Huano Acacia vs. Outemu Silent Green
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Outemu Silent Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Acacia and the Outemu Silent Green stand out as two popular linear options, each boasting unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in typing experience. The Huano Acacia is celebrated for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, which collectively provide an excellent typing experience straight out of the box. This makes it an appealing choice for users seeking a smooth, responsive feel that enhances both gaming and typing performance. In contrast, while the Outemu Silent Green lacks widespread acclaim, it serves as another linear switch option that may suit those who prioritize a quieter operation without the tactile feedback associated with other switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your specific needs and preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Huano Acacia and the Outemu Silent Green switches both utilize a polycarbonate top housing, which results in an elevated sound profile characterized by sharper, higher-pitched tones. The polycarbonate material, known for its stiffness, enhances the clarity and resonance of the acoustic output, ensuring that each keystroke is delivered with crisp precision. This shared use of polycarbonate allows both switches to excel in environments where RGB lighting is a priority, as the translucency of the material helps to diffuse light effectively, creating visually stunning effects when the switches are illuminated.
In contrast, the two switches diverge in their choice of bottom housing material. The Huano Acacia employs nylon, a softer plastic that absorbs sound waves, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This choice contributes to a rounder acoustic quality that envelops users in a more muted typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Green features a polycarbonate bottom housing, mirroring the top's properties and consequently producing a sound profile that is bright and resonant rather than warm and rounded. This difference in materials influences the overall sonic characteristics of each switch when pressed, with the Acacia yielding a more subdued auditory response while the Silent Green remains comparatively sharp.
Ultimately, the housing combinations result in distinct auditory experiences for each switch. While both switches benefit from the polycarbonate upper, the Huano Acacia's nylon bottom delivers a more nuanced sound that is softer, whereas the Outemu Silent Green's polycarbonate bottom will amplify the crispness throughout the entirety of its keystrokes. This means that users can expect a subtle contrast in the bottoming-out noise and the rebound sound: the Acacia emits a rounded, muted sound upon release, while the Silent Green maintains its high-pitched clarity throughout both the press and release. Consequently, those opting for one switch over the other will find their typing experience tailored to their personal acoustic preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, providing a light and responsive typing experience that is ideal for those who prefer to type for extended periods without fatigue. However, their bottom out forces differ, with the Acacia bottoming out at 55 grams and the Silent Green at 60 grams. This slight disparity means that the Silent Green switch requires a bit more force to fully press down, offering a more substantial feel upon bottoming out, which may appeal to users who prefer a stronger push experience. Overall, while both switches share identical actuation forces, the Acacia is categorized as medium-light due to its lower bottom out force, making it the lighter option compared to the heavier Silent Green switch, which provides a firmer tactile response.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Acacia has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Silent Green features a travel distance of 4 mm, which is more traditional and longer. This difference indicates that the Acacia may provide a more responsive feel, appealing to gamers who favor quicker actuation for faster responses. On the other hand, the Silent Green’s greater travel distance may be preferable for users who appreciate a more substantial and hearty typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize responsiveness or a more pronounced keystroke depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Huano Acacia comes in at $3.39, whereas the Outemu Silent Green 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
In terms of sound, the Huano Acacia linear switch is known for its relatively quiet operation, thanks in part to the generous factory lubrication, which helps absorb some of the noise generated during key presses. This makes the Acacia a suitable option for environments where noise reduction is a priority, providing a smooth and unobtrusive typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Green linear switch remains less defined in sound characteristics, as there is limited information available regarding its acoustic profile. However, linear switches typically tend to produce less noise compared to tactile or clicky switches, so it can be inferred that there may be a resemblance in the muted sound profile between the two switches.
When it comes to feel, the Acacia switch boasts a medium-light weight along with minimal stem wobble, enhancing the overall typing experience. The generous lubrication allows for a buttery, smooth keystroke that can make typing feel effortless, catering to both typists and gamers alike. Meanwhile, the feel of the Outemu Silent Green linear switch is less documented; therefore, a direct comparison cannot be made. Nonetheless, it is common for linear switches to share certain characteristics such as smooth key presses and consistent actuation without tactile feedback, suggesting that the Silent Green may also provide a satisfying typing experience in terms of feel.
In conclusion, while the Huano Acacia linear switch stands out for its well-defined sound profile and premium typing feel, the Outemu Silent Green linear switch lacks specific descriptive qualities. However, both switches fall within the linear category, which inherently promotes smooth actuation and reduced noise production. If you're seeking a solid typing experience with minimal distraction, either switch could potentially deliver satisfying results, with the Acacia being more refined right out of the box.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you appreciate a lighter tactile experience that enhances your typing speed and agility, the Acacia switch, with its medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, offers an appealing option. Its generous factory lubrication ensures a smooth keystroke right out of the box, making it a fantastic choice for those who value comfort and reduced stem wobble during extended typing sessions. Additionally, if you're in an environment where noise levels are a consideration or you simply prefer a quieter experience, the Acacia's sound profile, which is generally more muted compared to heavier switches, may suit you well. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly firmer feel and don’t mind a bit of added resistance at 60 grams, the Outemu Silent Green can offer a more robust typing experience. While this switch doesn't boast standout features, it is reliable and may be preferable for users who like a slightly stronger feedback, whether you're gaming or typing with more forceful key presses. In essence, if you're a typist or gamer who prioritizes fluidity and quietness, go for the Acacia; if you value a bit more resistance and don’t mind the audible feedback, the Silent Green could be the right pick for you.
Mentioned in this article
