Huano Acacia vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, choosing the right one can significantly affect your typing experience, and two noteworthy contenders in the linear category are the Huano Acacia and the Gateron Smoothie Silver. The Acacia switch is celebrated for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, providing an excellent typing experience immediately upon use. This makes it an attractive option for those who value smooth, consistent keystrokes without the need for extensive customization. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver is known for its all-POM construction, short travel distance, and lightning-fast actuation. With its thocky sound profile and unparalleled smoothness, this switch caters to gamers and typists looking for quick responses and a feather-light touch. While both switches offer unique benefits that appeal to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community, 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
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Huano Acacia and Gateron Smoothie Silver switches utilize different housing materials for their tops, which fundamentally affects their sound profiles and overall typing experience. The Acacia features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiff structure, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This rigidity allows for a more resonant auditory experience, especially when combined with RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate enhances light diffusion. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver employs a POM top housing, which produces a deeper, more muted sound. This divergence in material choice highlights how the top housing influences the auditory response when releasing a key, providing two distinctly different experiences despite both being aimed at delivering quality performance.
When we turn our attention to the bottom housings of these switches, we find some similarities in material choice but also notable differences. The Acacia employs a nylon bottom housing, which is characterized by its softer composition that absorbs sound, contributing to a fuller and rounder sound profile. Conversely, the Smoothie Silver's POM bottom housing, while also known for generating a deeper sound, offers its own unique auditory qualities that are pleasing but distinctively muted compared to nylon. Though the materials contribute differently to the switching experience, both are designed to complement the typing feel and can create a satisfying auditory feedback upon bottoming out. The nuances in texture and sound can greatly impact one’s tactile experience while typing.
Ultimately, the overall result of the switch's performance is a combination of the materials used in both the top and bottom housings. In cases where the top and bottom housings differ, like in the Acacia and Smoothie Silver, the sound and feel upon actuation and release will showcase contrasting characteristics. The Acacia’s combination of a crisp polycarbonate top paired with a soft nylon bottom creates a sharper release sound and a deeper bottom-out response. The Smoothie Silver, with its POM top and bottom housing, presents a cohesive muted sound profile that is pleasant yet distinctively different. Thus, while both switches may result in satisfying sound and tactile feedback, they do so in fundamentally different ways, catering to individual preferences in the keyboard experience.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, both exhibit the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally easy to press down for triggering a keystroke. This similarity suggests that users seeking a smooth typing experience without excessive strain will find both switches suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force differs significantly; the Acacia switch has a bottom out force of 55 grams, indicating a firmer resistance when pressing down completely. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Smoothie Silver is unknown, leaving its overall resistance and feel somewhat ambiguous. This uncertainty means that while the two switches have an equivalent actuation force, the tactile feedback and overall typing experience with the Smoothie Silver may vary. Consequently, the Huano Acacia can be considered the heavier switch due to its defined bottom out force, while the Smoothie Silver remains lighter but with an unclear bottoming experience. Users looking for a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Acacia, whereas those who favor a potentially lighter touch without definitive feedback might lean towards the Smoothie Silver.
Travel distance
The Huano Acacia linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This small difference in travel distance can influence user experience, particularly for those who prioritize responsiveness. The Acacia's longer travel distance may offer a more deliberate feel for users who favor a deeper press, while the Smoothie Silver caters to those seeking quicker response times, which is often preferred by gamers. While both switches sit within the realm of shorter travel distances compared to traditional options, the Acacia's design may appeal to those who appreciate a bit more tactile feedback before bottoming out. Thus, if you're aiming for a more immediate response, the Gateron Smoothie Silver could be the better choice; however, if you prefer a bit of depth in the keystroke, the Huano Acacia is the way to go.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Smoothie Silver has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie Silver for $2.60.
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 linear switch produces a distinct auditory signature that tends to lean towards a softer, more muted tone, thanks to its generous factory lubrication. This results in a typing experience that is quieter and more subdued, making it a suitable option for office environments or shared spaces where noise levels need to be kept in check. Conversely, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch emits a thocky sound, which gives a satisfying auditory feedback distinct from the Acacia. However, it's important to note that the final sound profile will highly depend on the keyboard construction, such as the board material and the keycap choice, so while the Smoothie Silver may be inherently louder due to its design, the sound characteristics can still vary widely.
Regarding feel, the Acacia switch is characterized by its medium-light weight, which allows for a comfortable typing experience that won't fatigue your fingers over prolonged use. Its minimal stem wobble enhances the overall stability during key presses, creating a more reliable tactile engagement. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch boasts a feather-light touch, designed for ultra-fast actuation due to its short travel distance. This makes the Smoothie Silver a compelling choice for gamers or users who prioritize speed and responsiveness. However, this lighter feel may not appeal to users who prefer a more substantial resistance while typing.
Combining the qualities of both switches, it's evident that each has its unique strengths: the Huano Acacia provides a quieter, stable experience ideal for long typing sessions, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver offers a fast and responsive feel complemented by a thocky sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference. If you're looking for an excellent typing experience straight from the box, the Acacia may be your go-to. On the other hand, if speed and a distinctive auditory feedback are more your style, the Smoothie Silver might suit you better. While they cater to slightly different experiences, both switches can help achieve an enjoyable typing journey in their own right.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch largely depends on your preferences and typing style. If you prefer a balanced typing experience with a medium-light weight that allows for comfortable extended use, the Acacia may be the better choice for you; its generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble provide an excellent feel right from the start. On the other hand, if you seek a switch that enables rapid keypresses and a feather-light touch, the Smoothie Silver is a fantastic option, particularly for gaming or fast-paced activities, thanks to its short travel distance and unparalleled smoothness. Additionally, if sound profile is important to you, the Acacia offers a more subdued acoustic footprint while the Smoothie Silver produces a thocky sound that might appeal to those looking for auditory feedback. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize a fulfilling typing experience or a swift, responsive action, allowing you to customize your mechanical keyboard setup to suit your personal style.