Huano Acacia vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Acacia and the Gateron Silent Ink Black present intriguing options for users seeking a premium typing experience. The Huano Acacia is celebrated for its medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication, which combine to deliver an exceptional typing experience right from the first tap. With minimal stem wobble, it offers a satisfying balance of responsiveness and stability, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who appreciate tactile precision. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black is tailored for quieter environments where noise reduction is paramount. Its silenced design provides a cushy, pillow-like bottom-out feel, ensuring that each keystroke produces minimal audio feedback—a soothing choice for those who work in shared spaces or simply prefer a more muted typing experience. Both switches have their standout features catering to different preferences; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Acacia and the Gateron Silent Ink Black, notable contrasts can be observed in their top housings. The Acacia utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its increased stiffness. This characteristic allows for a more resonant auditory experience, making it an ideal choice for users who prioritize the clarity of sound when typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black features a proprietary INK blend for its top housing. While the specifics of this blend are unique to Gateron, it shares similarities with polycarbonate in that it also results in a pointed yet not overly harsh sound profile. Despite the different materials, both switches achieve a satisfying auditory feedback, suggesting that they can provide a comparable sound experience, especially for users interested in RGB lighting applications.
Delving into the bottom housing materials, we find further distinctions between the two switches. The Acacia's nylon bottom housing supplies a deeper, fuller sound profile owing to the material's softer characteristics, which absorb sound better than harder plastics. This results in a more muted and rounded auditory experience compared to the sharper sounds produced by harder materials. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black's bottom housing, made from the proprietary INK blend, also emphasizes a high-pitched sound profile but, intriguingly, does not convey the same depth as the nylon. Instead, it offers a satisfying clackiness that contributes to a consistent auditory feedback. Here, while both switches create appealing sounds, the Acacia tends to elicit fuller tones, while the Silent Ink Black might be more appropriate for those seeking a crisp and lively keystroke.
In summary, the differences in top and bottom housing materials between the Huano Acacia and the Gateron Silent Ink Black produce unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The rigidity of polycarbonate paired with the softness of nylon in the Acacia results in a pronounced and deep sound experience, whereas the dual INK blend in the Silent Ink Black is inclined towards sharper, clackier feedback without the same level of depth. However, despite these differences, there remains a commonality in their pursuit of clarity and high-pitched sounds. Ultimately, whether selecting the Acacia or the Silent Ink Black, users can expect to enjoy satisfying auditory cues, though the nature of those sounds will vary depending on the housing materials.
Weight
The Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch differ notably in their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to varying preferences among users. The Acacia features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it suitable for those who enjoy a more effortless typing experience, especially during extended sessions. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black requires a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial and tactile push when typing or gaming. This difference means that while the Acacia allows for easier keystrokes, perfect for prolonged use, the Silent Ink Black provides a firmer feel that some might find more satisfying. Consequently, users seeking a lighter switch may gravitate towards the Acacia, while those desiring a heavier feel would likely prefer the Silent Ink Black.
Travel distance
The Huano Acacia linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing the Acacia switch, you experience a shorter travel before reaching the bottom, which can offer a more responsive feel favored by gamers looking for quick reactions. Conversely, the Silent Ink Black's 4 mm travel provides a more pronounced keypress, appealing to those who appreciate a hearty depth in their keystrokes. If you value immediate feedback and quicker actuation, the Acacia switch would be the preferred choice, whereas the Silent Ink Black might be better suited for those who cherish a more traditional keypress experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference regarding depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 has a quality that lends itself to a moderate level of audio feedback, making it more pronounced compared to other linear switches. However, the sound quality itself isn't specified. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch is characterized by its muted sound profile, which significantly reduces the noise typically associated with mechanical switches. This muted characteristic makes the Silent Ink Black particularly well-suited for quieter environments, allowing for a typing experience that minimizes disturbances.
When looking at the feel of these switches, the Huano Acacia excels with its medium-light weight, delivering a responsive typing experience straight out of the box. Its generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble enhance the overall feel, contributing to a smooth typing motion. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black offers a more luxurious tactile sensation, characterized as silky and polished. This smoothness is a result of reduced friction and a refined finish, allowing for effortless key presses and releases that feel particularly nice over extended typing sessions.
Overall, both the Huano Acacia and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches cater to different preferences but offer quality experiences in their own right. The Acacia is likely to provide a balanced auditory feedback and a smooth typing experience, while the Silent Ink Black prioritizes a quieter environment without sacrificing feel. If you're looking for an enjoyable typing experience, both will deliver great results, albeit in different contexts—acoustic presence versus serene silence.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, your decision should ultimately hinge on your typing environment and personal preference. If you prefer a lighter typing experience with a medium-light force of 55 grams, the Acacia might be your best bet, especially if you value a smoother stroke and minimal resistance right out of the box, thanks to its generous factory lubrication. This switch is ideal for those who enjoy a more tactile feedback and slightly audible sound, making it a great choice for casual or light gaming and everyday typing. On the other hand, if you are seeking a quieter experience, perhaps due to working in a shared space or during late-night sessions, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch, with its medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams, offers a notably muted sound profile. This switch is designed to deliver a silky and polished typing feel, ensuring minimal noise without sacrificing a robust tactile response. Therefore, if you require a keyboard that allows for a cushy bottom-out feel while keeping your surroundings serene, the Silent Ink Black will serve you well. In summary, your choice between these two switches should reflect your specific needs for sound, force, and overall typing experience.
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