Huano Acacia vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Acacia and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) present two distinct yet appealing options tailored to different preferences in typing experience. The Acacia, known for its medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication, offers a smooth and enjoyable typing feel straight out of the box, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate a linear switch that prioritizes even keystrokes and minimal stem wobble. On the other hand, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) stands out with its hall effect design, delivering a well-balanced experience that strikes a perfect chord between auditory satisfaction and tactile response. Its dustproof stem contributes to an exceptional level of smoothness and stability, appealing to enthusiasts who seek that coveted "thock" sound without sacrificing the overall feel of each keystroke. Both switches cater to specific typing styles and user preferences, making them worthy contenders in the mechanical keyboard landscape. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Huano Acacia and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) share notable similarities that contribute significantly to their overall sound profile and aesthetics. Both switches feature polycarbonate in their top housing, which is known for its stiffness and translucency. This material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, allowing for a clear resonance when the keys are pressed. The polycarbonate's clarity also plays an essential role in enhancing RGB lighting effects, making both switches appealing for gamers and typists who appreciate vibrant lighting customization. The shared use of polycarbonate in the top housing ensures that both switches will produce an engaging auditory experience when activated.
In contrast, the bottom housing of the two switches utilizes nylon, which offers a distinctively different sound profile compared to polycarbonate. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound when typing. This material complements the characteristics of the polycarbonate top housing by softening the overall auditory feedback while still allowing the key to maintain its distinct sharpness when engaged. The presence of nylon serves to balance out the high-pitched notes brought by the polycarbonate, creating a well-rounded sound experience for both switches.
Despite the differences in sound characteristics from their bottom housings, the combination of polycarbonate tops and nylon bottoms in both the Huano Acacia and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) leads to a cohesive and tailored auditory response. Users can expect that while the typing experience will convey different pitches and depths, both switches will successfully combine the properties of their respective materials to deliver a satisfying and resonant typing experience. Therefore, although they might feel and sound slightly different due to the material compositions, the complementary nature of polycarbonate and nylon means that users will appreciate the unique yet familiar auditory signature present in both options.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch with a medium-light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams to the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, we can notice some significant differences in their feel and performance. The Acacia switch requires more force to actuate and bottom out, making it better suited for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2), being lighter, offers a softer touch, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming where rapid key presses are advantageous. Consequently, for those looking for a lighter switch, the Sticky Rice (V2) is the superior choice. Additionally, the bottom out force of both switches reflects their overall feel; the Acacia switch's higher bottom out force could contribute to a more tactile response, while the Sticky Rice (V2) allows for quicker, less strenuous keystrokes.
Travel distance
Both the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making their actuation distances identical. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either switch, users will experience the same travel distance, resulting in comparable tactile feedback and key responsiveness. Since they share the same travel distance, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of how far the switch moves when engaged.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sticky Rice (V2) for $6.79.
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
When it comes to sound, the Huano Acacia linear switch is known for its pleasant auditory experience, characterized by a smooth sound profile that lacks any harshness, making it suitable for quiet environments. The generous factory lubrication further enhances the sound quality, ensuring that keystrokes are not only smooth but also relatively muted. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) boasts a more defined acoustic character, providing a neutral sound signature that leans towards the "thock" sound cherished by many keyboard enthusiasts. While both switches offer a satisfying auditory experience, the subtle distinctions in their sound signatures can enhance or detract from the overall typing experience, and individual preferences, along with board and keycap choices, will play a significant role in determining the final sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Huano Acacia linear switch excels with its medium-light weight and minimal stem wobble, which contribute to a responsive and comfortable typing experience right out of the box. The generous lubrication makes for smooth keystrokes that encourage longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) offers a similarly exceptional feel, marked by a super smooth keystroke facilitated by a dustproof stem that effectively reduces wobble. This refinement in feel allows for a balanced typing experience, making it ideal for those who appreciate nuanced tactile sensations without the interruptions of stem movement. While both switches provide smooth performance, the Acacia may feel slightly lighter while the Sticky Rice (V2) delivers a more anchored typing sensation.
In summary, both the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch provide unique yet enjoyable experiences for keyboard enthusiasts. The sound characteristics vary, with the Acacia producing a softer sound and the Sticky Rice (V2) achieving that sought-after "thock." In terms of feel, both switches are designed for smooth, comfortable keystrokes, although the Acacia is slightly lighter in weight. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference regarding sound and feel, but either option promises an excellent typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you appreciate a medium-light weight with a bottom-out force of 55 grams, the Acacia switch is an excellent option. Its generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble provide a seamless typing experience right out of the box, making it great for users who value a reliable and smooth keystroke. On the other hand, if you're drawn to a lighter key press with a bottom-out force of only 50 grams, the Sticky Rice (V2) may be more suited to your needs. This switch offers a balanced feel and a satisfying "thock" sound signature, perfect for enthusiasts who enjoy a refined tactile sensation and a quieter typing experience. Ultimately, if you prioritize ease of use and a streamlined typing experience, opt for the Acacia. However, if you value a very smooth keystroke and subtle acoustics, go for the Sticky Rice (V2). Both switches are designed to enhance your typing experience, so consider what specifics matter most to you as you make your decision.
Mentioned in this article
