Huano Acacia vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Acacia and Outemu Silent Grey both offer unique benefits tailored to different typing preferences. The Acacia, a linear switch, is renowned for its medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication, which together create a smooth typing experience with minimal stem wobble. This makes it an ideal choice for those who appreciate an uninterrupted keystroke and a comfortable feel right out of the box. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Grey is a tactile switch that delivers a quiet yet satisfying typing experience, thanks to its pronounced bump and smooth action. This switch is particularly suited for users who desire a little feedback with each press, all while maintaining a more subdued sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between the Huano Acacia and the Outemu Silent Grey hinges on personal preference, whether you lean toward linear smoothness or tactile satisfaction. 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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 Huano Acacia and the Outemu Silent Grey both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a comparable sound profile characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper auditory experience. Polycarbonate's inherent stiffness lends itself to a clear and resonant sound that is particularly effective in enhancing RGB lighting effects due to its translucency. This similarity ensures that users of both switches will enjoy bright and vivid lighting, as well as a uniform acoustic quality when typing. Consequently, the choice of this material in the top housing is instrumental in delivering a satisfying tactile response coupled with visually engaging aesthetics.
While the top housings of both switches are constructed from polycarbonate, the bottom housings differ in that they are both made from nylon. Nylon's softer composition absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile that contrasts with the sharper tones produced by the polycarbonate in the top housing. This combination of materials ultimately leads to a richer and more nuanced auditory experience when engaging with the switches. Users will appreciate the balance created through these differing sound-producing qualities, as the nylon bottom housing provides a rounded depth to the bottom-out sound, while the polycarbonate top housing adds the clarity during the key release.
In terms of functionality, both the Huano Acacia and the Outemu Silent Grey provide a unique typing experience through their paired housing materials. The distinct sound profiles created by the combination of polycarbonate and nylon allow for a synergy that elevates the overall performance of the switches. When typing, users will notice the dynamic interplay between the sharper top-end sounds and the fuller, warmer sounds resulting from the nylon bottom housing. This auditory contrast not only creates a more engaging user experience but also showcases the thoughtful design behind each switch, catering to different preferences in sound and feel without compromising on aesthetic appeal.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Acacia features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming, as it requires less effort to engage. In contrast, the Silent Grey has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, offering a more substantial feel that some users prefer for its tactile feedback. Therefore, while both switches provide a distinct typing experience, the Huano Acacia is the lighter option, ideal for those who favor less resistance, whereas the Outemu Silent Grey presents a heavier push, catering to users who enjoy a more robust typing sensation.
Travel distance
The Huano Acacia linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Acacia switch, being the shorter option, offers a quicker response time, which can be advantageous for gamers seeking rapid keystrokes. On the other hand, the Silent Grey's longer travel distance allows for a more pronounced tactile feedback and a deeper keystroke, which some users may find more satisfying and robust. Ultimately, the choice between the two may come down to personal preference: if you prioritize speed and responsiveness, the Acacia switch may be the better fit, while those who appreciate a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Silent Grey.
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 Grey 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 typically quieter compared to some other linear switches, producing a subtle and muted noise that is ideal for environments where sound sensitivity is a factor. Its design allows for a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke, which minimizes any audible feedback during typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch excels in providing a quiet typing experience while still delivering tactile feedback. With its pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, it offers a satisfying, albeit subdued, sound that allows for an enjoyable typing rhythm without being disruptive. While the Acacia might be slightly quieter than the Silent Grey, both switches cater to users who prioritize a less noisy typing experience, making them suitable for shared spaces or late-night work.
When it comes to feel, the Huano Acacia switch is characterized by its medium-light weight, which results in a comfortable and responsive typing sensation right out of the box. The generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble contribute to a smooth, consistent keypress that many typists appreciate. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch provides a unique tactile experience with a pronounced bump at the actuation point. This tactile feedback gives users a clear indication of when a key has registered, enhancing the typing experience. While the Acacia offers a linear feel that emphasizes smoothness and fluidity, the Silent Grey caters to those who enjoy the tactile response, making the two switches feel quite different despite both being designed for an enjoyable typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch offer distinct advantages tailored to different preferences. The Acacia presents a smooth, quieter linear experience that suits those wanting minimal sound and friction. Conversely, the Silent Grey stands out for its satisfying tactile feedback while still maintaining a relatively quiet operation. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you favor the smoothness of linear switches or the tactile feedback offered by tactiles. Both switches can deliver a pleasant typing experience but will cater to different typing styles and sound preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch will largely depend on your specific typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you prioritize a smooth and light typing experience that minimizes fatigue, the Acacia switches are an excellent choice. Their medium-light bottoming force of 55 grams, coupled with generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, makes them ideal for long typing sessions where comfort is key. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more tactile feedback with a pronounced bump during each keystroke and require a quieter operation, the Silent Grey is the way to go. With their medium-heavy force of 65 grams, they provide a satisfying tactile response while keeping noise levels low, making them perfect for shared workspaces or environments where silence is appreciated. Ultimately, consider what aspects of typing you value most—lightness and smoothness or tactile feedback and quietness—to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard experience.
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