Huano Acacia vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the options can be vast and varied, but two contenders worth exploring are the Huano Acacia linear switches and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switches. The Acacia switches are revered for their medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, offering a smooth typing experience right out of the box, making them an excellent choice for those who favor a seamless and quiet keystroke. In contrast, the TTC Silent Brown switches provide a tactile typing experience characterized by a satisfying rounded bump and a light-medium resistance. Additionally, their muted sound profile makes them ideal for quieter environments where distractions should be minimized. Ultimately, your choice may hinge on whether you prefer a silky-smooth press without tactile feedback, like the Acacia, or a more pronounced tactile sensation, as offered by the Silent Brown. 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
63.5g
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
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Acacia and the TTC Silent Brown, it's noteworthy that both switches utilize similar materials for their top and bottom housings. Both models feature polycarbonate for the top housing, which notably contributes to a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of each keystroke, resulting in an articulate sound experience. Additionally, both switches benefit from the translucency of polycarbonate, making them ideal choices for users who wish to utilize RGB lighting in their keyboard setups. This joint use of polycarbonate in the top housing ensures that users of either switch can expect a consistent high-quality auditory feedback when the keys are engaged.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials of both switches are made from nylon, a traditional choice in mechanical switch design that greatly influences the tactile experience and sound. The softer qualities of nylon lead to a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound than the stiffer plastics typically used for the top housing. Users will experience a rounder auditory feedback when typing on the switches, adding a nuanced textural element to the keystrokes. As both the Huano Acacia and the TTC Silent Brown utilize the same nylon bottom housing, the result is a rich yet subdued sound that's common among switches with this material composition.
Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in both the Huano Acacia and the TTC Silent Brown allows for a well-rounded sound profile—crisp highs from the polycarbonate top and deeper lows from the nylon bottom. While each switch has inherent qualities influenced by its specific materials, the fundamental acoustic and tactile experiences remain similar across both models. This shared material approach ensures that typing on either switch elicits a complementary sound and feel, making the choice between them more a matter of personal preference rather than a significant disparity in performance.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning that they require the same amount of pressure to register a keystroke. However, they differ significantly in their bottom out forces. The Acacia switch has a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Silent Brown switch has a noticeably heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This indicates that the Acacia is lighter overall, making it potentially more comfortable for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons for those who prefer less resistance. Conversely, the heavier bottom out force of the Silent Brown may appeal to users seeking a more substantial tactile feel. Therefore, while both switches offer a similar actuation experience, their differing bottom out forces provide distinct typing experiences, catering to varying user preferences in terms of weight and resistance.
Travel distance
The Huano Acacia linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch differ in their travel distances, with the Acacia measuring 3.5 mm and the Silent Brown at 3.8 mm. This means the Acacia offers a shorter travel distance compared to the slightly longer Silent Brown. Gamers may favor the Acacia for its quicker response time, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a more responsive feel during rapid keystrokes. Conversely, the Silent Brown, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to users who appreciate a more pronounced actuation and a tactile feedback, as it provides a bit more depth in the keypress. Ultimately, the preference between the two switches will depend on individual touch sensitivity and typing style, with those who enjoy a more abrupt response leaning towards the Acacia, while those who prefer a fuller keypress might opt for the Silent Brown.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $5.00.
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 switch is not explicitly described, but given its medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication, it likely produces a sound profile that is balanced and pleasant for typing, potentially leaning towards a quieter operation. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown switch is specifically characterized by its muted sound profile, which effectively dampens the usual mechanical keyboard noises. This makes it an ideal choice for environments where minimizing sound is important. The soft sound produced by the Silent Brown could appeal to typists seeking a more discreet experience without sacrificing the rich feel of a mechanical switch.
When discussing feel, the Huano Acacia switch is highlighted for providing an excellent typing experience straight out of the box due to its minimal stem wobble and sufficient lubrication, which likely results in a smooth, reliable keystroke. Conversely, the TTC Silent Brown switch offers a distinct tactile feedback experience with its mild resistance and a satisfying rounded bump. Its buttery, polished feel, combined with a gentle typing experience, positions it as an ergonomic option for users seeking comfort and a refined touch. Thus, while the Acacia focuses more on a consistent typing experience, the Silent Brown adds a tactile dimension that could enhance overall satisfaction.
In conclusion, both the Huano Acacia and TTC Silent Brown switches provide enjoyable typing experiences, albeit in slightly different ways. The Acacia is likely to deliver a balanced sound profile and a smooth feel, making it great for uninterrupted typing. Meanwhile, the Silent Brown stands out with its muted auditory output and tactile feedback, appealing to those who value a discrete yet satisfying keystroke. Ultimately, choosing between them may come down to personal preferences for sound and tactile feedback characteristics, as both switches are designed to maximize comfort and performance in their own right.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, you should consider your personal preferences regarding typing feel, sound, and intended usage. If you are looking for a switch that offers a medium-light resistance and a smooth, nearly effortless keystroke experience, the Acacia is a fantastic choice. Its generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble create a refined typing experience that feels polished and enjoyable right from the start, making it particularly suitable for those who prioritize speed and fluidity, such as gamers or prolific typists. On the other hand, if you prefer tactile feedback with a satisfying bump and a slightly heavier resistance, the Silent Brown is ideal. Its muted sound profile appeals to users who desire a quieter typing experience without sacrificing the tactile sensation, making it great for office environments or shared spaces where noise might be an issue. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your specific needs for typing style, sound preferences, and the environments in which you'll be using your keyboard.
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