Huano Acacia vs. Huano Strawberry Latte

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Acacia and Huano Strawberry Latte are two excellent linear options that each offer unique advantages. The Acacia is celebrated for its medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication, which provides a smooth and pleasant typing experience with minimal stem wobble right out of the box. On the other hand, the Strawberry Latte boasts a super smooth actuation due to the latest available molds from Huano, resulting in a balanced sound profile that strikes a harmonious middle ground—neither too quiet nor overly resonant. While both switches cater to different preferences—focusing on user experience and sound quality—your choice may ultimately depend on what aspects of typing you prioritize. 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

Huano Strawberry Latte Linear

$3.39 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Acacia and Huano Strawberry Latte switches, we see distinct differences in their top housings. The Acacia utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is known for producing a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This property not only enhances the clarity of the sound produced but also makes it particularly effective for RGB lighting applications thanks to its translucency. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte features a POK top housing, made from polyketone, which offers smoothness and durability with a slightly higher coefficient of friction. While both materials allow for unique acoustic properties, the use of polycarbonate in the Acacia is likely to create a more pronounced high-end frequency response compared to the smooth and clacky characteristics provided by the POK material in the Strawberry Latte.

On the other hand, both switches employ nylon as their bottom housing material. This design choice means that both the Huano Acacia and Huano Strawberry Latte share a similar acoustic foundation due to nylon’s inherent properties. Nylon is a well-regarded material in the keyboard community for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The shared nylon bottom housing should provide a consistent bottom-out feel and sound between the two models, despite the differing characteristics of their top housings. Consequently, typists can expect a more uniform tactile experience when pressing down on either switch, allowing the distinctive qualities of the top housing materials to shine through upon releasing a key.

Ultimately, the combination of materials in each switch tailors their acoustic and tactile responses to offer different experiences. While the top housing of the Acacia delivers a more crystalline sound due to its polycarbonate construction, the smooth clackiness of the Strawberry Latte's POK material allows for a more pleasant auditory feedback with a softer finish. However, both switches maintain the same bottom housing material, which enhances durability and introduces a warm, rounded sound profile. Overall, those who appreciate the nuances of key switch acoustics will find that while the top housings provide distinct personalities, the fundamental characteristics imparted by the nylon bottom housing unify the typing experience.

Weight

The Huano Acacia and Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches exhibit notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Acacia switch requires an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, classifying it as a medium-light switch. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte is lighter, with an actuation force of just 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a gentler typing experience, particularly during prolonged use. This weight difference suggests that those who favor a softer touch and lighter feedback might gravitate towards the Strawberry Latte, while the Acacia may appeal to those seeking a slightly more substantial feel with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Overall, the Acacia provides a more robust typing experience, while the Strawberry Latte allows for faster typing with less fatigue.

Travel distance

The Huano Acacia linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that, in terms of key travel, the Acacia offers a more responsive experience, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker actuation for faster response times. Conversely, the Strawberry Latte's longer travel distance may be preferable for those who enjoy a more substantial feel when pressing down on keys, providing a deeper typing experience. Ultimately, the Acacia is the shorter of the two switches by 0.1 mm, allowing for a potentially snappier keystroke, while the Strawberry Latte delivers a more pronounced travel depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Huano Acacia linear switch has a balanced auditory profile, where the sound it produces is not overly pronounced but has enough character to be felt, making it suitable for both quiet and moderately loud environments. Similarly, the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch strikes a harmonious balance in its sound. It is neither too quiet nor excessively resonant, allowing it to fit comfortably into a range of settings, from casual typing to more intense gaming sessions. Both switches can deliver a satisfying auditory experience, though they may vary in tonal quality based on the specific keycaps and keyboard construction used.

When it comes to feel, the Huano Acacia offers a medium-light weight that contributes to an enjoyable typing experience. The generous factory lubrication ensures a smooth travel experience while the minimal stem wobble enhances stability. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte is noted for its extreme smoothness, setting a high standard among linear switches. While the Acacia provides a solid typing foundation with its slight feedback from the minimal wobble, the Strawberry Latte aims for a velvety glide with its refined design and advanced mold technology. Both switches can be expected to deliver a pleasurable tactile engagement, though the Acacia may provide a bit more feedback while the Strawberry Latte focuses on seamless smoothness.

Overall, while the Huano Acacia and Strawberry Latte linear switches both offer smooth and enjoyable typing experiences, they cater to slightly different preferences in sound and feel. The Acacia leans towards a more stable yet lightly tactile feel, complemented by a balanced auditory profile, whereas the Strawberry Latte excels in ultra-smooth actuation with a similarly balanced sound output. Newcomers can confidently explore either switch, as both will provide a satisfying experience while aligning with their individual preferences.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Huano Acacia and Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches depends largely on your preferences in typing force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium-light actuation that combines a satisfying resistance with a smooth experience out of the box, the Acacia is your ideal choice. It provides excellent tactile feedback with minimal stem wobble and generous factory lubrication, ensuring your typing experience is comfortable and efficient, especially for long typing sessions. On the other hand, if you favor an even lighter bottom out force and appreciate an ultra-smooth keypress, the Strawberry Latte will be your go-to. Its lighter actuation at 45 grams makes it easier for rapid typing while still providing a balanced sound profile that’s neither too quiet nor overly resonant. Ultimately, if you enjoy a more pronounced feedback and a bit of weight in your switches, the Acacia will serve you well. Conversely, if you prefer a buttery-smooth experience that facilitates fast keystrokes, opt for the Strawberry Latte. Each switch has its unique qualities, so consider your typing style and the environments in which you'll be using them to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Acacia Linear

$3.39 per 10

Learn more

Huano Strawberry Latte Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more