Huano Acacia vs. Huano Sakura

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches for your typing needs, the Huano Acacia and Huano Sakura stand out as two compelling linear options, each with its unique characteristics. The Acacia switches are appreciated for their medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, which together provide a smooth typing experience right out of the box, making them ideal for users who enjoy a balanced feel with minimal resistance. In contrast, the Sakura switches are designed for those who prefer a feather-light touch and medium acoustics, perfect for extended typing sessions without fatigue. While both switches cater to different user preferences, the Acacia leans towards providing a more robust experience, while the Sakura emphasizes a lighter touch for comfort. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Huano Acacia Linear

Huano Sakura Linear

$3.39 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials used in the Huano Acacia and Huano Sakura switches exhibit both similarities and differences that contribute to their respective sound profiles and overall performance. The Acacia utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper and crisper sound due to its stiffness. This material also allows for enhanced RGB lighting display because of its translucency, making it visually attractive and functional for gamers and typists alike who appreciate aesthetics alongside performance. In contrast, the Sakura employs a POK (polyketone) top housing, which is also designed for high performance, but brings a different texture and sound. While POK's higher coefficient of friction offers a smoother feel compared to other plastics, it still results in a sound profile that is characterized as clacky and durable. Therefore, while both materials serve the purpose of efficient sound transmission, the nature of their sounds diverges due to their inherent properties.

Conversely, when it comes to the bottom housing, both the Acacia and Sakura utilize nylon, a classic choice known for its deeper and fuller sound profile. The sonic characteristics of nylon stem from its softer plastic composition, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder materials. As a result, this commonality between the bottom housings means that both switches will likely produce similar bottom-out sounds and tactile feels when pressed. The depth and roundness of the sound generated by the nylon bottom housing create a cohesive auditory experience, regardless of the differing materials used in the top housing. Thus, in terms of the bottom housing, the Huano switches align closely, leading to comparable keypress feedback.

When evaluating the overall switch performance, the combination of the different top and bottom housing materials results in a fascinating interplay between acoustics and tactile response. The Acacia’s polycarbonate top contributes to a brighter sound on key release, while the Sakura’s POK top yields a smoother feel with a clackier sound. The nylon bottom in both switches, however, ties them together by imparting a deeper sound characterization during the actuation phase. Therefore, switch performance in these two models demonstrates how varying the top housing can uniquely affect the acoustic signature, while the consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures an enjoyable and familiar typing experience. Ultimately, the distinct materials in the Huano Acacia and Sakura create an intricate harmony of sound and feel, tailored to different preferences.

Weight

The Huano Acacia linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch offer distinct experiences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences among users. The Acacia features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light option. In contrast, the Sakura has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, classifying it as a light switch. This means that for those who prefer lighter switches for prolonged typing sessions or gaming, the Sakura may be the more beneficial choice. On the other hand, the Acacia, with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, might appeal to users seeking a more substantial typing experience. Thus, while both switches have a clear differentiation in their forces—making the Sakura the lighter option and the Acacia the heavier—individual preference plays a crucial role in determining which switch would be more suitable based on desired tactile feedback and fatigue considerations during extended use.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, we find that the Acacia has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Sakura measures slightly longer at 3.6 mm. This means that users who favor a shorter travel distance for quicker response times may prefer the Acacia, as it offers a more agile feel. In contrast, those who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience with a bit more depth would likely lean towards the Sakura, which provides that extra millimeter for a fuller keypress. Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference, with the Acacia being the shorter option and the Sakura offering a longer travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Huano Acacia linear switch features a medium acoustics profile, striking a balance that allows for a satisfying yet unobtrusive sound during typing. This makes it suitable for environments where noise might be a concern, but still provides enough auditory feedback to reassure the user that the keys are being registered. Conversely, the Huano Sakura switch also falls into the category of medium acoustics, creating a similarly pleasant auditory experience. The combination of its feather-light touch and medium sound can accommodate users looking for a quieter typing environment, particularly during lengthy sessions. It's worth noting that the sound produced by both of these switches can be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps used, leading to a rich variety of experiences.

When it comes to feel, the Acacia switch is characterized by its medium-light weight, which contributes to a responsive typing experience. Coupled with generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, users can expect smooth key presses that enhance overall enjoyment, whether typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Sakura switch offers a feather-light touch, making it even easier to actuate keys with minimal effort. This feature is particularly beneficial for users engaging in long typing sessions, as it reduces finger fatigue. While both switches provide a smooth typing experience, the lighter actuation of the Sakura may cater more towards those who prefer a near-effortless action.

In conclusion, both the Huano Acacia and Huano Sakura linear switches deliver enjoyable typing experiences but cater to slightly different preferences. The Acacia offers a balanced sound and a medium-light feel that appeals to a wide variety of users, while the Sakura’s feather-light actuation is designed for those who prioritize ease of use, especially during extended typing. Even though their sound profiles are comparable, the distinct feel of each switch allows users to select one based on their personal typing style and needs—both can lead to satisfying results depending on one's preferences.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Acacia and Huano Sakura linear switches, your personal preferences and typing habits play a crucial role. If you enjoy a medium-light actuation force combined with a smooth and enjoyable typing experience right out of the box, the Acacia is likely to be your go-to option. Its generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble offer an excellent tactile response, making it a great choice for both typing and gaming sessions where precision matters. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch for extended typing periods, the Sakura switches, with their feather-light actuation force and medium acoustic profile, will provide the comfort you need. These switches excel in creating a less fatiguing experience during long hours of use, especially for those who prioritize speed and efficiency in their keystrokes. Ultimately, let your typing style and sound preferences guide your decision, ensuring that your mechanical keyboard experience is tailored perfectly to your needs.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Acacia Linear

$3.39 per 10

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Huano Sakura Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more