Huano Acacia vs. HMX SU
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the HMX SU switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, both the Huano Acacia and the HMX SU stand out as compelling options for enthusiasts seeking the smoothness and precision of linear switches. The Huano Acacia is celebrated for its medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication, which together create an outstanding typing experience with minimal stem wobble—ideal for those who prioritize a seamless keystroke feel right from the start. On the other hand, the HMX SU boasts a unique full PA12 housing and a T5 stem, contributing to a subtle yet relatively deep sound profile that can provide a satisfying auditory feedback as you type. While the Acacia excels in a fluid, immediate feel, the SU offers a distinctive sound experience that may appeal to those who enjoy a touch of auditory engagement with their keystrokes. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your specific typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T5
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Huano Acacia and HMX SU switches utilize different materials for their top housings, which significantly impacts the auditory experience of their respective key presses. The Acacia features a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its stiffer characteristics that produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This material's translucency also enhances RGB lighting, making it visually appealing for users who prioritize aesthetics alongside performance. In contrast, the HMX SU sports a nylon top housing, a classic choice in the realm of switch construction. Due to nylon's softer nature, it tends to absorb more sound, resulting in a deeper, fuller auditory experience. This fundamental difference in materials illustrates how each switch caters to distinct user preferences: the Acacia promises a crisper sound, while the SU offers a warmer and more rounded auditory sensation.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, they share a commonality, as both the Acacia and SU utilize nylon for their bases. This matching material provides a consistent, deeper sound profile, characteristic of nylon's ability to absorb sound. As a result, the bottoming-out feel across both switches will be notably similar, promoting a harmonious experience during typing sessions. The characteristics of nylon, known for creating a duller sound, mean that regardless of the top housing material, both switches will ultimately deliver a more subdued auditory feedback once a key is pressed down, affirming the reliability and familiarity that users expect from switches with nylon constructions.
In summary, while the Huano Acacia and HMX SU switches utilize different materials for their top housings, their shared nylon bottom housings lead to similarities in the overall typing experience. The Acacia's polycarbonate top delivers a brighter and more resonant sound profile, perfect for RGB enthusiasts, while the HMX SU’s nylon top offers a softer and rounder auditory experience. However, both switches will provide a consistent bottom-end feedback due to the nylon material, creating a familiar and comfortable typing experience. Thus, even with contrasting top materials, both switches complement each other by leveraging nylon's properties, resulting in deeper and fuller bottom-out sounds.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch to the HMX SU linear switch, we see both similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, indicating that users can expect a similar feel when it comes to triggering a keystroke. However, the bottom out forces differ, with the Acacia having a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is heavier compared to the SU's 50 grams. This difference implies that while the initial actuation feels the same, the Acacia may provide a more pronounced resistance when fully pressed down. As a result, the Acacia is categorized as medium-light due to its higher bottom out force, while the SU can be seen as a lighter option overall. Users who prefer a more substantial typing experience may gravitate towards the Huano Acacia switch, while those seeking a lighter feel for extended typing or gaming sessions might favor the HMX SU linear switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch, we find a slight variation between the two. The Acacia switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the SU switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Acacia the shorter option and the SU the longer one. For users who favor quicker response times, the Acacia’s shorter travel distance may be preferred, offering a more responsive feel, which can be advantageous for gaming. Conversely, those who appreciate a more pronounced depth in each keystroke may find the SU’s longer travel distance more satisfying, as it provides a slight cushioning effect before bottoming out. Ultimately, the choice between these switches can come down to personal preference regarding the tactile experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX SU has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the SU for $3.29.
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 pleasant auditory experience characterized by its smooth, unobtrusive operation. While it is noted for its relatively muted sound, this quality is largely influenced by the overall construction of the keyboard it is placed in, including the choice of keycaps and the material of the board itself. Conversely, the HMX SU linear switch boasts a subtle yet deeper sound profile, created by its PA12 housing and T5 stem combination. This ends up giving the SU a richer acoustic signature, which can be particularly satisfying for those who appreciate a more resonant sound while typing. However, both switches ultimately share the same principle that the sound produced can be affected by various external factors, thereby offering a similar experience in different builds.
When it comes to the feel of these switches, the Acacia linear switch is recognized for its medium-light actuation force, which makes it responsive and enjoyable for extended typing sessions. The generous factory lubrication contributes to a smooth keystroke with minimal resistance, resulting in an overall positive tactile engagement. On the other hand, the HMX SU also provides a commendable typing experience, although its unique build may impart a slightly different response, primarily due to the different materials used in its construction. While detailed feedback on the tactile nature of the SU is not provided, it is common for linear switches to exhibit similar smoothness, allowing users to experience a pleasant typing sensation comparable to that of the Acacia.
In conclusion, both the Huano Acacia linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch deliver commendable sound and feel characteristics, though they differ slightly in sound profile and may offer various tactile experiences due to their distinct construction. Users seeking a smooth typing experience and pleasant acoustics will find satisfaction in either option, with the Acacia providing a more muted profile and the SU delivering a deeper resonance. Ultimately, the choice between these switches could come down to personal preference in sound and feel, but both are poised to satisfy the needs of typists seeking high-quality mechanical switch performance.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Huano Acacia and the HMX SU linear switches, your decision should hinge on your personal typing preferences and intended use cases. If you prefer a slightly firmer feel with a medium-light actuation force, as well as a smoother typing experience straight out of the box due to the generous lubrication and minimal stem wobble, then the Acacia is likely your best bet. This makes it an ideal choice for typing-heavy tasks where comfort and feedback are important. On the other hand, if you enjoy a lighter touch on your keys and favor a unique sound profile that offers a subtle and deeper auditory experience, the HMX SU linear switch could be a better fit for you. Its 50-gram actuation force makes it particularly suited for quick, repetitive keystrokes, which is excellent for gaming or fast-paced typing activities. Ultimately, your choice should reflect not only the tactile sensations and sound you desire but also how they align with your daily tasks and overall typing style.
Mentioned in this article
