Huano Acacia vs. Outemu Purple
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Outemu Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the diverse realm of mechanical keyboard switches, two notable contenders are the Huano Acacia and the Outemu Purple, each catering to different typing preferences. The Acacia, a linear switch, is well-regarded for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, offering an exceptional typing experience right from the start. Its smooth keystrokes make it an ideal choice for gamers and typists seeking uninterrupted performance. In contrast, the Outemu Purple is a tactile switch that delivers a distinct tactile bump, making it an excellent option for those who enjoy a sensory feedback while typing. The Purple switch can enhance typing accuracy by providing a clear indication of actuation, appealing to writers and serious typists. While the Acacia excels in smoothness and consistency, the Purple thrives on tactile feedback and engagement. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
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
2.00 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
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Acacia and Outemu Purple switches, it becomes evident that both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing and nylon for their bottom housing. The shared use of polycarbonate in the top housing contributes to a distinct sound profile for both switches, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper auditory experience. As a relatively stiffer plastic, polycarbonate enhances clarity and resonance, making it an ideal choice for keyboard switches, especially when RGB lighting is a consideration. The translucency of this material not only allows for aesthetic appeal but also effectively showcases lighting effects, making both switches visually striking.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of both switches are made from nylon, which significantly contrasts with the polycarbonate utilized for the tops. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile during use. This creates a unique blend in each switch's overall acoustics, as the nylon bottom housing delivers a duller and rounder sound, while the polycarbonate top maintains a clearer tone. The differences in these materials are particularly important during key presses; the nylon bottom housing will provide a more noticeable impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, balancing the keys' auditory characteristics with the sharpness from the polycarbonate top.
Ultimately, while the Huano Acacia and Outemu Purple switches incorporate the same materials, their distinct sound profiles reveal how each material's characteristics merge to create a unique typing experience. The polycarbonate top housing serves to elevate the sound clarity and sharpness upon key release, whereas the nylon bottom housing bolsters the overall depth and fullness during a key press. Consequently, even with identical materials, the switches exemplify how the interplay of top and bottom housings can influence the tactile and auditory experiences they offer to users.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, their actuation forces reveal distinct characteristics suited to different preferences. The Acacia features an actuation force of 45 grams, making it lighter and suitable for users who prioritize comfort during extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Purple has a higher actuation force of 50 grams, providing a slightly tougher keypress which some users may prefer for its more substantial typing experience. However, the bottom out force for the Purple switch is unavailable, preventing a direct comparison in that regard. Nonetheless, the Acacia's bottom out force is 55 grams, reinforcing its medium-light nature. Thus, for those who gravitate towards lighter switches for long-term usage, the Acacia would be the better option, while the Outemu Purple may appeal more to those who enjoy a bit more resistance when typing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, the Acacia measures 3.5 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Purple switch has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The difference in distance may influence user experience significantly; those who favor quick response times, such as gamers, might opt for the Acacia due to its shortened travel distance, which facilitates faster activation. On the other hand, users who prefer a more substantial keypress experience may find the Outemu Purple's 4 mm travel distance more satisfying, as it allows for a more pronounced tactile feedback during typing. Overall, the Acacia offers a more responsive feel, while the Purple caters to those who enjoy a deeper 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 Purple 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 tends to produce a smooth and muted typing noise, thanks to its well-lubricated mechanism that minimizes any unwanted echo or clack. This characteristic allows for a quieter typing experience, which can be advantageous in shared spaces or environments where noise reduction is a priority. Conversely, the Outemu Purple tactile switch does not have a specific sound profile described, but generally, tactile switches are often more audible than linear options due to their bump during actuation. The inherent nature of tactile switches is to provide feedback that can be both felt and heard, resulting in a click or a distinct noise that may be pronounced depending on the board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Huano Acacia linear switch is recognized for its smooth actuation, featuring a medium-light weight that caters to a comfortable typing experience. The generous factory lubrication contributes to an absence of scratchiness, allowing each keypress to glide effortlessly. This makes it an excellent choice for typists who favor a more fluid key response without any tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple switch is a tactile switch, which generally provides a noticeable bump at the actuation point. This bump offers clear tactile feedback, making it easier for users to know they’ve activated the switch. However, specific details about their overall feel are not available, making it harder to draw direct comparisons in this aspect.
In conclusion, the Huano Acacia linear switch offers a smooth, quiet, and pleasant typing experience, supported by its medium-light weight and lubricant, while the Outemu Purple tactile switch provides tactile feedback that is generally more pronounced. Due to the lack of available information regarding the Purple switch's distinctive traits, any direct comparison in parts of sound or feel lacks specificity. However, if users seek a linear, quiet feel, the Acacia is the clear choice, while those interested in tactile feedback can consider the Purple switch for a more traditional typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a smooth, linear feel with a medium-light actuation force, the Acacia is an outstanding choice. Its generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble contribute to a pleasant typing experience right away, making it ideal for long typing sessions or gaming where you want to reduce finger fatigue. Additionally, if you appreciate a quieter switch, the Acacia would be fitting since it generally has a subdued sound, perfect for shared workspaces or environments where noise is a concern. On the other hand, if you're looking for tactile feedback while typing, the Outemu Purple might be the better option—though specific details about its characteristics are not provided, tactile switches are generally favored for their distinct bump at the actuation point, which can enhance the typing experience and provide a satisfying sensation with each keystroke. In summary, your choice should reflect whether you lean towards a smooth linear action for continued speed and fluidity or a tactile switch that provides that tactile feedback to enhance your typing accuracy.
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