Huano Acacia vs. Outemu Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch, both the Huano Acacia and the Outemu Silent Ocean offer distinct advantages tailored to different typing preferences. The Huano Acacia is celebrated for its medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication, which results in a smooth and satisfying typing experience with minimal stem wobble right out of the box. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prioritize feel and feedback during long typing sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Ocean, while lacking specific distinguishing features in the given context, is known for its quieter operation, appealing particularly to individuals who work in shared spaces or simply prefer a more subdued typing sound. Each switch caters to unique user needs, whether you seek the tactile refinement of the Acacia or the tranquil typing environment offered by the Silent Ocean. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
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
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
The Huano Acacia and the Outemu Silent Ocean share similar characteristics in their housing materials, which ultimately leads to comparable sound profiles. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, providing a sound that is sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper. This stiffer plastic not only contributes to a clear and resonant sound, but its translucence enhances the aesthetic quality of the switches, especially when RGB lighting is employed. The polycarbonate's ability to produce consistent sound characteristics makes both switches appealing for users who prioritize auditory feedback and visual effects in their keyboard setups.
When examining the bottom housings, both the Acacia and Silent Ocean utilize nylon, a classic material known for creating a deeper, fuller sound profile. The nylon's softer nature allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience compared to the sharper tones produced by the polycarbonate tops. This unique combination of materials allows for a distinct layering of sound; the polycarbonate tops contribute to the crispness of keystrokes while the nylon bottoms add depth and warmth. Therefore, both switches maintain a balanced sound profile, where users can appreciate the clarity during key releases and the richness upon bottoming out.
In summary, the synergy between the various housing materials in both the Huano Acacia and Outemu Silent Ocean creates a cohesive typing experience that many users will find enjoyable. The similarities in their polycarbonate tops lead to a consistent sharp and crisp sound, while the nylon bottoms impart a deeper, fuller tonal quality. The interplay between these materials highlights how the characteristics of each housing affect the overall sound and feel of the switches, making both options equally viable for users seeking a well-rounded, auditory keyboard experience.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, it is important to note the differences in their bottom out forces despite having the same actuation force. Both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams, making them feel similar in terms of the initial required force to register a keystroke, which caters well to users seeking a lighter option for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. However, the Silent Ocean switch has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which is heavier than the Acacia's bottom out force of 55 grams, resulting in a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a firmer feel as they press the key all the way down. Therefore, while the actuation forces are the same, the overall typing experience differs, with the Acacia providing a lighter feel and the Silent Ocean offering a heavier, more pronounced bottom out.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, we can see a clear distinction. The Huano Acacia features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Outemu Silent Ocean has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is longer. This difference results in varied tactile experiences; the Acacia's shorter travel distance allows for quicker keypresses and potentially faster response times, appealing to gamers who favor rapid-fire actions. In contrast, the Silent Ocean’s longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying and deliberate feel for those who prefer a deeper press. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference regarding responsiveness and depth in key travel.
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 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 notable for its subdued and pleasant acoustic profile, striking a balance that minimizes noise while still providing a satisfying feedback experience. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch is designed specifically with noise reduction in mind, featuring dampening components that significantly lower the sound produced during both key presses and releases. This makes the Silent Ocean ideal for quiet environments where typing noise might be a concern, while the Acacia maintains a more traditional linear switch sound that some users may find more appealing.
In terms of feel, the Acacia offers a medium-light weight that creates a smooth and responsive typing experience. Its factory lubrication contributes to a gliding sensation, and the minimal stem wobble enhances stability, allowing for precise key presses. On the other hand, the Silent Ocean's specific feel is not detailed, so it remains unknown how it stacks up against the Acacia. However, due to its focus on sound dampening, one might anticipate that its feel could differ in terms of feedback compared to the more tactile and cohesive experience provided by the Acacia.
In conclusion, while both the Huano Acacia and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switches deliver excellent typing experiences in their own right, they serve slightly different purposes. The Acacia's combination of a pleasant sound profile and smooth feel makes it a versatile choice for general use, while the Silent Ocean is tailored for those who prioritize noise reduction without compromising on the linear smoothness typical of such switches. Ultimately, if you're looking for a balance of performance and sound, the Acacia may serve you well; if you need quieter operation, the Silent Ocean is worth considering, with the understanding that its specific feel is yet to be evaluated.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch will ultimately depend on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you prefer a switch that offers a light touch and smooth performance right from the start, the Acacia is the better option for you, as its medium-light weight coupled with generous factory lubrication ensures a pleasant typing experience with minimal resistance and less finger fatigue. This makes the Acacia an excellent choice for extended typing sessions or if you're someone who values an effortless, responsive feel. On the other hand, if you find comfort in a slightly heavier switch and you desire a more controlled typing experience, the Silent Ocean may be the way to go, as its medium-heavy bottom-out force provides greater feedback. While the Silent Ocean may not be as widely recognized for its characteristics, the added resistance might foster a typing rhythm that you appreciate. Furthermore, if reduced sound levels are a priority for you, the Silent Ocean offers a quieter operation, though its reputation for noise isn't as pronounced as some other silent switches. Ultimately, assess your typing style and environment, and let those factors guide your decision between the Acacia and Silent Ocean switches.
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