Huano Acacia vs. Gazzew U4T

Overview

When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Acacia and the Gazzew U4T offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences and typing styles. The Acacia, celebrated for its medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication, delivers a smooth linear typing experience with minimal stem wobble, making it a solid choice for those who favor fluid keystrokes and a quieter sound profile. In contrast, the Gazzew U4T stands out with its engaging tactile feedback and deep ‘thocky’ sound, appealing to enthusiasts who appreciate the sensation of each keystroke as well as the auditory satisfaction that comes with a bassy sound profile. While both switches provide unique benefits—be it the Acacia's seamless glide or the U4T's pronounced tactile response—your ultimate choice will depend on personal preference. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Huano Acacia Linear

Gazzew U4T Tactile

$3.39 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

When examining the housing materials of the Huano Acacia and the Gazzew U4T, notable distinctions emerge, particularly in the choice of materials for the top housing. The Acacia employs polycarbonate for its top housing, a stiff plastic known for delivering a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This quality is amplified by the translucence of polycarbonate, making it an ideal choice for RGB lighting setups, as it allows light to pass through and enhances visual aesthetics. In contrast, the U4T utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend known as "boba plastic," which, while still offering some clarity, emphasizes a richer and deeper sound profile characterized by its inherent softness. Therefore, while both switches strive for vibrant acoustic qualities, the approach to achieving this diverges significantly due to the different materials used in their constructions.

Moving to the bottom housing, both the Huano Acacia and the Gazzew U4T share a commonality in leveraging softer materials, though they belong to their unique blends. The Acacia utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, a traditional choice that results in a deeper and fuller sound due to nylon's ability to absorb sound vibrations effectively. This produces a duller, rounder auditory experience, ensuring that the user feels a substantial bottom-out sound that successfully muffles some of the harsher tones often found in mechanical switches. On the other hand, the U4T pairs its Gazzew blend bottom housing with the same ethos of softness, creating a similarly deep sound profile. Thus, while the specific material formulations differ, both switches present rich and engaging auditory experiences largely due to their emphasis on soft and resonant materials in their respective bottom housings.

In summary, while the Huano Acacia and the Gazzew U4T differ in their choice of top housing materials, they converge on a common ground with their bottom housing compositions that focus on sound absorption and richness. The polycarbonate top of the Acacia contrasts with the softer Gazzew blend, impacting the switches' upper tonal qualities. However, since both designs prioritize sound softening through their bottom housing materials, users can expect a full and rounded sound profile upon bottoming out regardless of the top material differences. Ultimately, those seeking a combination of responsiveness and auditory resonance may find appealing aspects in both switches, making a clear choice dependent on the desired sound characteristics and aesthetic preferences.

Weight

The Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, which can significantly influence typing experiences. The Acacia features an actuation force of 45 grams, making it a medium-light switch, while the U4T lacks a specified actuation force, but it has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, classified as medium-heavy. This difference in bottom out forces indicates that when fully pressed, the Gazzew U4T requires more force than the Acacia, suggesting a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer heavier switches. Consequently, typists looking for a lighter experience, conducive to extended use without fatigue, would benefit from the Huano Acacia. In contrast, users who enjoy a firmer key press and are comfortable with additional force may lean towards the Gazzew U4T. Overall, these distinctions highlight the varying preferences among keyboard users when it comes to switch weights and actuation characteristics.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, there is a noticeable difference between the two. The Acacia has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the U4T features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Acacia allows for a slightly shorter and potentially more responsive keypress, making it a favorable choice for gamers who prefer faster response times. Conversely, the U4T's 4 mm travel distance provides a more pronounced depth, which some users might find more satisfying for typing or gaming, as it offers a more tactile feedback. Therefore, if you're looking for a switch that delivers quicker responses, the Acacia is the better option, while the U4T might be suited for those who appreciate a deeper keypress experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Huano Acacia linear switch is designed to be quiet and smooth, allowing for a more subdued typing experience. This makes it a great option for those who work in shared spaces or prefer a more understated auditory feedback when typing. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch is celebrated for its rich, thocky sound. The bassy timbre and deeper frequency range of the U4T create a satisfying auditory experience that resonates with users who enjoy the acoustic feedback of their keystrokes. While the Acacia remains relatively silent, the U4T elevates the typing experience with its distinct auditory charm.

When it comes to feel, the Acacia switch offers a smooth linear experience characterized by medium-light tactile weight and minimal stem wobble, allowing for seamless and effortless key presses. This quality provides a pleasant sensation that is perfect for both typing and gaming. In contrast, the Gazzew U4T provides a pronounced tactile experience with its sharp feedback, making each keystroke feel precise and impactful. The U4T's strong tactile bump ensures that each press is met with a firm tactile response, enhancing the satisfaction of typing for those who appreciate a more engaged tactile feedback.

In summary, the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard market. While the Acacia is favored for its smooth and quiet typing experience, ideal for a minimalist setup, the U4T appeals to those who seek auditory and tactile feedback with its thocky sound and sharp tactile feel. Choosing between them ultimately depends on whether one prioritizes a quieter linear feel or a more pronounced tactile and auditory experience; however, both switches promise a satisfying typing experience given their unique characteristics.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch primarily hinges on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a lighter touch and a smooth, linear experience right out of the box, the Acacia with its medium-light 55-gram actuation provides a fast and effortless typing experience, making it an excellent choice for extensive typing sessions or gaming. Additionally, its minimal stem wobble and generous factory lubrication enhance the overall feel, ensuring that every keystroke feels seamless. On the other hand, if you gravitate towards a tactile sensation that offers both auditory enjoyment and significant feedback, the Gazzew U4T is your go-to switch. With a heavier bottom-out force of 65 grams and a thocky, bassy sound profile, the U4T delivers a distinct tactile bump and a rich auditory feedback that can elevate your typing experience. Ultimately, choose the Acacia for a smooth, quiet performance suited for productivity, while the U4T is perfect for those who enjoy a pronounced tactile feel and satisfying sound in their keystrokes. Consider your priorities—be it speed, sound, or tactile feedback—to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard journey.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Acacia Linear

$3.39 per 10

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Gazzew U4T Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more