Huano Acacia vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Acacia and the HMX Xinhai linear switches are two impressive options that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Acacia is celebrated for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, providing a smooth and enjoyable typing experience right out of the box. This makes it an excellent choice for users who prioritize a consistent feel and ease of use without the need for additional modifications. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai switch stands out with its unique PA12 top housing, which offers a softer acoustic profile, along with a POM stem that delivers a distinctively crisp and higher-pitched sound. Described with terms like 'Bouncy,' 'Clacky,' and 'Creamy,' the Xinhai offers a nuanced auditory experience that can enhance both typing enjoyment and feedback for those who appreciate a more dynamic sound. While both switches have their merits, they ultimately cater to different user preferences: the Acacia prioritizes a smooth and reliable typing experience, while the Xinhai aims to elevate both sound and feel. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Huano Acacia and the HMX Xinhai offer distinct auditory experiences due to their differing compositions. The Acacia's top housing is made from polycarbonate, which is known for its stiffness and translucency. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that enhances the clarity and resonance of the key presses. Additionally, the transparency of polycarbonate makes it particularly effective for showcasing RGB lighting, allowing for vibrant illumination effects that enhance overall aesthetics. In contrast, the Xinhai's top housing utilizes nylon, a softer plastic that absorbs sound to create a deeper, rounder sound profile. This fundamental difference in material leads to varied auditory experiences, with the Acacia delivering more clarity while the Xinhai provides a fuller resonance.
When examining the bottom housings, both switches employ nylon, demonstrating some consistency between the two models despite the contrasting materials used for their tops. Both nylon bottom housings contribute similarly to the sound profile; they each produce a deeper and rounder sound due to nylon's inherent sound-absorbent properties. This shared material choice ensures that when users press down on either switch, they experience the rich tonal qualities attributed to the nylon bottom. Therefore, even though the Acacia and Xinhai differ in their top housing materials and resulting sound profiles, the sound from the bottom housing remains consistent, allowing for a cohesive output when typing.
Ultimately, the interaction between the top and bottom housings significantly shapes the user's experience with each switch. The Acacia's use of polycarbonate on top generates an articulate sound when releasing a key, while its nylon bottom provides depth and fullness upon bottoming out. Conversely, the Xinhai combines a rich auditory presence from its nylon top with the same material beneath to create a uniform sound experience. In summary, if the materials in a switch differ in composition, they introduce unique qualities that influence the overall sound profile; when they are aligned, as seen with the nylon bottom in both switches, a more consistent auditory response is produced, even if the top sections lead to divergent experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces that cater to different user preferences. The Acacia switch has a higher actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light option that provides a more substantial feel during typing. In contrast, the Xinhai switch boasts a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more effortless keystroke, ideal for prolonged use. This makes the Xinhai the lighter option overall, while the Acacia offers a heavier feel for users who appreciate a more pronounced tactile response. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on whether one prefers a softer touch or a stronger push for a more engaging typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, the Acacia features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Xinhai has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that if you're looking for a more responsive keypress, the Xinhai may be the better option with its shorter travel distance, appealing to gamers who favor quicker response times. However, the Acacia's longer travel distance may offer a more satisfying depth for users who prefer a fuller feel when pressing keys. Ultimately, the difference in travel distance is minimal, but choosing the switch with the longer travel—such as the Acacia—might be ideal for those who appreciate a more pronounced tactile sensation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Xinhai has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai for $2.99.
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
When it comes to sound, the Huano Acacia linear switch offers a relatively quiet and unobtrusive typing experience, which makes it suitable for environments where noise could be a distraction. Its smooth operation results in a muted tone that allows for focused typing without drawing attention. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai switch features a distinctively clacky sound characterized by sharp and snappy acoustics, producing a crisp, bright, and percussive noise when pressed. This sound profile can be highly satisfying to enthusiasts who appreciate auditory feedback while typing, although it may be less suitable for quieter settings.
In terms of feel, the Acacia switch is recognized for its medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication, which delivers a pleasant typing experience right out of the box. This setup minimizes stem wobble, further enhancing the overall feel and making it more stable. On the other hand, the Xinhai switch is described as both bouncy and creamy, providing a lively, spring-like feedback with a smooth, buttery sensation thanks to its unique materials and design choices. The combination of these qualities allows for a typing experience that feels both dynamic and fluid, giving users an engaging tactile sensation.
In summary, while the Huano Acacia linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch cater to different preferences in sound and feel, they each have distinctive attributes that appeal to specific users. The Acacia provides a quiet and stable typing experience, perfect for those who value subtlety, while the Xinhai offers a lively and resonant performance that many typing enthusiasts might find exhilarating. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for auditory feedback and tactile sensations, ensuring that either option can offer a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch boils down to your personal preferences in typing feel and sound characteristics. If you enjoy a medium-light resistance with a smooth and meticulously lubricated feel right out of the box, the Acacia is well-suited for you. It offers a balanced typing experience that is great for both typing and gaming, providing a satisfying blend of control and comfort. On the other hand, if you prefer an ultra-light touch and a more dynamic, lively feel when typing, the Xinhai switch could be your ideal pick. With its bouncy and creamy sensations, coupled with a crisp and vibrant sound profile, it’s perfect for those who appreciate quick, snappy keystrokes and a more engaging typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should align with your typing style, sound preference, and the overall comfort you seek from your mechanical keyboard.
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