Huano Acacia vs. Outemu Red
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Outemu Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Mechanical keyboards have gained significant popularity among gamers and typing enthusiasts alike, largely due to the various switches that cater to diverse preferences. In the realm of linear switches, the Huano Acacia and Outemu Red stand out for their distinct characteristics. The Huano Acacia is renowned for its medium-light weight, which, combined with generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, delivers an exceptional typing experience right out of the box. Conversely, while the Outemu Red lacks a defining standout feature, it remains a reliable choice for those who appreciate a smooth keystroke and are seeking an affordable option for gaming and everyday use. Both switches offer unique advantages that appeal to different users; the Acacia’s consistent performance may be ideal for typists seeking an enhanced tactile feedback, while the Outemu Red might attract gamers who prioritize speed and responsiveness without breaking the bank. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.10 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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 housing materials of both the Huano Acacia and the Outemu Red switches exhibit similarities, particularly in their top housing, which is crafted from polycarbonate. This choice of material in both switches contributes to a bright and crisp sound profile, characterized by sharper and higher-pitched tones. The inherent stiffness of polycarbonate allows for a clearer resonance, making it an optimal choice for users who appreciate the nuance of auditory feedback in keypresses. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visual aesthetics of the switches, especially for users who favor RGB lighting, as it effectively diffuses light, creating an engaging visual experience.
In contrast, the bottom housing of both switches is made of nylon, a material known for its softer qualities that produce a richer, fuller sound profile. The difference in properties between nylon and polycarbonate means that while the top part of the switch provides clarity and brightness, the nylon bottom introduces a warmth and depth to the sound. This combination results in an overall balanced acoustic performance where the polycarbonate top emphasizes sharpness, while the nylon bottom rounds out the auditory experience. When typing on these switches, the deep, cushioned sound from the nylon bottom creates a contrasting effect to the clear timbre of the polycarbonate top.
Ultimately, despite their distinct bottom housing compositions, the Huano Acacia and the Outemu Red switches provide a cohesive sound experience by effectively combining their unique qualities. The shared use of polycarbonate in the top housing leads to similar auditory results, as both switches will have a bright and articulate sound when keys are released. Meanwhile, the nylon bottom promotes a pleasant depth when a keypress bottoms out, allowing both switches to complement each other despite their materials. Consequently, both switch types offer a balanced auditory profile, marrying the sharpness of polycarbonate with the warmth of nylon, thus ensuring a satisfying typing experience for users.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Acacia switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, classifying it as medium-light. In contrast, the Outemu Red features a slightly heavier actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, placing it in the medium category. This means that the Outemu Red requires a slightly stronger push to register a keystroke, making it heavier overall compared to the Acacia. As a result, typists who prefer a lighter touch for extended writing or gaming sessions may gravitate towards the Acacia switch, while those seeking a more substantial feel may prefer the Outemu Red. The bottom out forces also indicate a similar trend, with the Acacia being less forceful when pressing all the way down compared to the Outemu Red. Overall, while both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, the Acacia is the lighter option, making it more suitable for prolonged use, whereas the Outemu Red offers a heavier resistance for those who enjoy a firmer feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, a noticeable difference emerges. The Acacia has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Red measures 4.0 mm. This makes the Huano Acacia the shorter switch, catering to users who prefer a more responsive feel and quicker actuation, which is often favored by gamers. In contrast, the Outemu Red, with its longer travel distance, can provide a more pronounced tactile experience that some users enjoy for its deeper depth when typing. Therefore, if you're looking for a swifter response, the Acacia is the better choice, whereas the Red might be preferable for those who appreciate a more substantial key press.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Huano Acacia comes in at $3.39, whereas the Outemu Red 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 generally appreciated for its relatively quiet operation, making it a suitable choice for office environments or shared spaces. Its factory lubrication contributes to a smooth and muted sound profile that minimizes noise upon bottoming out and releasing. In contrast, the Outemu Red linear switch tends to produce a slightly more pronounced sound, although it is still relatively quiet compared to tactile or clicky switches. The sound quality of both switches will ultimately depend on the keyboard build, components, and keycap choice, but users seeking a quieter linear experience may prefer the Acacia.
In terms of feel, the Acacia switch shines with its medium-light weight, which offers a comfortable typing experience that doesn't require excessive force to actuate. The generous factory lubrication enhances the smoothness of the keystrokes, nearly eliminating stem wobble and providing a stable feel that many typists appreciate. On the other hand, while specific qualities of the Outemu Red's feel are not detailed, linear switches typically emphasize a smooth and uninterrupted motion without tactile bumps. Therefore, while both switches are likely to deliver a pleasant typing experience, the Acacia's added lubrication and stability might give it an edge in terms of overall feel.
In conclusion, both the Huano Acacia and Outemu Red linear switches offer a solid choice for individuals seeking a smooth and quiet typing experience. The Acacia benefits from its medium-light weight, generous lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, while the Red, although lacking specific feel details, is still categorized as a linear switch, implying a smooth keystroke. Depending on the user's preference for sound and feel, they may find either switch suitable; however, those looking for a slightly refined experience might lean towards the Acacia.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, consider what aspects of the typing experience are most valuable to you. If you prefer a lighter touch with a bottom out force of 55 grams, the Acacia is a fantastic choice, especially if you appreciate a smoother feel and excellent factory lubrication that enhances usability straight from the get-go. This makes it particularly suitable for extended typing sessions or if you are transitioning from a membrane keyboard and want a gentle learning curve. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a more traditional medium weight of 62 grams and you don't mind spending a bit more time adjusting to the feel, the Outemu Red can serve you well, particularly for gaming due to its steady resistance. Ultimately, if noise levels and overall sound profile are significant factors for you, and more detailed comparisons can be drawn in those areas, you may wish to sample both switches to see which resonates better with your typing or gaming style. Your choice will heavily depend on your personal preferences for switch sensitivity, feel, and overall responsiveness, so take your time to weigh the advantages of each option.
Mentioned in this article
