Huano Acacia vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches for an optimized typing experience, the comparison between Huano Acacia and Durock Piano linear switches showcases the distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Acacia switch is recognized for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, ensuring a delightful typing experience right out of the box. On the other hand, the Durock Piano sets itself apart with its unique proprietary material blend, offering a gliding push feel accompanied by a deep, creamy sound signature, making it one of the most enjoyable linear switches on the market. While the Acacia focuses on a smooth and straightforward typing experience, the Piano adds an auditory delight with its bassy and silky textures. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Mystery material
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Huano Acacia and the Durock Piano exhibit distinct approaches to their switch housing materials, each leading to unique auditory experiences. The Acacia employs a polycarbonate top housing, known for its clarity and resonance, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This property is largely due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, allowing it to transmit sound more effectively than softer materials. Aesthetically, the translucence of the polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting setups, as it can showcase the effects beautifully through the switch top. In contrast, the Piano utilizes a proprietary POM blend for its top housing, which, while shrouded in some mystery, is said to provide a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile, emphasizing warmth over the sharpness associated with polycarbonate.
When we examine the bottom housings of both switches, we find more commonality in their characteristics than in their tops. The Acacia features a nylon bottom housing, revered for its softer texture that yields a deeper, fuller sound profile. This quality is essential for creating a duller and rounder auditory response, making the typing experience rich and satisfying. Similarly, the Piano's proprietary POM blend in the bottom housing is described as providing a deep sound profile. While the specifics of the Piano's POM mix remain unknown, it appears to share the same aim as the nylon: to deliver a sound that resonates deeper and feels rich during typing.
In summary, both the Huano Acacia and Durock Piano aim to deliver enjoyable and distinctive tactile feedback through their switch housing materials, but they pursue this goal through varied designs. The Acacia's polycarbonate top lends brightness and clarity, while its nylon bottom contributes warmth and depth, creating a full sound experience. The Piano, while using a proprietary POM blend for both top and bottom housings, promises a similarly rich auditory profile, relying on its unique formulation. Despite their differences, both switches emphasize the importance of sound design in enhancing the typing experience, indicating that even though the specific materials and sound profiles differ, they can achieve comparable overall results when used in harmony.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Acacia features a medium-light actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to press and ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Durock Piano lacks a specified actuation force but has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy and providing a more substantial typing experience. While this means that the Acacia is the lighter option with a more forgiving key press, the Piano offers a firmer bottom out feel, which some users may prefer for a more tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and experience, with the Acacia catering to those who favor lighter switches and the Piano appealing to those who appreciate a heftier sensation when typing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, there is a clear distinction between the two. The Huano Acacia features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Durock Piano has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Acacia offers a more responsive feel due to its shorter actuation distance, making it potentially more suitable for gamers seeking quicker key presses. In contrast, the Piano, with its greater travel distance, may appeal to those who prefer a deeper, more substantial keystroke, which can feel less abrupt during typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding travel distance, with the Acacia being the shorter option and the Piano being the longer.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
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 is characterized by its generous factory lubrication, which contributes to a relatively quiet typing experience, though specific descriptors for its acoustic profile are not provided. In contrast, the Durock Piano linear switch is noted for its deep, creamy sound signature that creates a bassy sound profile during key presses, offering a richer and more resonant auditory experience. The Piano switch’s sound quality is further emphasized by its proprietary material blend, which likely enhances the overall acoustic performance. It’s important to note that sound perception can vary significantly based on the keyboard construction and chosen keycaps, meaning users may achieve a more muted or pronounced effect depending on their setup.
When discussing feel, the Huano Acacia is praised for its medium-light weight, which strikes a balance that caters to both casual and more intense typists. The generous lubrication coupled with minimal stem wobble provides a pleasant and stable typing experience out of the box. On the other hand, the Durock Piano switch excels with a frictionless and silky feel, creating an effortless typing experience that minimizes resistance. This fluid travel enhances the overall typing sensation, allowing for a smooth tactile feedback that many users find pleasurable. Thus, while the Acacia offers a reliable typing experience, the Piano elevates it with its superior smoothness and responsiveness.
In summary, both the Huano Acacia and Durock Piano linear switches present compelling options for newcomers exploring mechanical keyboards. The Acacia focuses on a balanced typing experience with its medium-light weight and solid lubrication, while the Piano distinguishes itself with its deep, bassy sound and frictionless feel, making it a joy to type on. Each switch has its unique qualities, yet both can deliver satisfying results, allowing users to tailor their preferences according to sound and feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual taste, emphasizing either a reliable and stable typing experience or one that is characterized by smoothness and rich acoustics.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Huano Acacia and the Durock Piano linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you prefer a lighter key feel coupled with an excellent typing experience right out of the box, the Acacia might be the better option for you. Its medium-light actuation force of 55 grams, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble make it a fantastic choice for both casual typing and gaming, allowing for quick, effortless presses. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more tactile experience with a deeper sound and a medium-heavy force of 63.5 grams, the Piano switches are likely more aligned with your needs. Their unique material blend provides a silky, frictionless typing sensation, coupled with a bassy sound profile that many typists find satisfying. Therefore, consider what aspects are most important to you—whether it’s a lighter touch or a richer auditory experience—when making your final decision.
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