Huano Acacia vs. Outemu Silver

Overview

When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Acacia and Outemu Silver stand out as two notable linear options, each offering distinct advantages for different typing preferences. The Acacia switch is particularly praised for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, which together create a smooth and enjoyable typing experience right from the outset. This switch is ideal for those who prioritize tactile feedback and a reliable feel when typing or gaming. On the other hand, while the Outemu Silver lacks specific accolades prominently highlighted, it typically appeals to users who appreciate a slightly different actuation point that may enhance gaming performance or rapid keystrokes. Both switches cater to unique needs, whether it’s the silky smoothness of the Acacia or the responsiveness of the Silver. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that aligns with your personal preferences and needs.

By the numbers

Huano Acacia Linear

Outemu Silver Linear

$3.39 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the Huano Acacia and Outemu Silver switches, it's evident that both employ polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a similar sound profile characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper tone. Polycarbonate's inherent properties contribute to a clear and resonant sound, making it an excellent choice in designs that incorporate RGB lighting due to its translucency. This means that, regardless of the specific switch brand, users can expect vibrant lighting effects along with a distinct sound character, as both offerings benefit from the same materials that forge a strikingly similar auditory experience.

In terms of their respective bottom housings, both the Acacia and Silver switches utilize nylon, known for its ability to generate a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon results in better sound absorption compared to harder plastics, leading to a duller and rounder auditory experience. This shared material contributes to the overall tonal quality of the switches, as the impact of nylon on the sound produced when the key bottoms out will be consistent across both switch types. Thus, users can appreciate that despite any differences in branding, the nylon bottom housing ensures a warm and muted sound signature similar for both the Acacia and Silver.

Ultimately, while the top and bottom housing materials differ in their nature, they contribute distinctively to the overall performance and feel of the switches. In the case of both the Acacia and Outemu Silver, the combination of polycarbonate tops and nylon bottoms allows for a balanced auditory experience that leverages the advantages of both materials. The polycarbonate enhances the sound upon key release, while the nylon enriches the bottoming-out experience, resulting in a cohesive sound profile that users can enjoy. Therefore, users will likely find similar responses and sound characteristics when utilizing either switch, thanks to the compatibility of their housing materials.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, which means that users will experience a similar light touch when triggering keystrokes, making them suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended use. However, the bottom out forces differ significantly: the Acacia has a bottom out force of 55 grams, whereas the Silver requires a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams. This difference in bottom out force means that while both switches feel light during regular typing, the Outemu Silver offers a more substantial resistance when fully pressed down, appealing to users who favor a stronger tactile feedback. Therefore, those inclined towards a lighter switch for prolonged use might opt for the Acacia, while users looking for a more pronounced push feel should consider the heavier Silver switch.

Travel distance

The Huano Acacia linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Silver linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference in travel distance highlights a key distinction between the two switches: the Acacia provides a more responsive feel ideal for gamers who seek quicker actuation, whereas the Silver offers a deeper travel that may appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced tactile experience. If you're looking for a balance between responsiveness and depth, the Acacia might be the better choice, while the Silver caters to those who enjoy a fuller keystroke. Overall, the shorter travel distance of the Acacia makes it better suited for fast-paced gaming, while the Silver's longer travel distance caters to users who appreciate more feedback from their switches.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Huano Acacia linear switch is characterized by a quiet and smooth operation, producing a subtle thock sound upon actuation that many users find satisfying for both typing and gaming. This sound profile is complemented by the moderate weight of the switch, as it tends not to create much noise beyond the key press itself. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver linear switch provides no specific sound characteristics noted, which typically indicates a design that prioritizes a quieter typing experience. However, the acoustic profile of the Silver can also be influenced by the keyboard build and keycap material, ensuring that users can customize the sound to their liking.

When it comes to feel, the Acacia switch shines with its medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication, resulting in a smooth and pleasant typing experience that minimizes stem wobble. This attention to detail allows users to enjoy a fluid keystroke without the distraction of inconsistency. The Outemu Silver switch, lacking specific descriptions, leaves much to be interpreted; it could potentially offer a comparable smoothness, but without concise feedback, it’s hard to ascertain if it matches the Acacia's overall feel.

In summary, while the Huano Acacia linear switch stands out for its carefully crafted sound and feel, the Outemu Silver linear switch remains more ambiguous in its attributes. Users who prioritize a reliable, well-rounded typing experience may gravitate toward the Acacia, while those who wish to experiment with sound and feel might find the Silver provides a blank slate for customization. Regardless, both switches can be tailored through different keycap choices and board designs, leading to potentially similar results depending on personal preferences in sound and tactile feedback.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, your preferences and typing style will greatly influence your decision. If you prefer a switch that offers a medium-light feel, combined with a lubricated action and minimal stem wobble, the Acacia is an excellent choice, particularly if you value a smooth typing experience right from the start. Its 55-gram bottom-out force is well-suited for prolonged typing sessions, making it an ideal option for those who engage in extensive writing or gaming with rapid keystrokes. On the other hand, if you like a heavier switch and require a bit more resistance with each keypress, the Silver with its 65-gram bottom-out force might be more appealing. While it lacks the factory lubrication and the refined feel of the Acacia, it can cater to gamers or typists who appreciate a more substantial feel under their fingers, potentially improving their tactile feedback. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your comfort preferences and the intended use of your keyboard, be it for casual typing or intense gaming sessions.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Acacia Linear

$3.39 per 10

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Outemu Silver Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more