Huano Acacia vs. TTC Speed Silver

Overview

When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Acacia and TTC Speed Silver stand out as impressive options, each with its unique qualities catering to different preferences. The Huano Acacia is celebrated for its medium-light weight, exceptional factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, delivering a comfortable and satisfying typing experience right from the start. This switch is particularly appealing for those who appreciate a smooth and consistent feel during long typing sessions. In contrast, the TTC Speed Silver is designed for speed enthusiasts, boasting a light-medium level of resistance and an optimized sound profile. With a reduced travel distance, the Speed Silver allows for rapid and precise actuation, making it an ideal choice for gamers and typists who prioritize responsiveness. Both switches showcase their strengths, making them worthy contenders for your keyboard setup; 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 Speed Silver Linear

$3.39 per 10

$6.00

$4.58 per 10

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Housing materials

The Huano Acacia and TTC Speed Silver switches exhibit notable similarities in their top housing materials, as both feature polycarbonate. This choice of material in the top housing is significant because polycarbonate is known for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The inherent stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to this audibly clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, both switches benefit from the translucency of polycarbonate, making them suitable for RGB lighting applications. This means that both the Acacia and Speed Silver switches can achieve an aesthetically pleasing visual effect when illuminated, enhancing their appeal for users who prioritize both sound quality and visual aesthetics in their mechanical keyboards.

Contrasting with their top housings, the Acacia and Speed Silver both utilize nylon for their bottom housings. Nylon is recognized as a classic material in the mechanical switch industry, known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb sound more effectively, resulting in a duller and rounder audio experience when typing. Because both switches use nylon for their bottom housing, they maintain consistent sound characteristics in this regard, providing users with a rich typing experience that complements the sharper tones produced by the polycarbonate top.

The overall performance and sound profile of each switch are enhanced by the synergistic effects of their top and bottom housing materials. While the polycarbonate top contributes to crispness and clarity, the nylon bottom enriches the typing experience with warmth and depth. Since both switches deploy the same housing materials—polycarbonate for the top and nylon for the bottom—they are likely to yield similar acoustic results in gameplay or typing scenarios. This effective combination allows users to enjoy a well-rounded auditory experience regardless of which switch they choose, highlighting the performance capabilities inherent to both the Huano Acacia and TTC Speed Silver switches.

Weight

The Huano Acacia and the TTC Speed Silver linear switches boast identical actuation and bottom out forces, both requiring 45 grams for actuation and 55 grams for bottoming out. This similarity means that users can expect a comparable typing experience in terms of keystroke activation and the feel of pressing the switches down fully. Both switches fall into the medium-light category, making them suitable for those who appreciate lighter weight switches for extended typing or gaming sessions, as they reduce finger fatigue. Thus, whether opting for the Acacia or the Speed Silver, users can enjoy a consistent feel and performance, with no discernible difference in the forces required for actuation and bottom out.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, we see a subtle difference that may influence user preference. The Huano Acacia has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the TTC Speed Silver measures slightly shorter at 3.4 mm. This means that the Acacia, with its longer travel distance, potentially offers a more pronounced feel during keypresses, making it a better choice for users who enjoy a more substantial depth. In contrast, the Speed Silver's shorter distance may cater to gamers or those who prioritize responsiveness and quicker actuation. Ultimately, the difference in travel distance, though minor, can affect the typing experience; choosing the Acacia will provide a bit more depth, whereas the Speed Silver may feel more abrupt but responsive.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When considering the sound qualities of the Huano Acacia linear switch, it's noted that it delivers a pleasant auditory experience, likely characterized by a muted and soft sound profile, perfect for those who prefer a quieter environment. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver presents a neutral sound profile, featuring a moderate actuation force and sound output that makes it versatile for both casual and professional settings. Although the Acacia may not be as loud, the Speed Silver’s neutral characteristics further ensure that users can find comfort in both switches without significant auditory disruptions, which means you can enjoy a similar quietness if factors like the keyboard's construction and keycaps are chosen wisely.

In terms of feel, the Acacia switch stands out with its medium-light actuation and a smooth typing experience, aided by generous factory lubrication that minimizes stem wobble for a seamless action. In contrast, the TTC Speed Silver offers a mild and polished experience, allowing for quick, effortless actuation due to its lighter-medium resistance and refined touch. This creates a smooth typing experience that appeals to a wide range of users, ensuring that both switches provide their own distinct yet enjoyable tactile sensations. While the Speed Silver emphasizes speed, the Acacia still offers a pleasing consistency, so both can cater to differing preferences in tactile feedback without straying far from comfort.

Overall, both the Huano Acacia and TTC Speed Silver linear switches provide compelling options for newcomers to the mechanical keyboard community. The Acacia excels in delivering a smooth, quiet typing experience, while the Speed Silver focuses on speed with a neutral yet polished touch. While they differ in some aspects, the smoothness offered by both ensures that users can achieve satisfying performance with either switch. The choice ultimately depends on whether the user prioritizes a quiet, consistent feel or a faster, more responsive typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and needs. If you prioritize a smooth and pleasant typing experience right out of the box, the Acacia switches may be the better option for you. Their generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble contribute to an enjoyable feel, making them suitable for both casual typing and longer typing sessions where comfort is key. On the other hand, if you value speed and precision in your keystrokes, especially in competitive gaming scenarios or fast-paced typing tasks, the TTC Speed Silver switches shine with their reduced travel distance and quick actuation. The Speed Silvers' neutral sound profile makes them versatile enough for various environments, whether you're in a shared workspace or gaming at home. Overall, consider how each of these switches aligns with your typing style and environment to make an informed decision.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Acacia Linear

$3.39 per 10

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TTC Speed Silver Linear

$6.00

$4.58 per 10

Learn more