Huano Acacia vs. Outemu Ocean
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Outemu Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options are the Huano Acacia and the Outemu Ocean, each offering distinct experiences suited to different preferences. The Huano Acacia, a linear switch, is celebrated for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, delivering an impressive typing experience right from the start. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prioritize smooth keystrokes and quick actuation, ideal for both gaming and typing. In contrast, the Outemu Ocean, a tactile switch, provides a noticeable bump that offers feedback during key presses, appealing to users who appreciate a more engaging typing experience that combines auditory and tactile sensations. While the Acacia emphasizes smoothness and speed, the Ocean focuses on feedback and a more traditional typing feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Acacia and the Outemu Ocean, one can observe that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This shared choice of material is significant as it results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both models. The rigidity of polycarbonate enhances resonance, resulting in a clearer auditory experience when typing. Moreover, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it particularly advantageous when RGB lighting is employed, allowing for light diffusion that highlights the aesthetics of both switches. Thus, the similarities in the top housing material not only yield comparable sound characteristics but also ensure that both models can create an attractive visual display with backlighting.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials of the Acacia and Ocean switches differ in their impact on the overall sound profile. Both switches utilize nylon for their lower housing, resulting in a fuller and deeper sound experience during typing. The inherent softness of nylon absorbs sound waves more effectively than harder plastics, which contributes to a duller and rounder auditory quality when the key is bottomed out. This is in stark contrast to the crisp sounds produced by the polycarbonate top housing. Therefore, while the top housing offers a bright and vibrant sound, the bottom housing complements this with a warm and rich resonance, balancing the overall acoustic signature of each switch.
Ultimately, the combination of a polycarbonate top and nylon bottom in both the Huano Acacia and Outemu Ocean switches results in a cohesive auditory experience that draws on the strengths of each material. The crispness of the polycarbonate top housing works in tandem with the fullness of the nylon bottom to create a uniquely textured typing experience. Both switches showcase how the interplay between different housing materials can produce distinct sound qualities, allowing users to enjoy the combined benefits of clarity and depth with each keypress. In essence, while both models share commonalities with their top housing, their distinct pairing with nylon in the bottom housing facilitates a rich auditory experience that is both nuanced and enjoyable.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, notable differences arise in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Acacia features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light, which makes it suitable for extended typing sessions without excessive fatigue. In contrast, the Outemu Ocean has a higher actuation force of 55 grams, suggesting a more substantial push feel that some users may prefer for a more tactile typing experience. However, the bottom out force for the Ocean is unavailable, preventing a full comparison of how it feels when fully pressed down. As it stands, the Acacia is the lighter option, making it ideal for users who favor ease of use during long periods of typing, while the Ocean, with its higher actuation force, is likely to provide a heftier sensation, appealing to those who appreciate a stronger resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, there is a noticeable difference: the Acacia has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Ocean has a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Acacia a shorter switch compared to the Ocean. For gamers who favor quicker response times, the Acacia might be the preferable choice due to its shorter travel distance, which can facilitate faster key presses. Conversely, the Ocean, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback and a deeper pressing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on the user's preference for responsiveness versus a more substantial key action.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Huano Acacia comes in at $3.39, whereas the Outemu 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 characterized by a smooth and relatively quiet operation, which is typical of linear switches. This muted sound profile allows for a more discreet typing experience, making it suitable for shared or quiet environments. In contrast, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch's sound profile remains unspecified; however, tactile switches typically produce a more noticeable sound due to their actuation bump. Ultimately, the sound experience could be affected by the choice of the keyboard's build materials and the keycaps used.
Regarding feel, the Acacia switch offers a medium-light actuation force that is complemented by generous factory lubrication, resulting in a smooth and satisfying keystroke. The minimal stem wobble further enhances the overall typing experience, providing a decisive and stable action when pressed. On the other hand, while the feel of the Outemu Ocean tactile switch is not detailed, tactile switches generally feature a pronounced bump at the actuation point, which provides a tactile feedback that many typists and gamers appreciate. This distinct bump can create a more engaging sensation during typing or gaming, although individual preferences will ultimately dictate whether this is preferable to the smoothness of the Acacia.
In summary, the Huano Acacia linear switch is notable for its quiet operation and smooth feel, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a seamless typing experience. The Outemu Ocean tactile switch, while lacking detailed information, is typically designed to offer a tactile feedback that appeals to users who enjoy a more interactive feel. Ultimately, both switches cater to different typing preferences, and your choice may depend on whether you prioritize silence and smoothness or tactile feedback in your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and the typing experience you seek. If you prefer a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke with a medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams, the Acacia switch is an excellent choice. Its generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble provide a satisfying and quiet typing experience right out of the box, making it ideal for long hours of typing or gaming where you want to avoid finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you are drawn to tactile feedback that enhances your typing by providing a noticeable bump at the actuation point, the Outemu Ocean switch might be the better fit. While specific details about the Ocean's sound profile and feel are unavailable, tactile switches in general are known for their pronounced actuation, making them satisfying for those who enjoy feeling when their keystrokes register. Therefore, consider whether you value a smooth linear feel or tactile feedback when deciding between these two switches, as both have unique qualities that cater to different typing styles.
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