Huano Acacia vs. Outemu Milk Blue
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Outemu Milk Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves choosing between the smooth, linear feel of the Huano Acacia and the tactile, clicky response of the Outemu Milk Blue. The Huano Acacia is praised for its medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication, which together create an exceptionally enjoyable typing experience with minimal stem wobble that delivers consistent performance straight out of the box. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Blue switches cater to those who appreciate auditory feedback and a distinct tactile bump, making each keystroke feel satisfying and pronounced, ideal for both typing and gaming. While the Acacia might appeal to users who prefer a quieter and smoother experience, the Milk Blue is perfect for those who want to feel every keystroke and enjoy the clicky sound that accompanies it. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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 the Outemu Milk Blue switches share notable similarities in their housing materials, particularly in the top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which is recognized for its contribution to a higher-pitched, crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances resonance, allowing each keystroke to produce clearer auditory feedback. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate not only serves aesthetic advantages, particularly for designs that incorporate RGB lighting, but also ensures consistency in sound quality. Therefore, when comparing the two, we can readily see that the use of polycarbonate in the top housing effectively yields similar sonic characteristics in both switches.
When we shift our focus to the bottom housing, the story remains consistent, as both the Huano Acacia and the Outemu Milk Blue make use of nylon. This classic switch housing material is significant in creating a deeper, fuller sound profile. As a softer plastic, nylon effectively absorbs sound, resulting in a rounded and less sharp auditory experience compared to its harder counterparts. Consequently, the bottom housing in both switches plays a critical role in modulating the overall sound environment generated during typing. In essence, the nylon bottom housing complements the polycarbonate top, leading to a well-rounded auditory response when interacting with these switches.
In terms of overall performance, while the Huano Acacia and Outemu Milk Blue feature different housing materials in their bottom and top sections respectively, they still offer a complementary combination that balances both clarity and depth of sound. The polycarbonate top enhances higher frequencies, leading to a sharper auditory experience, while the nylon bottom adds richness and fullness to the overall sound. This dual material approach means that when users engage with either switch, they will encounter a unique but harmonized audio profile, making them suitable for different preferences in keyboard feel and sound aesthetic.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, notable differences emerge. The Acacia features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light and well-suited for extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Milk Blue requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams, though its bottom out force is unknown, making it challenging to assess its overall pressure feel when fully pressed. This means the Acacia is the lighter option overall, which can benefit users who prefer a softer touch for longer periods of use, while the Milk Blue’s heavier actuation might appeal to those seeking a more substantial typing experience. If we had the bottom out force for the Milk Blue, we could make a more direct comparison on the overall feel. However, as it stands, the Acacia presents a more user-friendly option for extended sessions, while the Milk Blue caters to those who might favor a stronger push.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, it is clear that they differ significantly. The Acacia has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Milk Blue features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you're looking for a more responsive typing or gaming experience, the shorter travel distance of the Huano Acacia may be preferable, allowing for quicker actuations and faster responses. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Blue's longer travel distance provides a more pronounced tactile feedback and a sense of depth, which some users may find more satisfying, especially if they enjoy a more deliberate typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference; if you favor the shorter travel for speed, the Acacia is the way to go, while the longer Milk Blue might appeal to those who appreciate a more substantial feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Huano Acacia comes in at $3.39, whereas the Outemu Milk 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 smooth and relatively quiet operation, making it a great choice for environments where noise reduction is key. The factory lubrication contributes to its muted sound profile, ensuring that the keystrokes do not produce unwanted distractions. Conversely, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch produces a pronounced, distinctive click on actuation, which can be quite satisfying for typists who enjoy audible feedback. This clicky sound enhances the typing experience for those who appreciate a more traditional feel reminiscent of older typewriters. However, it's crucial to note that the final sound may vary based on the keyboard's construction and the keycap material you select.
In terms of feel, the Huano Acacia embodies a medium-light weight that provides a balanced typing experience. Its generous factory lubrication minimizes friction and enhances smoothness, while the minimal stem wobble contributes to a more stable feel during typing sessions. Users can expect a reliable, consistent keystroke without any excessive resistance. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Blue, being a clicky switch, offers a tactile bump at the actuation point, which provides an engaging feedback that many typists find pleasurable. This tactile feedback can enhance typing speed and accuracy, making it ideal for users who prefer a more pronounced response as they type.
In summary, the Huano Acacia linear switch is designed for those who favor smooth, quiet keystrokes and a comfortable typing experience, while the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch caters to individuals who enjoy auditory and tactile feedback. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will reflect your personal preferences in sound and feel, and both switches have their strengths based on what you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, your choice should reflect your personal typing style and preferences. If you prefer a smoother, quieter typing experience with a lightweight feel, the Acacia is an excellent choice. Its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble create a satisfying and efficient typing experience, making it ideal for long typing sessions or for those who favor a more subdued sound profile. On the other hand, if you enjoy a tactile and audible feedback while typing, the Milk Blue with its clicky nature may be more suited to you. The satisfying click sound and tactile bump can enhance the typing experience, especially for those who relish feeling every keystroke. Consider how much you value silence versus sound, as well as how your fingers react to different forces, to make the best decision tailored to your needs.
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