Huano Acacia vs. SP-Star RedBlue
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the SP-Star RedBlue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Acacia and SP-Star RedBlue present intriguing options for enthusiasts, each offering distinct advantages. The Acacia, with its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, ensures an excellent typing experience right out of the box, making it an appealing choice for those who appreciate smooth and fluid keystrokes. In contrast, the SP-Star RedBlue switches stand out with their low-pitched sound profile and polished feel, catering to users who value a tactile yet subtle auditory feedback in their typing. Both switches are categorized as linear, providing a similar typing experience with a preference for a medium-light touch. However, the unique characteristics of each switch may align differently with individual preferences, leading to varied experiences for typists and gamers alike. Ultimately, the choice boils down to personal taste and typing style; 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
57g
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
Standard
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Huano Acacia and SP-Star RedBlue switches both feature polycarbonate in their top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This shared material characteristic leads to similar auditory outcomes when the switches are engaged. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, enhancing the overall quality of keystrokes. Furthermore, the translucency of the polycarbonate allows for effective RGB lighting effects, making both switches visually appealing for users who prioritize aesthetics in their keyboard setups. As a result, both the Acacia and RedBlue deliver comparable performance in terms of sound clarity when it comes to the top housing.
Contrasting the bottom housing materials, the Huano Acacia utilizes nylon, a classic switch housing material known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. This contrasts with the SP-Star RedBlue, which employs polycarbonate for its bottom housing as well, producing a similar crispness as found in the top housing. The softer nature of nylon allows the Acacia to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. In play, this means that users will find a noticeable difference in the acoustic properties of these two switches: while the Acacia’s nylon bottom produces warmer tones suitable for a softer typing experience, the RedBlue’s all-polycarbonate construction results in a consistently bright sound profile throughout, which may appeal to those who prefer a sharper auditory feedback.
Ultimately, the combination of housing materials in both switches leads to distinct sound and feel characteristics during usage. With the Acacia's nylon bottom, users will experience a rich, resonant bottom-out sound, while the polycarbonate bottom of the RedBlue enhances the overall crispness of the keystrokes. The top housing, being the same in both switches, means that the release sound will be comparably clear, allowing for a defined auditory feedback upon key release. In type, users can expect the tactile and auditory experiences of these switches to vary depending on the bottom housing material, thus emphasizing the unique interplay between the materials and the user experience in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch, there are distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Acacia features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light switch that would likely appeal to those who favor a lighter typing experience for extended use. In contrast, while the RedBlue switch has a bottom out force of 57 grams, its actuation force is unspecified. This makes it difficult to draw a direct comparison for the actuation force, but its higher bottom out force suggests a greater resistance when fully pressed down, potentially catering to users who prefer a slightly heavier feel in their typing or gaming experience. Overall, based on the known forces, the Acacia is the lighter of the two, while the RedBlue could be considered heavier based on its bottom out force alone. Those looking for a lighter switch may lean towards the Acacia, while users who prefer a more substantial push might find the RedBlue more appealing, provided that its actuation force aligns with their preferences upon finding that information.
Travel distance
The Huano Acacia linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Acacia switch offers a more responsive feel, which can be advantageous for gamers looking for quick key presses. In contrast, the RedBlue switch, with its longer 4 mm distance, might appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial depth in their key presses, providing a tactile feedback that can make typing feel more satisfying. Ultimately, if you prefer a lighter touch and faster response times, the shorter Huano Acacia is the better choice; however, if you favor a more deliberate and hearty experience, the longer travel distance of the SP-Star RedBlue is likely to suit your needs better.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star RedBlue has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the RedBlue for $5.40.
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 offers a balanced profile that enhances the typing experience without being overly distracting. In comparison, the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch produces a low-pitched sound that is characterized as thocky, resulting in a deep and rich auditory feedback upon pressing the keys. The combination of this low-pitched tone with the gentle nature of the switch creates a mellow yet satisfying acoustic environment, making both switches suitable for various settings, whether at home or in an office.
When it comes to feel, the Acacia switch provides a smooth typing experience right from the factory, thanks to its medium-light weight and generous lubrication. The SP-Star RedBlue, on the other hand, is designed to offer a mild feel that is approachable for most users. This switch is also polished, ensuring a smooth tactile experience with reduced friction during key travel. The overall sensation from both switches is refined and effortless, making them great options for extended typing sessions, with the Acacia leaning slightly toward a more direct feel while the RedBlue remains more gentle.
Overall, both the Huano Acacia and SP-Star RedBlue linear switches cater to users seeking a medium-light typing experience, with the Acacia emphasizing smoothness and minimal wobble while the RedBlue focuses on a gentle touch and satisfying sound. While their characteristics differ slightly in sound and feel, both switches are designed to provide an enjoyable typing experience. Therefore, you can expect delightful results from either switch, catering to the preferences of different users without compromising on quality.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch should ultimately align with your preferences regarding typing feel, sound profile, and overall experience. If you value a responsive yet pleasant typing experience straight out of the box and appreciate a relatively quiet operation, the Acacia may be your ideal pick. Its medium-light bottom-out force and generous factory lubrication contribute to its smoothness, making it well-suited for long typing sessions without causing fatigue. However, if you're looking for a slightly firmer switch with a low-pitched, thocky sound profile that adds a satisfying auditory element to your typing, then the RedBlue is worth considering. Its mild and polished feel enhances overall comfort while providing an engaging auditory feedback. In summary, choose the Acacia for an immediate and smooth typing experience with minimal noise, or opt for the RedBlue when you desire a deeper sound and a slightly firmer feel during your typing activities. Ultimately, both switches offer unique benefits tailored to different user preferences, so consider what characteristics matter most to you in your keyboard experience.
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