Huano Acacia vs. Gateron Smoothie

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard, the switch type can significantly influence both the typing experience and overall enjoyment. The Huano Acacia is celebrated for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, resulting in a reliable and satisfying typing experience right from the start. This switch offers a balanced performance that caters well to both typists and gamers seeking a fluid keystroke. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie differentiates itself with its all-POM construction, boasting an impressive thocky sound profile complemented by remarkable smoothness and a lightweight feel. This switch appeals to users who prioritize auditory feedback and tactile response without paying a premium. With distinct advantages arising from each switch—be it the Acacia's ease of use straight out of the box or the Smoothie's unique sound and feel—selecting the right option ultimately depends on personal preference. 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

Gateron Smoothie Linear

$3.39 per 10

$3.00

$2.60 per 10

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Housing materials

The Huano Acacia and Gateron Smoothie switches use different materials for their top housings, which leads to distinct sound profiles. The Acacia features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to its stiffness. This characteristic allows the switch to resonate more clearly, creating an engaging auditory experience that significantly enhances the RGB lighting aesthetic. In contrast, the Smoothie's top housing is made from POM, which generates a deeper and more muted sound profile. While both materials serve to create distinctive audible qualities, the polycarbonate’s resonant properties lend themselves to a brighter sound, whereas the POM top promotes a darker tonality.

When examining the bottom housings, both the Huano Acacia and Gateron Smoothie utilize materials that contribute to a muted sound profile, albeit in different ways. The Acacia's nylon bottom housing is known for its softer texture, which absorbs sound and generates a fuller, deeper auditory experience. This aspect may be appealing for those seeking a more rounded sound. Conversely, the Smoothie's bottom housing is also made from POM, which similarly results in a deep and muted sound. However, POM's unique properties may lead to varying perceptions of sound quality compared to nylon, given its specific acoustic characteristics. Therefore, while both provide a deeper sound, the nuances in material behavior can affect the overall auditory experience.

In scenarios where the top and bottom housings differ, as seen in the case of the Acacia and Smoothie, the resulting sound profile of each switch will exhibit a blend of characteristics from both materials. For instance, the Acacia's crunchier top sound combined with the richer, deeper qualities of its nylon bottom may create a hybrid auditory profile that is both clear and resonant. In comparison, the Gateron Smoothie merges the muted depth of its POM materials for both the top and bottom, which cultivates a unique sound experience that leans more towards the immersive and rounded side. Understanding these material differences delineates how each switch delivers a distinct typing and auditory feel, allowing enthusiasts to choose according to their preferences.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch with the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom-out forces. The Acacia features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom-out force of 55 grams, placing it in the medium-light range, making it suitable for prolonged typing and gaming sessions without excessive finger fatigue. In contrast, the Smoothie has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, which suggests it may be even easier to press, but its bottom-out force remains unknown. Without the specific bottom-out force for the Smoothie, we cannot compare it directly to the Acacia. However, if the bottom-out force for the Smoothie were to be similar to the Acacia's 55 grams, users would experience a comparable key feel up until the point of bottoming out. Overall, the Acacia is the heavier of the two switches, while the Smoothie, with its lighter actuation force, might be preferable for users seeking a more effortless typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, we see a slight difference in their specifications. The Acacia switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Smoothie boasts a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Smoothie, with its longer travel distance, offers a fuller key press compared to the Acacia. For gamers seeking quick response times, the Acacia's shorter distance may provide a more rapid actuation, catering to those who prefer a more instantaneous feel. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie's additional millimeter may appeal to users who enjoy a deeper and more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for key travel and responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Huano Acacia linear switch hasn’t specified its auditory characteristics, leaving its aural signature unknown. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie switch is celebrated for its thocky sound signature, characterized by a deep and rich tone reminiscent of a satisfying thud or soft knock when pressed. This low-pitched quality provides a mellow and subdued auditory experience, which many users find incredibly satisfying. The acoustic properties of any switch can be influenced by the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps, but the Smoothie's inherent design tends to deliver a consistently pleasing sound profile.

When considering the feel of these switches, the Acacia’s tactile feedback remains unspecified, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons in this aspect. Conversely, the Gateron Smoothie is known for its exceptional typing experience, often described using terms like buttery, creamy, and silky. This indicates that the Smoothie provides a remarkably smooth, seamless, and almost effortless keystroke experience. Users can expect to glide their fingers across the keys effortlessly as these switches minimize resistance and enhance overall fluidity, which makes for a delightful typing sensation.

In conclusion, while the Huano Acacia’s sound and feel characteristics remain undefined, the Gateron Smoothie provides a clear advantage with its thocky, low-pitched sound and remarkably smooth typing experience. If sound is your primary concern, the Smoothie is likely to provide a more engaging auditory experience. As for feel, the Smoothie excels, ensuring a pleasurable typing sensation that may not readily be matched by an unspecified alternative like the Acacia. Ultimately, if you're looking for a smooth and satisfying typing experience with a distinct sound profile, the Gateron Smoothie is the more compelling choice at this time.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and intended use. If you prefer a switch that provides a balanced and satisfying typing experience right out of the box, the Acacia is an excellent choice. Its medium-light actuation force of 55 grams, along with its generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, offers a reliable and pleasant feel, making it suitable for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, if you are drawn to a more luxurious and smooth typing experience and appreciate a thocky sound signature, the Gateron Smoothie may be the better option for you. It boasts an exceptionally smooth keystroke, enhanced by its all-POM construction that provides a buttery, creamy, and silky feel, perfect for those lengthy typing sessions or gamers looking for an edge in responsiveness. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you value immediate, dependable performance or an indulgent, refined tactile experience.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Acacia Linear

$3.39 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Smoothie Linear

$3.00

$2.60 per 10

Learn more