Huano Acacia vs. TTC Silent Red

Overview

When choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, two popular linear options are the Huano Acacia and the TTC Silent Red, each catering to different preferences. The Huano Acacia is celebrated for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, providing an exceptional typing experience that feels responsive and satisfying right out of the box. In contrast, the TTC Silent Red prioritizes a quiet operation, making it an ideal choice for those in environments where noise can be a distraction. With a smooth, consistent feel throughout the keystroke and a padded bottom-out that enhances comfort, the Silent Reds offer a muted sound profile perfect for office or shared living spaces. While both switches deliver a pleasant linear experience, they cater to different user needs—whether you prioritize a cushy, quiet typing experience or a more tactile, straightforward keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Huano Acacia Linear

TTC Silent Red Linear

$3.39 per 10

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

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Housing materials

The Huano Acacia and TTC Silent Red switches share a commonality in their use of polycarbonate for their top housing, which contributes significantly to their acoustic properties. Both switches exhibit a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile primarily due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. This material's characteristics allow for a clearer, more resonant sound, making it ideal for applications requiring good audio feedback. Furthermore, the translucent nature of polycarbonate maximizes the effectiveness of RGB lighting, offering an aesthetic appeal that both switch models capitalize on. As a result, users can expect a similar auditory experience when utilizing either switch, further enhanced by the visual effects of backlighting.

In contrast, the bottom housing of both the Acacia and Silent Red switches utilizes nylon, a well-regarded material in the mechanical switch community. Nylon's softer composition leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it absorbs sound energy rather than amplifying it. This inherent quality of nylon results in a more muted bottom-out sound, creating a pleasing feedback mechanism when typing or gaming. This contrast between the polycarbonate top and nylon bottom in both switches functions harmoniously, balancing the clarity of the top with the warmth and depth of the bottom housing, ensuring an enriched typing experience across both models.

Ultimately, while both the Huano Acacia and TTC Silent Red switches leverage similar materials for their top and bottom housings, the individual sound profiles created by their specific configurations allow users to experience a unique auditory and tactile sensation. The synergy between the stiff polycarbonate and soft nylon ensures that the switch’s overall performance remains consistent, providing users with a well-rounded experience. This alignment in material choice implies that similar typing dynamics and acoustic results can be expected from either brand, giving users the advantage of versatile switch functionality paired with aesthetic considerations.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, both switches feature the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them similarly light and suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience for prolonged use, such as during long work sessions or gaming. However, the differences become apparent when looking at their bottom out forces. The Acacia has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is notably lighter than the Silent Red's bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This means while both switches feel similar when initially pressed, the Acacia provide a softer landing when a key is fully depressed, making it better for those who like a more delicate feel, whereas the Silent Red's heavier bottom out force may appeal to users who prefer a more robust and substantial typing experience. In summary, the Huano Acacia is the lighter option overall, providing a gentler feel, while the TTC Silent Red leans towards a heavier, more forceful keypress during bottoming out.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, it's evident that they differ slightly. The Huano Acacia has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it the shorter option, while the TTC Silent Red has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, which is longer. This difference may affect user preference: gamers and those seeking quicker response times might lean towards the Acacia for its shorter travel distance, while others who appreciate a more substantial feel may favor the Silent Red. Both switches fall within contemporary travel distance preferences, but those who enjoy a pronounced keystroke experience may find the 3.7 mm travel of the Silent Red more to their liking.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Huano Acacia linear switch is known for delivering a pleasant typing experience, though specific sound characteristics have not been detailed. In contrast, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is recognized for its muted sound profile, producing a softer and quieter experience that minimizes the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards. This makes the Silent Reds an excellent choice for those operating in shared or quieter environments, where the reduction of auditory distraction is paramount. Ultimately, while the Acacia's exact sound traits remain unspecified, it may offer a more traditional mechanical sound that is still relatively moderate compared to more clacky options.

In terms of feel, the Huano Acacia switch gains high marks for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, which together create a satisfying typing experience right from the start. Although the specific descriptors for feel regarding the Acacia switch aren't provided, we can infer a positive typing sensation. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red switch is characterized by its buttery smoothness, mild pressure, and polished touch. The seamless keystroke experience, combined with its gentle typing dynamics, presents a user-friendly sensation suitable for both casual and longer typing sessions. The perceived quality of the Silent Red's feel, combined with its padded bottom-out, makes it particularly comforting during extensive use.

In conclusion, both the Huano Acacia and TTC Silent Red linear switches prioritize a smooth typing experience but cater to slightly different preferences in terms of sound and feel. While the Acacia may offer a more traditional yet pleasant auditory feedback, the Silent Red provides a notably muted experience, excellent for noise-sensitive environments. In terms of feel, the Acacia's well-balanced typing dynamics compete closely with the buttery, polished touch of the Silent Red, though exact comparisons depend on individual preferences. Ultimately, you're likely to achieve a satisfying typing experience with both switches, though the settings and environment may influence your choice based on sound preference and the desire for a quiet, efficient typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, your decision should hinge on your specific typing preferences and environment. If you prefer a lighter key press and enjoy a smooth typing experience right out of the box without needing extensive modifications, the Acacia switch may be your ideal choice. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams, combined with generous factory lubrication, allows for comfortable typing across various tasks, making it suitable for both gaming and general use. However, if you often type in quiet environments, such as offices or shared living spaces, and prioritize noise reduction, the TTC Silent Red will likely serve you better. With a heavier bottom-out force of 63.5 grams and a muted sound profile, these switches offer a buttery and polished feel, ensuring that you can type silently without compromising on comfort. Ultimately, consider the setting in which you'll be using your keyboard and whether you value lightweight responsiveness or a more substantial, quieter feel.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Acacia Linear

$3.39 per 10

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TTC Silent Red Linear

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

Learn more