Huano Acacia vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, user preferences often dictate the best choice for personal typing experiences, and two distinct options that embody this diversity are the Huano Acacia and the Durock Sea Glass, both linear switches but with their own unique characteristics. The Acacia is celebrated for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, providing a consistently buttery smooth typing experience right out of the box, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize comfort and efficiency during long typing sessions. In contrast, the Sea Glass switch is a visual treat, offering a stunning array of pastel colors while delivering a typing feel characterized by a distinct dryness and weightlessness, despite its 62g bottom-out force. This switch's airiness, combined with a hollow sound signature, makes it an enticing option for users seeking a unique auditory experience. Ultimately, your choice may hinge on whether you value the polished ease of the Acacia or the ethereal sensation of the Sea Glass. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Acacia and the Durock Sea Glass switches, notable differences in sound profiles and material compositions are evident. The Acacia features a polycarbonate top housing that contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, creating a clear, resonant audio experience. This is largely due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which enhances sound clarity, especially when considering RGB lighting in its design. In contrast, the Sea Glass employs a unique blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its top housing, which results in a contrasting sound profile that is described as pleasantly bright, yet not overly sharp. This indicates that, while both switches utilize plastics for their top housings, the materials produce distinctly different auditory experiences due to their inherent properties.
The bottom housing also showcases differences between the two models, reflecting their unique characteristics. The Acacia has a nylon bottom housing, a classic choice known for its ability to absorb sound and deliver a deeper, fuller sound profile. This softer plastic provides a rounder auditory experience, balancing the sharper tones of its polycarbonate counterpart. Conversely, the Sea Glass switch also features a polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend in its bottom housing, which, similar to the top housing, produces a brighter sound that retains pleasant qualities. However, since the Sea Glass relies on a blend, it may not achieve the same level of sound absorption as the pure nylon of the Acacia, potentially offering a different overall feel when typing.
Ultimately, the combination of the top and bottom housing materials influences the overall performance of both switches, and their differing approaches yield varied results. For the Acacia, the polycarbonate top and nylon bottom work harmoniously to create a clear and resonant typing experience with a rich bottom-out feel. In contrast, the Sea Glass balances its brightness from materials in both top and bottom housings, leading to a cohesive experience which remains pleasant without becoming overly sharp. Although both switches utilize nylon in their bottom housings, the variation in the top housing material results in a distinct typing experience, proving that even subtle changes in housing materials can significantly affect sound and feel in mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, both exhibit a similar actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally accessible for typing and gaming. However, their bottom out forces differ significantly, with the Acacia featuring a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Sea Glass requires a heavier push at 62 grams. Consequently, the Acacia switch is the lighter option overall, which may be preferable for users who favor extended typing sessions or lighter key presses. In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass, with its higher bottom out force, provides a more substantial feel, appealing to those who appreciate a stronger keystroke. Overall, both switches ensure a similar experience during the actuation phase, but users can expect a differing tactile experience when reaching the bottom out.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, the Acacia has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Sea Glass features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that if you're looking for a quicker response time, the Acacia, with its shorter travel distance, would likely be the better option. Conversely, the Sea Glass, with its deeper travel, may provide a more substantial feel that some users prefer. For gamers seeking nimble key presses, the Acacia's 3.5 mm distance may offer a more responsive experience, whereas those who appreciate a more pronounced key action could gravitate towards the Sea Glass for its 3.8 mm travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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 a relatively muted but pleasant auditory profile, ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience without distractions. The sound it produces is well-balanced and gentle, which complements its design aimed at providing a smooth experience. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass switches feature a uniquely hollow sound signature, presenting a distinctively airy quality. This hollow sound, although potentially perceived as less substantial, contributes to a certain charm and character that can be engaging for users. It's worth noting that the final sound produced by either switch will vary based on the choice of keyboard chassis and keycaps used, so both switches can offer variability in auditory feedback.
When examining the feel, the Acacia switch stands out with its medium-light weight that ensures a comfortable typing experience. The generous factory lubrication contributes to a smooth keystroke with minimal stem wobble, making every press feel solid and reliable. In contrast, the Sea Glass switch is noted for its frictionless nature, which provides an exceptionally smooth and effort-free experience. With a feathery touch and easy-to-press qualities, typing becomes almost effortless, significantly reducing finger fatigue during extended use. Despite the differences in mechanics, both switches prioritize a pleasant tactile experience, catering to users seeking comfort in their keyboard interactions.
In conclusion, while the Huano Acacia linear switch offers a stable, soft sound profile and a well-rounded feel that suits a broad spectrum of typists, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch captivates with its airy and unique tonal character and frictionless operation. Users seeking a smooth, comfortable typing experience will find both switches deliver on that front, albeit in different stylistic ways. Whether one values a quiet typing experience or is intrigued by a more unique auditory flair, both options present their merits and can achieve similar satisfying results, making them commendable choices in the realm of mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
To summarize, your choice between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you prefer a lighter switch with a medium-light actuation force of 55 grams, the Acacia is ideal for you, especially if you value an excellent out-of-the-box typing experience, thanks to its generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble. This makes it a great fit for long typing sessions or general office work, providing a comfortable, easy-to-press feel that minimizes finger fatigue. In contrast, if you're looking for a switch with a bit more resistance and a unique aesthetic appeal, the Durock Sea Glass—with its medium bottom-out force of 62 grams—offers a captivating typing experience marked by its frictionless, mild, and feathery feel, along with a distinct hollow sound signature. The Sea Glass is an excellent choice if you value smoothness and want a keyboard that stands out visually, making it suitable for both casual use and gaming. Ultimately, consider your priorities—whether it's a lighter, more effortless typing experience or a slightly firmer, visually striking option—to determine which switch suits your lifestyle best.
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