Huano Acacia vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering options for mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Acacia and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie stand out as two appealing choices for those in search of linear switches. The Acacia is lauded for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, providing an excellent typing experience right out of the box. This switch is particularly suitable for users who appreciate a responsive feel without excessive resistance, making typing both enjoyable and efficient. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offers a medium weight all-POM construction that strikes a balance between affordability and high quality. Known for its thocky sound profile and exceptional smoothness, this switch caters to those who seek auditory feedback while enjoying a fluid typing experience. While both switches share the characteristics of being linear, their unique features cater to different preferences, ultimately enhancing the typing experience in varied ways. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the Huano Acacia and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches, there are notable differences that influence their respective sound profiles. The Huano Acacia features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is largely due to polycarbonate's stiffness, allowing for a more resonant sound that can be accentuated with RGB lighting thanks to its translucency. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie utilizes a POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound. While both materials contribute to the overall acoustics of each switch, they do so in different ways, leading to distinct auditory experiences.
The bottom housing of both switches also showcases different materials that significantly impact the sound profile. The Huano Acacia is constructed with nylon, a classic choice that absorbs more sound due to its softer nature, resulting in a deeper and fuller tone. Conversely, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie's bottom housing is also made from POM, which similarly offers a muted sound but does not possess the same level of sound absorption as nylon. While both switches result in a pleasant auditory experience, the differences in material between the Acacia's nylon bottom housing and the Sea Salt Smoothie's POM contribute to the nuances in sound depth and clarity, particularly noticeable during typing.
When both the top and bottom housings of the switches are compared, it becomes evident that the combination of materials creates a unique sound profile for each switch. The polycarbonate top housing of the Acacia sharpens the sound when keys are released, while the nylon bottom housing helps develop a rounded bottom-out sound. Conversely, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie's POM top and bottom combination emphasizes a deeper and more muted tone throughout the entire keypress. While each switch has its own distinctive qualities due to the different materials used in their housings, users can achieve satisfactory typing experiences with either option based on individual sound preferences, thereby showing that while the houses differ, the overall objective of producing a pleasing sound can be successfully realized.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, we observe distinct differences in their actuation forces. The Acacia has an actuation force of 45 grams, which is considered medium-light, making it a suitable choice for users who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie features a slightly higher actuation force of 48 grams, suggesting a marginally heavier push that some users may find preferable for a more substantial typing experience. However, the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie is unknown, making it challenging to draw a direct comparison with the Acacia's bottom out force of 55 grams. This lack of information means that while the Acacia offers a clear resistance at the bottom of the keystroke, the tactile feedback for the Sea Salt Smoothie remains uncertain. Therefore, if you're inclined toward a lighter typing experience, the Acacia is the better option, while the Sea Salt Smoothie leans slightly heavier, catering to those who desire more resistance in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch differ, with the Acacia featuring a travel distance of 3.5 mm while the Sea Salt Smoothie measures 3.7 mm. This makes the Acacia the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times, as a shorter travel distance can enhance speed and responsiveness. Conversely, the Sea Salt Smoothie's greater travel distance might be favored by those who prefer the more substantial feel of keystrokes, which provides a sense of depth during typing. Thus, if you prioritize a snappier experience, the Huano Acacia would be the better choice, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie would suit those who enjoy a more traditional, deeper key press.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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
The Huano Acacia linear switch offers a sound profile that leans towards being quiet and unobtrusive, making it suitable for environments where noise may be a concern. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch delivers a deeper, thocky sound that enthusiasts often describe as satisfying and rich. Though both switches create a distinct auditory experience, the Sea Salt Smoothie allows for a more pronounced sound signature. It is important to note that the sound produced by either switch can also be influenced by the keyboard's construction, keycap material, and overall design.
When it comes to feel, the Huano Acacia linear switch provides a pleasant typing experience characterized by its medium-light weight and a level of smoothness enhanced by generous factory lubrication. This allows for a comfortable typing experience with minimal resistance. Meanwhile, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, also medium-weight, is praised for its exceptional smoothness, particularly due to its all-POM construction. While both switches aim to deliver a satisfying tactile sensation, the Acacia may cater to those who prefer a slightly lighter touch, while the Sea Salt Smoothie may appeal more to those seeking a robust and ultra-smooth feel.
In summary, both switches offer unique qualities that are likely to please different types of users. The Huano Acacia excels in providing a quiet and unobtrusive sound along with a comfortable, smooth typing experience, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie presents a thocky sound profile and superior smoothness that remains accessible in terms of price. Ultimately, both switches allow users to achieve high-quality mechanical typing experiences, whether one prefers the subtlety of the Acacia or the pronounced characteristics of the Sea Salt Smoothie.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Huano Acacia and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switches largely depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you favor a typing experience that is light and responsive, with a smooth feel right out of the box, the Acacia switch is an excellent choice. With its medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams and generous factory lubrication, it minimizes stem wobble and provides a delightful typing sensation that is particularly appealing for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more robust feel and a distinct thocky sound profile, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie might be the switch for you. This medium-weight switch not only delivers exceptional smoothness but also breaks the price barrier while maintaining quality, making it a compelling option for gamers and typists alike who enjoy a satisfying auditory feedback. Ultimately, both switches bring unique characteristics to the table, allowing you to choose based on whether you prioritize responsiveness or sound quality in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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