Huano Acacia vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Acacia and Everglide Tourmaline Blue stand out as two linear options that each offer unique experiences for typists and gamers alike. The Acacia is celebrated for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, resulting in an excellent out-of-the-box typing experience that appeals to those seeking smooth and effortless keystrokes. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue captivates users with its deep, thocky sound profile that enhances the tactile enjoyment of typing. The incorporation of a lengthened single-stage spring gives the Tourmaline Blues a bouncy feel, making them not only fun to type on but also accessible for a wide range of users. While both switches deliver distinct advantages—smooth operation for the Acacia and a satisfying auditory experience for the Tourmaline Blue—choosing between them ultimately depends on individual preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
59g
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
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Huano Acacia and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue provide a fascinating study in both similarities and contrasts. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which is notable for its ability to produce a crisper and higher-pitched sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate allows for a clear and resonant sound that enhances the overall acoustic experience. Additionally, the translucence of polycarbonate lends itself well to RGB lighting, making it an aesthetically pleasing choice for users looking to customize their keyboards with vibrant backlighting. As a result, both switches deliver a similar auditory experience when pressed, attributable to the superior sound properties imparted by their polycarbonate top housings.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials diverge significantly between the two switches. The Huano Acacia employs nylon for its bottom housing, known for its characteristic ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller acoustic profile. The softness of nylon allows it to absorb higher frequencies, leading to a more muted and rounded bottom-out sound that differs from the sharper tone of polycarbonate. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which maintains the same stiffer plastic properties as its top housing. Consequently, this results in a consistently crisp sound throughout both stages of a keypress, presenting a more uniform acoustic character compared to the Huano Acacia.
When considering the overall sound profile and feel of each switch, it is clear that the combination of materials creates unique user experiences. The Acacia's nylon bottom housing adds a layer of warmth and fullness that contrasts with the higher-pitched tones emanating from its polycarbonate top, delivering a more nuanced acoustic experience. In contrast, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, with its dual polycarbonate construction, provides a sharper, more defined sound throughout the keystroke. This means that while both switches may sound crisp and bright due to their common use of polycarbonate in the top housing, the differing bottom housing materials introduce a notable differentiation in acoustic experience and typing feedback between the two.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, there are noticeable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Acacia has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, ideal for long work hours or extended gaming sessions. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue requires a heavier actuation force of 59 grams and has a bottom out force of 67 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel. This distinction means that the Acacia will be more comfortable for prolonged use, while the Tourmaline Blue may provide a satisfying tactile feedback for those who favor a firmer key press. Overall, the Acacia is the lighter option, whereas the Tourmaline Blue is appreciably heavier, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences for typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, there is a notable difference to consider. The Acacia features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Tourmaline Blue extends to 4 mm. This makes the Acacia the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times due to the reduced travel distance. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue, with its longer travel distance, provides a more traditional feel and may be preferable for those who enjoy a more substantial depth to their keystrokes. Thus, while both switches serve their respective purposes, the Acacia is ideal for users prioritizing speed and responsiveness, whereas the Tourmaline Blue caters to those who favor a more pronounced tactile experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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 characterized by a neutral sound profile, offering moderate actuation force without being overly loud or distracting. This makes it versatile for various environments, whether at home or in an office, as it won't disturb others nearby. Conversely, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue boasts a deeper and thocky sound that adds a layer of auditory satisfaction with each keystroke. While both switches may produce pleasant sounds, the Acacia’s neutrality allows it to appeal more broadly, while the Tourmaline’s distinct sound may cater to those seeking a more immersive typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Acacia is noted for its medium-light weight and smoothness, largely attributed to the generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, which combine to create an enjoyable typing sensation right out of the box. The Tourmaline Blue, on the other hand, offers a buttery and bouncy feel thanks to its lengthened single-stage spring and gentle resistance, ensuring that each keystroke is both effortless and fluid. While the Acacia provides a reliable and smooth experience, the Tourmaline appeals to users who value that bouncy responsiveness, enhancing the tactile nature of their typing.
Overall, the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue both provide excellent typing experiences, but they cater to slightly different preferences. If you're after a more neutral sound and a reliable feel, the Acacia may be your go-to option. However, for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory experience and a bounciness in their keystrokes, the Tourmaline Blue is a fantastic choice. Regardless, both switches assure a level of quality and satisfaction, making it easy for newcomers to find joy in mechanical typing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, your choice between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch boils down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you value a lighter keystroke with minimal stem wobble and find comfort in a switch that feels effortless to press, the Acacia is the ideal option for you. Its medium-light actuation force and generous factory lubrication will provide an excellent typing experience right out of the box, making it perfect for long typing sessions or general use where comfort is a priority. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a switch that offers a deeper sound profile and a bouncier feel with each keystroke, the Tourmaline Blue could be your best choice. Its medium-heavy actuation force and buttery typing sensation deliver a satisfying tactile experience, especially if you enjoy a more pronounced feedback when typing. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, so consider your typing habits, whether you prioritize comfort and ease or sound and feedback, to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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