Huano Acacia vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Acacia and HMX Vintage Citrus stand out as compelling options, each catering to different preferences and needs. The Acacia switch is recognized for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, delivering an impressive typing experience right out of the box—making it an excellent choice for typists who enjoy a smooth and tactile feel for prolonged use. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switch is specifically designed with gamers in mind, featuring an extremely low actuation force of just 1mm, which enables rapid-fire inputs, ideal for high-paced gaming sessions. Additionally, its bright, clacky sound profile and remarkably smooth push feel add an extra layer of engagement for users. While both switches fall under the linear category, their distinct characteristics and target audiences highlight the importance of personal preference in selecting the right switch. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Acacia and the HMX Vintage Citrus, we see a distinct contrast in top housing materials that fundamentally affects their sound profiles. The Acacia features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper and crisper sound due to the stiffness of the plastic. This enhances the clarity and resonance of the keystrokes. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus utilizes nylon for its top housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. The inherent softness of nylon absorbs sound more effectively than polycarbonate, leading to a more subdued and rounded auditory experience. Aesthetically, the clarity of the polycarbonate in the Acacia allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects, while the opaque nature of nylon may not provide the same brightness for such effects.
Despite the differences in their top housing materials, both switches share nylon in their bottom housings. This similarity means that the overall typing experience — particularly the sound profile when typing and bottoming out — will carry a consistency attributed to the soft, sound-absorbing qualities of nylon. It creates a deeper, fuller sound in both switches, enhancing the tactile and auditory feedback upon keypress. As such, although the Acacia and Vintage Citrus differ significantly in their top housing compositions, their shared nylon bottoms unify their lower-end acoustic qualities, allowing users to experience a comforting depth when typing.
Furthermore, the differing impacts of the top and bottom housings suggest that one could achieve balanced sound characteristics regardless of the choice between the Huano Acacia and the HMX Vintage Citrus. The crispness and clarity introduced by the polycarbonate of the Acacia could be softened by the nylon bottom, providing a unique auditory experience. Conversely, the fuller sound of the Vintage Citrus's nylon top housing would be complemented by its own nylon bottom, enhancing the overall roundedness of the sound profile. As a result, the diversity of materials leads to nuanced distinctions in sound experience, allowing enthusiasts to select a switch that aligns with their auditory preferences while still maintaining a foundation of similar tonal qualities provided by the nylon bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, both switches fall into the medium-light category, but they have slightly different characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Acacia features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Vintage Citrus requires a bit more effort with an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams. This means that the Acacia is lighter overall, making it potentially more suitable for those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus offers a heavier feel, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. While both switches provide a comfortable typing experience, the Acacia allows for an easier keystroke initiation, whereas the Vintage Citrus requires slightly more force to actuate. If users prioritize lighter switches to minimize fatigue, the Huano Acacia would be the better choice.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, there is a notable difference: the Acacia features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, whereas the Vintage Citrus has a shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This places the Acacia in the category of switches that offer a more pronounced keystroke, catering to those who appreciate a bit more depth and feedback with each key press. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus, with its shorter travel distance, is more aligned with modern preferences for faster response times, making it a suitable choice for gamers who prioritize rapid actuation. Hence, the Acacia is the longer switch and the Vintage Citrus is the shorter one, appealing to different user preferences based on how they like their key presses to feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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
The Huano Acacia linear switch produces a sound profile that leans towards a muted, smooth experience, making it a great choice for quiet environments or office settings where noise might be a concern. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch delivers a bright, clacky sound that is distinct and appealing, particularly for users who enjoy auditory feedback while typing or gaming. While both switches offer unique auditory characteristics, the Acacia provides a more subdued sound, whereas the Vintage Citrus stands out with its liveliness. It's important to remember that the overall sound also depends on factors like the keyboard's build and keycap material.
When considering the tactile feel of these switches, the Acacia is known for its medium-light weight, enhanced by generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, which collectively create a solid and satisfying typing experience. The Vintage Citrus, on the other hand, is designed explicitly with gamers in mind, featuring an incredibly low actuation force that allows for rapid key presses. This results in a remarkably smooth and effortless push feel, which many users might find exhilarating for fast-paced gaming sessions. Although the Acacia caters more to a balanced typing experience, the Vintage Citrus excels in speed and responsiveness.
Overall, both switches have their own appeal depending on user preferences. The Huano Acacia offers a quiet, refined typing experience perfect for everyday use, while the HMX Vintage Citrus emphasizes audibility and speed, making it an excellent choice for competitive gamers. If you prefer a smoother and quieter type feel, the Acacia would be suitable, but if your priority is rapid actuation and lively sound, the Vintage Citrus is the switch for you. Each switch can provide a rewarding experience, but understanding their distinct characteristics will help you choose one that aligns best with your needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing and gaming preferences. If you favor a balanced typing experience with medium-light actuation, minimal stem wobble, and excellent factory lubrication that allows for a satisfying feel right out of the box, then the Acacia might be the ideal choice for you. It provides a smooth performance and a versatile sound profile that can enhance both your typing and casual gaming sessions. On the other hand, if you're more focused on competitive gaming or require rapid-fire capabilities, the Vintage Citrus is designed with you in mind. Its exceptionally low actuation force and quick response time make it perfect for fast-paced gaming, and its bright, clacky sound adds an engaging auditory feedback that can keep you immersed in the action. Ultimately, consider what you'll be using your keyboard for; the Acacia is suited for a superb all-around typing experience, while the Vintage Citrus excels in high-speed gaming scenarios.
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