Huano Acacia vs. Outemu Spring Breeze
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Acacia and the Outemu Spring Breeze present two distinct options tailored for different typing preferences. The Acacia, a linear switch, is celebrated for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, delivering a smooth and pleasant typing experience right out of the box. Ideal for those who prioritize uninterrupted keystrokes during gaming or typing, this switch allows for quick and fluid key presses without tactile feedback. In contrast, the Outemu Spring Breeze, known for its clicky design, offers an audible and tactile response that many find satisfying when typing or gaming. This feedback can enhance the overall engagement with each keystroke, appealing to users who appreciate the sound and feel of their inputs. While both switches have their unique advantages, the choice ultimately depends on whether you prefer a smooth and silent action or a more pronounced and interactive typing experience. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 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
Nylon
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
When comparing the Huano Acacia and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches, one of the most significant differences lies in the material of their top housings. The Acacia utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is noted for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is largely due to the inherent stiffness of polycarbonate, allowing sound to resonate clearly as it passes through the material. In contrast, the Spring Breeze employs nylon in its top housing, delivering a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to nylon's softer nature, which tends to absorb more sound. This fundamental distinction in material results in differing auditory experiences for users: the Acacia provides a more vibrant and bright sound while the Spring Breeze produces a more rounded and muted acoustical effect.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Huano Acacia and Outemu Spring Breeze utilize nylon, which results in a shared quality that contributes to their overall sound profile. The properties of nylon, as described, are similar between the two switches; it is softer, leading to a deeper and fuller sound when typing. This. Therefore, when pressed, users will experience a consistent and nuanced performance from both switches in terms of sound and feel. The bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound more significantly, meaning that regardless of the differing top materials, the overall experience remains deeply resonant and full due to the shared nylon composition of the bottoms.
Ultimately, the differences in top housing materials between the Huano Acacia and Outemu Spring Breeze create contrasting auditory profiles, while the similarity in bottom housing breeds a consistency in typing experiences. Users expecting a sharper and more vibrant sound will likely favor the Acacia, whereas those seeking a more mellow and rounded sound might prefer the Spring Breeze. Despite these differences, both switches will deliver rich, satisfying feedback when pressed down due to their common nylon bottom housings, showcasing how the interplay of materials can shape the keyboard experience in nuanced ways.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation forces while their bottom out forces remain the same. The Acacia switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Spring Breeze is lighter at 40 grams, making it the better choice for users seeking a less demanding keystroke, which can be beneficial for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons. Both switches exhibit a bottom out force of 55 grams, indicating that users will experience the same resistance when fully depressing the key. Ultimately, those who prefer a lighter typing experience might gravitate toward the Spring Breeze, whereas the Acacia could appeal to individuals looking for a more substantial push feel with its slightly higher actuation force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, it's clear that they cater to different preferences. The Acacia features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Spring Breeze has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is traditionally considered more standard. This difference means that the Acacia may provide a quicker response time, appealing to gamers who favor rapid key presses. Conversely, the Spring Breeze, with its longer travel distance, offers a more substantial feel, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on individual preferences for ergonomics and response time.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Huano Acacia comes in at $3.39, whereas the Outemu Spring Breeze 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 generally quieter compared to many tactile and clicky switches, making it a suitable option for users who prefer a more subdued typing experience. Its smooth operation tends to produce a soft, pleasant noise that is less intrusive in shared environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch delivers a more pronounced auditory feedback due to its clicky design. This distinct click sound, which occurs at the actuation point, can be satisfying for those who enjoy auditory cues while typing, enhancing the overall engagement during use. The sound profile of both switches can also be influenced by the keyboard's construction and the keycap material chosen, but the fundamental characteristics remain consistent.
When it comes to feel, the Acacia linear switch offers a smooth and uninterrupted keypress without any tactile feedback, which many users find conducive for fast typing and gaming. Its medium-light weight allows for a comfortable experience, reducing fatigue over prolonged use, and the factory lubrication helps minimize friction, enhancing the smoothness. In contrast, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch provides a tactile bump along with its click sound, adding a layer of feedback that some typists find helps improve typing accuracy. However, depending on personal preference, some may find the additional resistance from the spring and the click mechanism less appealing, especially during long typing sessions where smoothness is prioritized.
Considering all these factors, the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Acacia excels in providing a quiet and smooth experience, while the Spring Breeze appeals to those who enjoy audible feedback and tactile sensation. Your choice between them should ultimately depend on whether you prioritize a noise-free typing experience or find motivation in audible clicks and tactile feedback during use. Each switch has its own strengths, ensuring you can find the right fit based on your typing style and environment.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch will largely depend on your personal preferences and the typing experience you're seeking. If you value a smooth and consistent keystroke without any tactile feedback, the Acacia switch is an excellent option. Its medium-light actuation force and generous factory lubrication result in a delightful typing experience, making it suitable for long hours of use, especially if you favor a quieter environment or are sensitive to sound. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more tactile and audible feedback while typing, the Spring Breeze switch might be the better choice, as its clicky nature can enhance your typing rhythm and make it more engaging. However, keep in mind that this switch lacks the specialized qualities found in the Acacia, such as its minimal stem wobble and smooth feel right out of the box. Ultimately, both switches have the same bottom-out force, so consider what type of experience—smooth and silent versus tactile and clicky—you’d prefer to shape your keyboard journey.