Huano Acacia vs. KTT Phalaenopsis
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the KTT Phalaenopsis switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Acacia and KTT Phalaenopsis offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Huano Acacia, classified as a linear switch, is celebrated for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, giving users a smooth and consistent typing experience right out of the box. This makes the Acacia an excellent choice for those who prioritize fluidity and speed in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis is a tactile switch designed to enhance typing satisfaction with its light actuation force of 37g and a tactile bump at 50g. Its unique characteristics not only minimize finger fatigue during extensive use but also provide a pleasing auditory and physical feedback, appealing to users who enjoy a more engaged typing experience. While the Acacia excels in effortless smoothness, the Phalaenopsis delights with its tactile responsiveness and deep sound profile. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on which switch is right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Huano Acacia and KTT Phalaenopsis share a commonality in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing, which fundamentally influences the acoustic profile of both switches. Polycarbonate is recognized for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to its stiffness. This characteristic allows for clearer and more resonant audio feedback, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize auditory clarity in key presses. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal of the switches, particularly when RGB lighting is employed, as it effectively showcases light effects. Since both switches utilize polycarbonate for their tops, users can expect a similar sonic profile in terms of keystroke feedback relating to the release sound.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials of the Acacia and Phalaenopsis diverge significantly, with the Acacia using nylon and the Phalaenopsis employing polycarbonate. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience, as it has a softer composition compared to polycarbonate. Consequently, when a user types on the Acacia, they will notice a more rounded sound profile that emphasizes the lower frequencies, creating a warm yet muted acoustic signature. Conversely, the Phalaenopsis, with its polycarbonate bottom housing, will reinforce the sharper, crisper sound profile that characterizes both switches. This means that while the top housings provide consistency, the bottom housings create distinct auditory experiences.
The differences in bottom housing materials contribute nuanced results based on the design of each switch. For the Acacia, the combination of polycarbonate on top and nylon on the bottom results in a hybrid auditory experience, where the sound clarity of the top is softened by the warm tones produced by the bottom. In contrast, the Phalaenopsis maintains a consistent clarity through its use of polycarbonate in both the top and bottom, which creates an overall brighter sound. Consequently, as users interact with each switch, they will find that the Huano Acacia offers a deeper sound profile ideal for users looking for a more subdued auditory feedback, while the KTT Phalaenopsis will appeal to those who prefer a sharper, more resonant typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, notable differences emerge. The Acacia switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it medium-light, while the Phalaenopsis switch offers a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This difference positions the Phalaenopsis as the lighter switch overall, appealing to those who prefer a less strenuous typing experience for extended use, such as in work or lengthy gaming sessions. In contrast, the heavier force of the Acacia switch may provide a more substantial feel for users who favor a firmer typing experience. Both switches have different actuation and bottom out forces, meaning they deliver varied tactile sensations, with the Acacia requiring more force at both stages compared to the Phalaenopsis.
Travel distance
The Huano Acacia linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means the Phalaenopsis switch has a longer travel distance compared to the Acacia, offering a more pronounced feedback when pressed. Gamers might lean towards the Acacia for its shorter travel, which provides quicker response times, aligning with the trend of shorter distances for faster gameplay. Conversely, those who appreciate a fuller or deeper keystroke might find the Phalaenopsis more satisfying, as it allows for more significant travel before activation. Ultimately, the choice depends on personal preference, balancing the desire for speed against the need for tactile depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Phalaenopsis has an MSRP of $4.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Phalaenopsis for $4.15.
The Huano Acacia comes in at $3.39 per 10 switches.
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 has not been specifically described, leaving its audio characteristics somewhat ambiguous. This contrasts sharply with the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, which is known for producing a bassy and thocky sound profile. The deeper tones contribute to an engaging auditory experience, creating a rich and satisfying "thud" when keys are pressed. This sound can enhance the typing experience, especially for users who appreciate auditory feedback during keypresses. However, it’s important to note that the actual sound produced can vary based on the keyboard construction and the choice of keycap materials.
When it comes to feel, the Acacia switch is celebrated for its medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication, which leads to a smooth and enjoyable typing experience straight out of the box. Conversely, the KTT Phalaenopsis switch offers a distinctly tactile feel with its stepped actuation. This means users can experience a noticeable bump during the keystroke, which can provide a more engaging feedback compared to a linear switch. The lighter actuation force of the Phalaenopsis also minimizes finger fatigue, particularly beneficial during lengthy typing sessions, while the Acacia’s smoothness may appeal to those looking for a seamless experience.
In conclusion, both switches serve different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The Huano Acacia linear switch offers a smooth and effortless typing experience, well-suited for those who prefer a linear feel without tactile bumps, while the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch satisfies those who enjoy a tactile response and a rich auditory experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will largely depend on individual typing style and sound preference.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and intended use. If you prefer a switch that offers a balanced feel with slightly more resistance and a consistent smoothness, the Acacia might be your best bet. It is well-suited for those who appreciate a solid typing experience with a bottom-out force of 55 grams, combined with generous factory lubrication that minimizes stem wobble—making it excellent for diverse tasks, including both gaming and typing. On the other hand, if you are seeking a lighter touch that minimizes finger fatigue over extended typing sessions, the KTT Phalaenopsis is an appealing choice. Its lighter actuation force of 37 grams makes it easier on the fingers, while the distinct tactile bump provides satisfying feedback that can enhance your typing experience, especially if you enjoy tactile switches. The bassy and thocky sound profile of the Phalaenopsis adds a depth to your keystrokes, making each press feel more engaging. In summary, choose the Acacia for smoothness and a slightly heavier touch, and opt for the Phalaenopsis for a lighter, tactile experience filled with satisfying sound and feel.
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