Huano Acacia vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Acacia and Gateron Weightlessness present two distinct options that cater to different typing preferences. The Acacia, a linear switch, is renowned for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, delivering an exceptional typing experience straight out of the box. Ideal for those who prefer smooth keystrokes without tactile feedback, the Acacia allows for rapid key presses, making it a great choice for gamers and typists who appreciate a seamless feel. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness, characterized as a tactile switch, offers a subtle to moderate tactile bump that adds a satisfying feedback to each key press without being overwhelming. This switch is perfect for users who enjoy a more pronounced connection with their typing, enhancing accuracy and providing a balanced sound profile that complements its tactile feel. With such differing experiences, the choice between the Acacia and Weightlessness can significantly impact your overall typing enjoyment. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 double-staged spring
Housing materials
The comparison between the housing materials in the Huano Acacia and Gateron Weightlessness switches highlights distinct sound profiles based on their respective top housing materials. The Acacia features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and translucency, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This material allows RGB lighting to shine through effectively, enhancing the aesthetic appeal. In contrast, the Weightlessness utilizes nylon for its top housing, delivering a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon’s softer and more absorbent characteristics. As a result, the Acacia may appeal to users looking for clarity and brightness in their keystrokes, while the Weightlessness is better suited for those who prefer a more rounded and muted audio experience.
Despite their differences in top housing materials, both switches employ nylon for their bottom housings, leading to similarities in the overall typing experience. The nylon bottom housing in both the Acacia and Weightlessness contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, as it absorbs more sound energy and creates a more muffled tone compared with harder plastics. This means that while users might notice contrasting attributes during actuation—where the top housing contributes to the sound of the key press—the bottom-out sound and feel will exhibit a similar depth across both models due to the use of nylon. This shared feature can create a consistent tactile experience, particularly when it comes to the final keystroke feedback.
Ultimately, the combination of different top housing materials in the Acacia and Weightlessness shapes the overall sound profile and aesthetic appeal of the switches, while their matching nylon bottom housings create a common ground in typing feel and acoustic depth. By mixing polycarbonate and nylon in the top and bottom, respectively, each switch offers unique auditory and tactile characteristics to cater to various user preferences. If you value the crispness of polycarbonate along with the fullness of nylon, you can enjoy the best of both worlds, as the top and bottom housing interplay to create a dynamic and enjoyable keyboard experience.
Weight
Comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch reveals some interesting differences in their actuation forces, which can influence user experience. The Acacia switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorized as medium-light, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer longer typing sessions or gaming without quick fatigue. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams, though its bottom out force remains unknown. This suggests that users of the Weightlessness switch might experience a firmer keystroke, aligning with preferences for a more substantial typing feel. As a result, the Acacia switch is the lighter option between the two, providing a softer touch, while the Weightlessness is heavier, appealing to those who favor more resistance in their switches. Ultimately, both switches cater to different typing preferences, balancing between comfort and tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, the Acacia has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Weightlessness measures at 3.4 mm. This makes the Weightlessness the shorter option and the Acacia the longer one. Gamers who prioritize quick response times might gravitate towards the Weightlessness due to its slightly reduced travel distance, but those who appreciate a more substantial feel may prefer the Acacia for its greater depth. Both switches fall within a modern trend of shorter travel distances, but the Acacia offers a bit more tactile feedback with its longer travel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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 characterized by a relatively smooth and quiet typing experience, which is typical for linear switches. This subdued sound profile means that users can enjoy a more relaxed environment without the clack and clatter often associated with other switch types. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch produces a balanced sound profile that complements its tactile feedback. While tactile switches inherently generate a bit more noise due to their design, the Weightlessness maintains a moderate sound level that is not overly disruptive, making it suitable for both quiet and active workspaces. The overall sound output of both switches can also be influenced significantly by the keyboard's construction and the keycap materials chosen, leading to variable acoustic experiences.
When it comes to feel, the Huano Acacia switch offers a medium-light actuation force coupled with generous factory lubrication, which results in a smooth and satisfying linear experience. With minimal stem wobble, users can expect a consistent feel across strokes, allowing for a seamless typing experience. Conversely, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch provides a subtle to moderate tactile bump, contributing to an engaging typing experience that provides feedback without being overly pronounced. This tactile feel can help users improve their typing accuracy as they can discern their key presses more effectively. While different in their actuation methods—linear versus tactile—each switch is designed to promote an enjoyable typing experience tailored to different preferences.
In conclusion, both the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch have their unique qualities that cater to different typing experiences. The Acacia excels in providing a smooth and quiet operation with minimal wobble, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a linear feel. In contrast, the Weightlessness offers a tactile sensation that enhances typing accuracy without being overly loud. Ultimately, the choice between these two will depend on your personal preferences regarding sound and feel; however, both provide solid performances right out of the box and can lead to satisfying typing experiences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound. If you enjoy a smooth and consistent keystroke with a medium-light actuation force, the Acacia is an excellent option. Its generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble mean you won’t have to worry about modifying the switches for a better tactile experience, making it ideal for those who prioritize a fluid typing experience right out of the box. Conversely, if you prefer a switch that offers a subtle to moderate tactile feedback coupled with a balanced sound profile, the Gateron Weightlessness might be your best bet. This switch caters to those who appreciate a tactile sensation without the overwhelming resistance often found in more pronounced tactile switches. In essence, choose the Acacia if you favor a linear feel with ease of use, while the Weightlessness would suit you better if you’re looking for a pleasant tactile response that enhances your typing experience. Ultimately, consider what aspects of your typing feel and sound are most important to you when making your final decision.
Mentioned in this article
