Huano Acacia vs. Outemu Tom
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Outemu Tom 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 Tom represent two distinct options tailored to different preferences in typing feel and response. The Acacia, a linear switch, is celebrated for its medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal stem wobble right from the start. This makes it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who favor a consistent keypress without tactile feedback. In contrast, the Outemu Tom, a tactile switch, provides a noticeable bump at the actuation point, allowing users to feel when their keystroke has registered. This tactile feedback can enhance typing accuracy, making it a great choice for those who appreciate a more engaging keystroke sensation. Each switch has its merits, with the Acacia excelling in smoothness and responsiveness while the Tom stands out for its tactile engagement. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 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 Tom share a similar construction in terms of their housing materials, with both switches featuring a polycarbonate top and a nylon bottom. Both the Acacia and Tom utilize polycarbonate in their top housings, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This similarity in material choice results in clear and resonant sound characteristics, making both switches particularly appealing for those who prioritize audio clarity while using RGB lighting due to the translucency of the polycarbonate.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Acacia and Tom incorporate nylon, known for its classic use in switch design. The use of nylon provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder auditory experience. This material contrast between the relatively stiff polycarbonate top housing and the softer nylon bottom housing allows each switch to strike a balance in terms of overall sound and feel, with the nylon providing a more rounded sound experience at the bottom-out stage.
Ultimately, the combined use of these materials in both the Huano Acacia and Outemu Tom results in switches that cater to different auditory experiences. While the polycarbonate top housing sharpens and clarifies the sound of the key releases, the nylon bottom housing lends a fuller and more muted tone upon key presses. This thoughtful integration of materials culminates in a well-rounded switch design in both models, ensuring they deliver exceptional acoustics for users who appreciate a dynamic typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, there are notable differences in actuation force that cater to varying user preferences. The Acacia features an actuation force of 45 grams, which is on the medium-light side, making it suitable for extended typing sessions and gaming due to its lower resistance. In contrast, the Tom switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial push feel during typing. However, the bottom out force for the Tom switch is unspecified, leaving a gap in the comparison for that metric. Ultimately, users seeking a lighter switch for comfort during prolonged use may prefer the Huano Acacia, while those wanting a firmer response with a heavier actuation may opt for the Outemu Tom.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, notable differences emerge. The Acacia boasts a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Tom measures slightly shorter at 3.3 mm. This makes the Outemu Tom the more responsive option for those who favor quick key presses, suitable for gamers seeking faster response times. In contrast, the Huano Acacia offers a deeper press with its longer travel distance, which might appeal to users who prefer a more substantial tactile feedback while typing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences regarding responsiveness and depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Huano Acacia comes in at $3.39, whereas the Outemu Tom 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
The sound characteristics of the Huano Acacia linear switch offer a subtle and muted tone, making it suitable for environments where noise is a concern. This sound profile is often enhanced by the generous factory lubrication, which dampens the actuation and bottoming out sounds. In contrast, the Outemu Tom tactile switch does not have a specified sound profile, leaving it open to interpretation. However, being a tactile switch, it is likely to produce a more pronounced click when the tactile bump is engaged, providing auditory feedback that can be satisfying for typists who appreciate that tactile response. Ultimately, the sound experience with both switches will still vary based on the keyboard's construction and keycap material.
When it comes to feel, the Huano Acacia offers a smooth and linear typing experience, with a medium-light actuation force that allows for comfortable, effortless keystrokes. The minimal stem wobble also contributes to the overall stability of the switch, making it a favorable choice for uninterrupted typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom tactile switch, with its tactile bump, is designed to provide distinct feedback upon actuation, catering to users who enjoy a noticeable signal of keystroke registration. However, without additional information on the specifics, the exact feeling of the Tom switch cannot be definitively assessed.
In conclusion, while the Huano Acacia linear switch is known for its smoothness, minimal noise, and solid construction, the Outemu Tom tactile switch appears less defined in its qualities. Nonetheless, if you're seeking a particular sound or feel, both switches can provide varying experiences that can be tailored by the choice of keyboard and keycaps. Those who appreciate a quiet, linear experience will lean towards the Acacia, while those who enjoy tactile feedback might be more inclined towards the Tom. Each switch offers unique attributes that can greatly influence typing satisfaction, depending on personal preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and the type of experience you seek from your mechanical keyboard. If you're someone who enjoys a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke with a medium-light bottom out force, the Huano Acacia would be an excellent option for you. Its generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble contribute to a satisfying typing experience, making it sound and feel fluid and seamless—ideal for both gaming and typing tasks where speed and efficiency are key. On the other hand, if you're interested in tactile feedback that helps to enhance your typing rhythm, you might want to consider the Outemu Tom switches. While specific details about the Tom are unavailable, if you lean towards a more traditional tactile sensation that provides a clear point of actuation, the Tom would cater to that preference when making an impression. Ultimately, weigh your priorities on sound and feel against how you plan to use your keyboard, and you'll find the right switch that caters to your needs.
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