Huano Acacia vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to the selection of mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options stand out: the Huano Acacia and the Outemu Red Panda. The Acacia, a linear switch, is celebrated for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, all of which contribute to an exceptional typing experience right out of the box. This switch is ideal for users who favor smooth keystrokes without any tactile feedback, making it perfect for fast-paced gaming and uninterrupted typing sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Red Panda is a tactile switch that provides a light-medium amount of tactility, along with distinct auditory feedback characterized by a bass-heavy, raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a higher-pitched, clackier top-out sound. This makes the Red Panda well-suited for those who enjoy the satisfying sensation of tactile resistance while typing, enhancing both the feel and sound of keystrokes. Both switches offer unique advantages depending on your typing preferences, 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
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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 housing materials of the Huano Acacia and the Outemu Red Panda switches exhibit notable similarities, particularly in their top housing, which is made from polycarbonate. Both switches benefit from this material, which is known for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant audio experience, making it an excellent choice for users who appreciate the nuances in sound when typing. Moreover, polycarbonate's translucency facilitates vibrant RGB lighting effects, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switches. Therefore, regardless of the brand, the implementation of polycarbonate in the top housing results in a comparable auditory experience when engaging with either switch.
Contrasting the top housing, the Acacia and the Red Panda utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which creates a distinct auditory profile compared to their polycarbonate tops. Nylon is renowned for its softer texture, which allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a deeper, fuller sound profile. This material plays a critical role in shaping the overall typing experience, as the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel. When users engage with the switches, the softer nylon absorbs impact, contributing to a duller and rounder tonal quality that complements the high-pitched sound produced by the polycarbonate top. As such, while both switches share material characteristics in their top housings, they deliver a richer auditory experience when the bottom housing’s qualities are taken into consideration.
Ultimately, while both the Huano Acacia and the Outemu Red Panda switches share the same materials for their respective top and bottom housings, the interaction between these materials results in distinct sound profiles that cater to varied preferences. The combination of a polycarbonate top and nylon bottom yields a balance between clarity and warmth, creating a typing experience that resonates with a diverse audience. Users can expect a consistent auditory quality when using either switch due to the similarities in material composition. However, the tonal characteristics induced by the material differences will influence a user’s overall experience, allowing for personalization based on sound preferences and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, there are notable differences to consider. The Acacia features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light option that caters to those who prefer a softer typing experience for extended use. In contrast, the Red Panda requires a slightly heftier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, positioning it in the medium range. This means that users who favor a more substantial typing feel might appreciate the added resistance of the Red Panda. Overall, while both switches offer distinct experiences— with the Acacia being the lighter option and the Red Panda being the heavier—users looking for a lighter feel and easier typing might gravitate toward the Acacia, especially for prolonged sessions.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, we find that the Acacia has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Red Panda measures at 3.3 mm. This means that the Acacia switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced key press feel for their typing or gaming experience. In contrast, the shorter 3.3 mm travel distance of the Red Panda could be more advantageous for gamers seeking quicker response times, as it allows for faster actuation. Consequently, while the difference in travel distance between the two switches is only 0.2 mm, it reflects varying user preferences—those leaning towards a more substantial keypress might favor the Huano Acacia, whereas those who prioritize speed may opt for the Outemu Red Panda.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Huano Acacia comes in at $3.39, whereas the Outemu Red Panda comes in at $3.40.
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 a smooth operation that tends to be quieter, making it a great choice for environments where noise might be a concern. The lack of tactile bumps and clicks results in a typing experience that is relatively subdued compared to tactile or clicky switches. In contrast, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch produces a distinct auditory feedback that combines a bassier, thocky bottom-out sound with a higher-pitched clack when the key is released. This combination creates a more vibrant acoustic profile, providing a satisfying auditory experience for users who appreciate the audible response of their keystrokes.
When it comes to feel, the Acacia switch offers a medium-light weight, which contributes to an ease of actuation and comfort during extended typing sessions. The generous factory lubrication enhances the smoothness, while minimal stem wobble ensures a consistent experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a linear switch that feels controlled yet effortless. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda presents a mild level of tactility, offering a gentle bump in the actuation point that serves as a subtle reminder of the key’s engagement. This mild tactile feedback, combined with its smooth operation, makes the Red Panda an accessible option for users new to tactile switches while still providing a little extra engagement for those seeking a different typing experience.
Overall, both switches cater to different preferences and needs in the mechanical keyboard community. The Huano Acacia is best suited for users who prioritize a quiet and smooth typing experience, while the Outemu Red Panda appeals to those who enjoy an audible and tactile feedback during their typing. If you're looking for a linear experience, the Acacia excels in smoothness, while the Red Panda offers a milder tactile response with pronounced sound characteristics. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value auditory feedback and tactile sensation or prefer a quieter and more fluid typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, consider your typing preferences and intended usage. If you favor a smooth and consistent typing experience with a medium-light weight and minimal wobble right out of the box, the Acacia is an excellent choice. It is particularly well-suited for those who prioritize speed and fluid key presses, making it ideal for gaming or fast-paced typing tasks. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more tactile sensation and a distinctive sound profile, the Red Panda may be more to your liking. Its medium weight and mild tactility provide a satisfying typing experience, enhanced by its deeper thocky sound, which offers a richer auditory feedback. This switch might better serve typists who appreciate the feel of a tactile bump and enjoy the unique auditory characteristics during their typing sessions. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal typing style and the environment in which you’ll be using the keyboard.
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