Huano Acacia vs. Gateron Type A
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Gateron Type A switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Acacia and the Gateron Type A offer distinct characteristics that cater to varying preferences. The Acacia, known for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, delivers a smooth and satisfying typing experience right from the start. This switch is particularly appealing for users who prioritize a refined feel with less noise, making it an ideal choice for both work and casual gaming. On the other hand, the Gateron Type A, featured in Sillyworks' "Project Rehash" / SLAY series, redefines traditional switch mechanics with innovative travel distances and advanced lubrication techniques. It offers a medium weight that balances comfort and responsiveness while producing a sound profile that is notably deeper and more subdued, appealing to those who enjoy a more resonant typing experience. Ultimately, both switches have their unique strengths: the Acacia excels in a smooth, quiet operation, while the Type A stands out with its innovative engineering and deeper auditory feedback. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
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
The housing materials of the Huano Acacia and the Gateron Type A switches present interesting contrasts, particularly in their top housings. The Acacia features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the rigidity of the material. This quality allows for better resonance, enhancing the acuteness of the sound produced when a key is pressed and released. Conversely, the Gateron Type A employs a nylon top housing that yields a significantly different auditory experience. The nylon's softer nature leads to a deeper, fuller sound profile as it absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and more muted sound when compared with the Acacia. The choice of top housing plays a crucial role in determining the overall tonal character of each switch.
When we examine the bottom housings of both switches, a notable similarity arises. Both the Huano Acacia and the Gateron Type A utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which results in a consistent auditory quality. The deeper and fuller sound produced by the nylon material will be present in both switches, enriching the bottom-out feel. Since the bottom housing significantly impacts the key's behavior during pressing, both switches will exhibit that rounded sound and feel characteristic of their nylon components, ensuring a similar bottoming experience across both switch types. This shared nylon foundation creates a cohesively deep auditory result when activated.
In conclusion, while the top housings of the Huano Acacia and Gateron Type A differ in their material properties, the usage of nylon for the bottom housing harmonizes certain aspects of the switch's performance. The polycarbonate top housing of the Acacia provides a brighter sound profile, while the nylon top of the Type A results in a warmer tone, demonstrating how the combination of materials influences the overall acoustic experience. However, both switches will yield similar outcomes in terms of bottoming-out sound and feel, thanks to their common nylon bottom housing. Therefore, when considering options, sound characteristics can be tailored based on preference by choosing different top housing materials while maintaining a consistent low-end experience with their nylon bottoms.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron Type A linear switch, we can observe some notable distinctions in their actuation forces, while both bottom out at the same force. The Acacia requires an actuation force of 45 grams, making it the lighter option for users who may prefer a more effortless typing experience, especially during extended work or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Type A has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams, which may appeal to users seeking a more substantial tactile feedback while typing. However, both switches share the same bottom out force of 55 grams, indicating that once fully pressed down, they require equal force to achieve maximum travel. This consistency in bottom out force allows for a similar typing experience once the key is fully engaged, despite the initial differences in actuation. Overall, typists who prefer a lighter feel should gravitate towards the Huano Acacia, while those who appreciate a bit more resistance may find the Gateron Type A more suitable.
Travel distance
The Huano Acacia linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Type A linear switch boasts a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Acacia the shorter option, appealing to those who favor a more responsive keypress, such as gamers looking for quicker reaction times. Conversely, the Type A's longer travel may provide a more pronounced feel that some users prefer for an enjoyable typing or gaming experience, allowing for a sense of depth with each keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences regarding key travel; those looking for a snappier response may gravitate towards the Acacia, while those who enjoy a more substantial travel distance might opt for the Type A.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Huano Acacia comes in at $3.39, whereas the Gateron Type A comes in at $4.70.
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
The sound signature of the Huano Acacia linear switch is characterized by a smooth and unassuming auditory profile, making it a solid choice for environments where minimal distraction is preferred. Unlike some more pronounced switches, the Acacia’s sound can be described as less intrusive, allowing for quiet typing that doesn’t draw attention. In contrast, the Gateron Type A presents a more complex auditory experience, featuring a neutral to subdued sound profile. It leans towards the deeper end, which may give it a richer tone, while still maintaining a level of moderation that makes it suitable for both casual and professional settings. While both switches emphasize a quieter operation conducive to focused work sessions, the Type A provides a bit more depth in its sound, making it an appealing choice for those who enjoy a slightly more resonant experience.
When it comes to feel, the Huano Acacia offers a remarkably pleasant typing experience with its medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication, resulting in a satisfying smoothness with each key press. Users can expect minimal stem wobble, which contributes to a tight and controlled feel during typing. The Type A switch, also designed for a medium weight, benefits from innovative factory lubing techniques that further enhance its tactile feedback. Although it's not possible to make a direct comparison of feel without specific descriptors for the Acacia, it can be assumed that both switches prioritize an enjoyable typing experience, with the Type A potentially offering differing nuances due to advances in travel distances and molding techniques.
In summary, both the Huano Acacia and Gateron Type A linear switches cater to users looking for a balance of quiet operation and enjoyable typing ergonomics. The Acacia delivers a subtle sound and smooth feel straight from the box, while the Type A offers a more resonant sound and benefits from factory innovations that enhance its performance. Regardless of the choice, both switches are likely to provide satisfying results that would appeal to newcomers in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron Type A linear switch, you'll want to consider both your preferences and your intended use. If you're looking for a switch that offers a pleasant typing experience right out of the box with its generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, the Acacia is an excellent choice. Its medium-light actuation force of 55 grams provides a balance of ease and control, perfect for long typing sessions where comfort is paramount. On the other hand, if you're intrigued by the deeper sound profile and a more nuanced typing experience offered by the Type A, with its neutral, subdued sound signature and innovative lubing techniques, this switch might suit your needs better—especially in environments where you want to maintain a quieter workspace without sacrificing performance. Ultimately, your selection should be based on whether you prioritize immediate usability with minimal adjustments (Acacia), or if you prefer a more tailored auditory experience with modern switch engineering (Type A).
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