Huano Acacia vs. Outemu Silent Yellow

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options among gamers and typists alike are the Huano Acacia and the Outemu Silent Yellow, both of which are linear switches. The Huano Acacia is well-regarded for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, delivering an excellent typing experience right from the start. This switch is ideal for those who appreciate a smooth and responsive feel while enjoying the satisfying absence of tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow is designed with noise reduction in mind, making it a great choice for users who desire a quieter typing experience, whether for late-night gaming sessions or shared workspaces. Each switch has its unique strengths, with the Acacia excelling in overall performance and the Silent Yellow prioritizing discretion. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Huano Acacia Linear

Outemu Silent Yellow Linear

$3.39 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

Both the Huano Acacia and Outemu Silent Yellow switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, making their sound profiles notably similar. This material is characterized by its rigidity, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when typing. Because polycarbonate is generally clearer and more resonant than other plastics, it enhances the acoustic performance of the switch, particularly in scenarios where RGB lighting is involved. Users who prefer a brighter sound with a lively character may find both switches deliver comparable auditory feedback due to this shared material in their top housings.

In contrast, the bottom housings of both switches employ nylon, which fundamentally alters their overall sound profile. Known for its soft texture, nylon absorbs sound more effectively than harder materials, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This characteristic dulls the sound, creating a more muted and rounded impact when keys are pressed. The combination of a polycarbonate top and nylon bottom in both the Huano Acacia and Outemu Silent Yellow ensures that, while the top housing contributes to clarity upon release, the bottom housing softens the noise generated when keys bottom out. Together, these materials yield a balanced sound profile that appeals to different typists' preferences.

Overall, while both switches share polycarbonate in their top housings and nylon in their bottom housings, the interplay between these materials leads to a distinctive and multifaceted auditory experience. The polycarbonate top housing elevates the higher frequencies, making the release of each key feel crisp and engaging, whereas the nylon bottom housing tempers this sharpness with a richer, more rounded sound during key presses. This combination results in a typing experience that leverages the strengths of both materials, providing users with admirable sound characteristics regardless of which switch they choose.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, indicating a similar level of resistance needed to trigger a keystroke. This shared actuation force makes them equally suitable for those who enjoy a lighter touch, perfect for lengthy typing sessions or extended gaming marathons. However, the bottom out forces differ slightly; the Acacia features a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Silent Yellow reaches 60 grams. This means that although both switches feel relatively light during actuation, the Silent Yellow provides a heavier overall feel due to its increased bottom out force. Consequently, users who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Silent Yellow, while those seeking a slightly lighter touch overall might find the Acacia more appealing.

Travel distance

The Huano Acacia linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch boasts a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Huano Acacia offers a shorter travel distance, making it potentially more suitable for those who prefer faster response times, as shorter distances can facilitate quicker key presses. Conversely, the Silent Yellow's 4 mm travel distance might appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial and deliberate feel when typing, often perceived as providing more hearty depth. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for responsiveness versus a more traditional key press experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Huano Acacia linear switch is renowned for its relatively quiet operation, thanks in part to its factory lubrication that helps to dampen sound during typing. While the exact sound profile isn't extensively detailed, users often find it produces a satisfying thock with a subtle echo that is pleasant and unobtrusive. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch is engineered for quietness, featuring dampening rings that significantly reduce noise during key presses and releases. This makes the Silent Yellow an appealing choice for those who require a silent typing experience, such as in shared or quiet environments.

When it comes to feel, the Acacia switch offers a medium-light weight that strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort. The generous factory lubrication contributes to a smooth keypress that reduces friction, leading to a comfortable typing experience with minimal stem wobble. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow switch, while lacking specific details on its feel, generally aligns with the characteristics typical of linear switches, offering a consistent and uninterrupted keypress. However, their design emphasizes a quieter operation, which could influence the perceptible feedback during use.

In summary, while both the Huano Acacia and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switches cater to different preferences—sound and typing environment versus a smooth feel—they share the common trait of providing a good typing experience. The Acacia’s factory lubrication enhances the tactile smoothness and sound dampening, while the Silent Yellow focuses primarily on minimizing auditory output. These switches exemplify that even within a specific category, distinct features and user preferences can lead to different yet fulfilling experiences.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you value a lighter actuation force and appreciate a smooth typing experience right from the start, the Acacia will serve you well with its 55-gram bottom-out force and excellent factory lubrication. This switch is particularly effective for typing and gaming sessions where comfort is key, thanks to its minimal stem wobble. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly firmer feel with a bottom-out force of 60 grams and a sound profile that caters to quieter environments, the Silent Yellow is your go-to option. While it may not have standout features like the Acacia, its straightforward performance might appeal to those who prioritize solid build quality over other factors. Ultimately, consider your typing habits, the importance of sound and feel, and the environments in which you'll be using the keyboard to make the best choice for yourself.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Acacia Linear

$3.39 per 10

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Outemu Silent Yellow Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more