Huano Acacia vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, switch selection plays a pivotal role in tailoring your typing experience, and two noteworthy contenders in the linear switch category are the Huano Acacia and the HMX Twilight. The Acacia switch is celebrated for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, providing a smooth and satisfying typing experience right out of the box. In contrast, the HMX Twilight boasts an extended travel distance of 3.85mm, delivering a slightly quieter operation without sacrificing the distinctive clacky characteristics that HMX switches are known for. While both switches cater to linear switch enthusiasts, offering unique advantages that can enhance your daily typing or gaming sessions, the Acacia focuses on a refined and smooth feel, whereas the Twilight emphasizes a unique acoustic profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.85 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Acacia and the HMX Twilight, significant differences stand out in their top housings. The Acacia features a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer plastic composition. This attribute allows for greater clarity and resonance, making the Acacia particularly appealing for users who favor a bright and clear auditory experience, especially when RGB lighting is in use. In contrast, the Twilight is equipped with a nylon top housing, a classic choice known for delivering a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon enables it to absorb sound more effectively, resulting in a more subdued and rounder auditory quality. Thus, while the Acacia is likely to shine in situations that benefit from a vibrant sound, the Twilight offers a mellow and softer typing experience.
The bottom housings of both the Acacia and Twilight switches provide a noteworthy comparison as well. Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which contributes similarly to the sound profile produced during key presses. Nylon's softer characteristics result in a deeper and fuller sound, regardless of the switch's top housing material. This means that, while the top housing significantly influences the tonal quality when releasing a key, the bottom housing provides a consistent and rich sound experience during key presses. Therefore, in terms of auditory outcomes during typing, both switches can create an engaging experience, albeit with differing tonal qualities based on their respective top housings.
Overall, while the Huano Acacia and HMX Twilight differ in their top housing materials, utilizing polycarbonate and nylon respectively, they share the same bottom housing material, nylon. This similarity ensures that both switches produce a comparable auditory experience during key presses, fostering a deeper and fuller sound profile. However, the contrasting materials of the top housings lead to different acoustic impressions when keys are released: crisp and vibrant for the Acacia versus deeper and fuller for the Twilight. Consequently, users will find that while some characteristics are shared, the overall sound experience is shaped by the specific combination of materials in each switch design, bridging the gap between their unique auditory signatures.
Weight
The Huano Acacia linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch present distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, making them suited for different typing preferences. The Acacia features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Twilight has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it feel more responsive with less resistance. This means that for users who value a softer touch during prolonged typing sessions, the Twilight would be more suitable, while those who prefer a more substantial typing experience might lean towards the heavier Acacia. Overall, while both switches offer a decent typing experience, the Twilight is lighter in terms of both actuation and bottom out forces, providing a gentler feel compared to the moderately heavier Acacia switch.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch differ, with the Acacia measuring 3.5 mm and the Twilight at 3.85 mm. This makes the Acacia the shorter option, while the Twilight offers a slightly longer travel distance. For gamers seeking faster response times, the Acacia's shorter travel distance may be more appealing, providing a quicker actuation. Conversely, those who appreciate a more tactile experience with better depth may prefer the Twilight, which has a more gradual press. Thus, although both switches cater to different preferences, their differing travel distances allow users to choose based on their desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Twilight has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Twilight 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 is known for its relatively quiet operation, benefiting from generous factory lubrication that helps dampen noise during typing. This makes it suitable for office environments or shared spaces where noise level is a consideration. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight linear switch features a slightly quieter sound profile due to its extended travel distance of 3.85mm, yet it retains some of the clacky characteristics typical of HMX switches. This suggests that while both switches offer a quieter experience, the Acacia might provide a more muted sound overall, while the Twilight maintains a unique auditory signature without being overly loud.
When it comes to feel, the Acacia linear switch is characterized by its medium-light weight, which promotes a smooth and responsive typing experience. The generous factory lubrication further enhances its tactile response, reducing friction and making each keystroke feel satisfying. Conversely, the Twilight linear switch, with its extended travel distance, may introduce a different sensation at bottoming out, potentially offering a plush experience with a smooth, consistent keystroke. Both switches, however, seem to prioritize comfort and performance, making them suitable for extended typing sessions.
Considering all the information available, both the Huano Acacia and HMX Twilight linear switches offer enjoyable typing experiences, albeit with their unique sound profiles and feel dynamics. The Acacia provides a quieter sound with minimal stem wobble and excellent lubrication, making it feel smooth and reliable. The Twilight, while also quiet, boasts a distinct clackiness with its extended travel, offering a plush feel that some typists might prefer. Ultimately, both switches are designed to meet the needs of users looking for a reliable and satisfying linear switch, providing similar positive experiences albeit with their individual characteristics.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch depends largely on your personal preferences regarding switch weight, travel distance, and typing experience. If you appreciate a medium-light switch that provides a solid and satisfying feel with minimal stem wobble and generous factory lubrication right off the bat, the Acacia may be your best bet. It's ideal for those who prefer a balanced typing experience without too much effort on each keystroke, making it suitable for both gaming and extended typing sessions. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter touch and enjoy a longer travel distance paired with quieter operation, the HMX Twilight might be preferable. This switch is especially well-suited for individuals who enjoy the sensation of extended keystrokes and are looking for a slightly softer, less aggressive tactile experience, while still getting the unique clacky feel characteristic of HMX switches. In essence, consider the Acacia for that well-rounded, slightly heavier, and responsive typing experience, while opting for the Twilight if you value a lighter keypress and longer travel for a quieter and distinctively enjoyable feel.
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