Huano Acacia vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Acacia and the Jwick Taro present two appealing yet distinct options tailored for different typing preferences. The Acacia, recognized for its medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication, offers a smooth and satisfying linear experience that caters to those who appreciate a quieter, uninterrupted keystroke with minimal stem wobble. Ideal for gamers and typists alike, this switch excels in providing an efficient typing experience right from the moment you first use it. In contrast, the Jwick Taro shines in its tactile feedback, characterized by a snappy, medium-level tactility that generates crisp and acute clacks with each keystroke. This switch’s cozy aesthetics and tactility make it an enticing choice for those who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience, merging comfort with performance. While both switches have their merits—smoothness versus tactile responsiveness—it’s essential to consider your personal typing style and preferences. 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
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Huano Acacia and the Jwick Taro switches both feature polycarbonate as the top housing material, which leads to a sharper and more crisp sound profile. The use of polycarbonate, known for its stiffer characteristics, ensures that both the Acacia and Taro switches produce clear and resonant sounds, particularly beneficial for users who prioritize auditory feedback while typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate into both models enhances their aesthetic appeal, especially when using RGB lighting. A shared feature like this indicates that both switches may offer similar visual and acoustic experiences, ensuring that RGB lighting shines through vibrantly while maintaining the clarity of sound when keys are pressed and released.
In contrast, the bottom housing material of both switches diverges as the Acacia utilizes nylon, while the Taro does as well. Nylon, known for its softer properties compared to polycarbonate, contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile in both switches. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, which leads to a more muted and rounded acoustic experience upon key presses. This difference in bottom housing material is crucial because it means the bottom-out sound and feel—defined by the bottom housing—will be noticeably more subdued in both models, creating a unique typing experience that contrasts with the crisp attack from the polycarbonate top.
Taken together, the combination of polycarbonate for the top and nylon for the bottom housing in both the Acacia and Taro creates a harmonic balance of sound profiles. While the top housing contributes a bright and sharp sonic character, the bottom mellow sounds blend harmoniously to provide an overall typing experience that feels cohesive despite the variance in material types. Users can expect a consistent auditory experience—clear and resonating from the tops, while softer and deeper notes emerge from the bottoms—regardless of which switch they choose. This shared approach to material design enables both the Acacia and Taro to deliver satisfying results for typists who enjoy a blend of clarity and warmth in their keyboard dynamics.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, notable differences emerge in both actuation and bottom out forces that cater to different typing preferences. The Acacia features an actuation force of 45 grams, allowing for a lighter typing experience, while its bottom out force of 55 grams is also considered medium-light. In contrast, the Taro lacks a specified actuation force, but its bottom out force is heavier at 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This difference means that users who favor a lighter touch for prolonged use or gaming sessions may find the Acacia more suitable, while those who prefer a more substantial feel in their keystrokes, indicative of heavier switches, might lean towards the Taro. In summary, the Acacia provides a lighter actuation and bottom out force, making it ideal for endurance typing, whereas the Taro's heavier bottom out aligns with a preference for more resistance in key presses.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, it is evident that the Acacia, with a travel distance of 3.5 mm, is slightly shorter than the Taro, which measures 3.7 mm. This 0.2 mm difference means that those who prefer quicker responses, such as gamers, might gravitate towards the Acacia for its shorter travel distance, while others who enjoy a more substantial bottoming out might find the Taro more to their liking due to its longer travel distance. Both switches offer distinct advantages depending on user preference; the Acacia provides a more responsive feel, whereas the Taro gives a deeper keystroke experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jwick Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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 is known for its quiet and subdued profile, which lends itself well to a less intrusive typing experience. This makes it suitable for environments where noise might be a concern, such as shared workspaces. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro tactile switch produces a more pronounced auditory response with its acute and crisp clacks, which can add a satisfying acoustic feedback during typing. This sharper sound might appeal to those who enjoy audible confirmation of their keystrokes and prefer a more engaging auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, the Acacia switch offers a smooth and consistent keystroke, attributed largely to its medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication. This combination allows for a relatively effortless typing experience that is easy on the fingers, making it a great option for prolonged typing sessions. In contrast, the Taro switches introduce a more complex tactile sensation. They blend a buttery smooth feel with a stepped nature, offering a noticeable bump at the actuation point that enhances feedback while still maintaining a fluid keystroke. This dual character can engage typists who appreciate both smoothness and tactile feedback.
In conclusion, while both the Huano Acacia and Jwick Taro switches offer unique experiences, they cater to different preferences. The Acacia excels in providing a quiet, smooth typing experience ideal for work environments, while the Taro switches deliver crisp sounds and a distinct tactile feedback that can make typing more enjoyable for those who appreciate interaction with their switches. Ultimately, the choice between them will depend on whether one prioritizes sound and tactile feedback or quietude and smoothness in their typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you value a smooth, quiet typing experience with a medium-light actuation force, the Acacia is an excellent choice, particularly for those who may be new to mechanical keyboards or who prefer a less tactile feedback while typing. The generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble ensure that you'll enjoy a consistent typing feel right out of the box, making it suitable for both work and casual use. On the other hand, if you are drawn to a more engaging typing experience characterized by tactile feedback and a satisfying sound profile, the Taro's medium-heavy actuation force will appeal to you. The snappy medium-level tactility and acute clacks provide an invigorating experience for typists who enjoy feeling the switch's engagement and hearing the crisp sounds that accompany each keystroke. Consequently, consider the context of your usage and your typing style when choosing between these switches; both have unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring an enjoyable experience regardless of your selection.
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