Huano Acacia vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the pros and cons of various options to achieve their ideal typing experience. Two notable linear switches that stand out are the Huano Acacia and the Jwick Splash Brothers. The Acacia is renowned for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, providing users with an exceptional typing experience right out of the box. Its design caters to those who appreciate a smooth and responsive feel without the need for extensive customization. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers switches, inspired by the famous basketball duo, boast a unique shorter activation point paired with a long pole stem, delivering a dynamic typing experience characterized by a creamy sound signature. While both switches will appeal to different preferences, the decision between them ultimately boils down to individual needs—whether you prioritize a polished typing feel with the Acacia or a snappy and vibrant experience with the Splash Brothers. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
Both the Huano Acacia and the Jwick Splash Brothers feature a polycarbonate top housing, which significantly influences their sound profiles. The use of polycarbonate in both switches results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to the material's relative stiffness. As a result, users of both switches can expect clear and resonant auditory feedback when typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal, especially for setups that utilize RGB lighting. This commonality in housing materials means that users of both the Acacia and Splash Brothers will enjoy a similar sonic experience when it comes to the top housing.
However, while the top housings of both switches are identical in terms of material and the sound characteristics they impart, the bottom housings differ. The Huano Acacia features a nylon bottom housing, which is known for its ability to absorb sound more effectively due to its softer texture. This results in a deeper and fuller sound with a duller, rounder quality. Conversely, the Jwick Splash Brothers also use nylon for their bottom housing, leading to the same auditory characteristics. This parallel in bottom housing materials indicates that both switches will deliver a similar experiential quality in terms of bottom-out sound and feel, thus achieving a comprehensive sound profile influenced evenly by their respective materials.
While the top and bottom housings are consistent in material between the Acacia and the Splash Brothers, users will find that each switch offers a unique feedback experience based on the interplay of these materials. Since both switches utilize the same polycarbonate material for the top housing, they will resonate similarly and respond with a crisp sound when keys are released. Likewise, the nylon bottom housing in both switches ensures that users can anticipate a rich and rounded auditory experience when pressing down on the keys. Therefore, despite any slight variations in design or branding, the overall acoustic performance and tactile feedback remain consistent across both models, emphasizing how material choice influences the final user experience.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Acacia switch has a medium-light actuation force of 45 grams, which facilitates a balanced typing experience, while the Splash Brothers switch lacks a specified actuation force but features a lower bottom out force of 48 grams, making it feel lighter overall. While the Acacia's bottom out force is 55 grams—indicating a more substantial feel when pressed all the way down—the Splash Brothers offers a lighter touch due to its unknown actuation force and comparatively lower bottom out force. For users who prefer lighter switches for extended typing sessions or gaming, the Splash Brothers would be the better choice. Conversely, those who prefer a heavier push for a more tactile typing experience might lean towards the Huano Acacia. Ultimately, the Acacia switch provides a more pronounced feel, whereas the Splash Brothers offers ease and comfort.
Travel distance
Both the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch have an identical travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that users can expect a similar tactile experience when pressing down on keys equipped with either switch, as the distance traveled before registering a keystroke is the same. Consequently, gamers and typists looking for consistent performance across both switches will find they achieve similar results in terms of key responsiveness and activation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Huano Acacia comes in at $3.39, whereas the Jwick Splash Brothers comes in at $2.49.
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 is designed to offer a well-balanced acoustic profile that falls into a neutral category. This makes it suitable for a wide range of environments, whether you're at home or in an office setting, as it produces a moderate sound level that won't disturb others. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers switches are noted for their creamy sound signature, which adds a touch of character to each keystroke. While both switches are presumably quiet enough for shared spaces, the Splash Brothers may provide a more pleasant auditory experience for those who appreciate a unique sound profile.
Regarding feel, the Acacia switch delivers a smooth typing experience equipped with medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication, ensuring minimal stem wobble. This combination allows for comfortable long typing sessions straight out of the box. In contrast, the Splash Brothers excel in their dynamic feel, offering features such as a shorter activation distance and a long pole stem. This results in a typing experience that feels snappy, bouncy, and polished, making it extraordinarily responsive and lively. The mild characteristics of the Splash Brothers ensure a gentle typing experience that remains approachable for a variety of users.
In conclusion, both the Huano Acacia and Jwick Splash Brothers linear switches provide a compelling typing experience with their unique attributes. While the Acacia leans towards a more neutral sound and smooth feel, the Splash Brothers offer a creamy sound with a dynamic and lively typing engagement. Ultimately, your choice may depend on whether you prioritize a neutral acoustic environment or a more vivid tactile experience, but both switches have the potential to meet diverse user preferences effectively.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Acacia and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switches, your personal preferences and usage scenarios will guide your choice. If you appreciate a medium-light actuation force for a balanced typing experience and enjoy minimal stem wobble with smoothness from factory lubrication, the Acacia switch is an excellent option. It caters well to those who type frequently or desire a reliable and robust feel for both work and casual use. However, if you're aiming for a lighter switch that enhances your typing speed and provides a snappy, responsive feel with a creamy sound signature, the Splash Brothers are likely the better fit. Their unique design promotes a more dynamic typing experience, ideal for gamers or anyone who values rapid key actuation. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize a more traditional typing feel and sound (Acacia) or a speed-focused and tactile experience (Splash Brothers). Both switches have their merits, so consider how each aligns with your specific typing style and environment.
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