or a more deliberate tactile feel with a stiffer action. Consider your typing habits and preferences to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Acacia Linear

$3.39 per 10

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Outemu Maple Leaf Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more