Huano Acacia vs. Gateron Quinn
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Gateron Quinn switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves navigating the diverse landscape of switch types, with the Huano Acacia and Gateron Quinn representing two distinct yet appealing options. The Acacia, known for its medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication, offers a smooth linear typing experience characterized by minimal stem wobble, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a fluid and uninterrupted keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn stands out with its unique tactile feedback, delivering a crisp bump accompanied by a deep, resonant sound profile thanks to its specially designed nylon housing. This blend of tactility and auditory richness caters to users who enjoy a more dynamic and immersive typing experience. Whether you gravitate towards the smooth precision of the Acacia or the satisfying feedback of the Quinn, each switch brings its own set of advantages to the table. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the Huano Acacia and the Gateron Quinn switches, an evident distinction arises primarily from the top housing materials. The Acacia features a polycarbonate top housing, characterized by its stiffer composition that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This quality enhances the overall auditory experience, especially when used with RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows light to shine through effectively. In contrast, the Gateron Quinn utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a distinctly deeper, fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound vibrations, creating a duller and rounder auditory experience. Thus, while both switches offer quality sound, the Acacia’s crispness contrasts sharply with the Quinn’s depth.
Looking at the bottom housings, both the Huano Acacia and the Gateron Quinn are constructed from nylon. This similarity offers a unified sound profile in that the soft plastic properties of nylon dampen sound, producing a deeper and fuller effect in both switches. Since the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, both switches share this characteristic of producing a rounder auditory experience upon bottoming out. Consequently, even though the top houses differ in material, the shared nylon bottom results in a similar tactile experience when typing on either switch.
Ultimately, the differences in sound profiles between the Huano Acacia and the Gateron Quinn can be attributed mainly to their top housings. The Acacia’s polycarbonate top provides a bright and resounding acoustic quality, while the Quinn's nylon top leads to a softer and mellower sound. The uniformity found in their nylon bottom housings ensures that both switches maintain a consistent experience during key presses. Therefore, while the two models diverge in tonal characteristics due to their differing top materials, the presence of nylon in the bottom housing serves to stabilize the overall typing experience across both switches, showcasing how diverse materials can yield distinct yet complementary results.
Weight
The Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Acacia has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light, making it suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming without fatigue. In contrast, the Quinn's actuation force of 59 grams and bottom out force of 67 grams classify it as medium-heavy, offering a more substantial feel for users who prefer a stronger push. Consequently, the Acacia is the lighter option, which may appeal to those seeking comfort over long durations, while the Quinn serves those who enjoy a heftier typing experience. Overall, these differences mean that typists and gamers will achieve different tactile experiences and user satisfaction based on their force preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, the Acacia has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Quinn measures slightly shorter at 3.4 mm. This makes the Acacia the longer option, and it may appeal to those who prefer a bit more depth in their key presses, offering a tactile experience without feeling too abrupt. On the other hand, the Quinn, with its shorter 3.4 mm travel distance, caters to users who favor quicker responsiveness, making it a suitable choice for gamers looking for faster actuation. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on personal preferences for travel distance, with the Acacia providing a more substantial feel and the Quinn delivering a snappier response.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Quinn has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Quinn for $5.50.
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
When comparing the sound profiles of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, the differences are quite pronounced. The Acacia's sound characteristics are not explicitly detailed, but as a linear switch, it is typically expected to produce a quieter, smoother keystroke without the pronounced auditory feedback that tactile or clicky switches offer. In contrast, the Quinn switches create a rich and immersive auditory experience characterized by a bassy and resonant tone, as well as clacky and low-pitched elements. This deep and resonant sound profile adds a distinct personality to each keystroke, making it engaging for users who appreciate a more dynamic auditory interaction with their typing.
In terms of feel, the Acacia is recognized for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, contributing to a pleasant and refined typing experience right out of the box. While specific descriptors for the Acacia's tactile experience aren't provided, users can expect a smooth action typical of linear switches. The Quinn switch, however, showcases a variety of tactile sensations, including snappiness, polish, and a delightful bounce. With its accented feedback, the Quinn switch provides a medium tactile experience that is engaging without being overwhelming. This makes typing feel lively and responsive, appealing to those who enjoy a noticeable tactile bump in their interactions.
In conclusion, the Huano Acacia linear switch offers a smoother, quieter typing experience, perfect for those who prefer subtlety in their keystrokes. Meanwhile, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch excels in auditory feedback and tactile engagement, making it ideal for users who seek a more stimulating typing experience. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique characteristics, ensuring an enjoyable experience tailored to your needs. If you desire a quieter workflow with the Acacia or a more tactile interface with the Quinn, both can ultimately provide satisfying results in their respective categories.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter keystroke and a smoother experience right out of the box, the Acacia is an excellent fit. With a bottom-out force of 55 grams, it provides a delightful typing experience, enhanced by its generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble. This makes the Acacia particularly suitable for long typing sessions or for those who enjoy a quiet, linear feel without any tactile interruptions. On the other hand, if you are drawn to a more tactile experience that offers a rich sound profile and responsive feedback when you type, the Gateron Quinn is your ideal choice. The Quinn's 67 grams of bottom-out force gives a satisfying resistance and a pronounced tactile bump, making it great for typists who appreciate clarity in every keystroke. With its combination of snappy responsiveness and a deep, resonant sound, the Quinn stands out for users looking to add character to their typing experience. Therefore, during your decision-making process, consider whether you value a smooth and quiet typing experience or a tactile, immersive sound that enhances feedback with each press.
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