Huano Acacia vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the advantages of different options. The Huano Acacia, a linear switch, stands out for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, resulting in a smooth and enjoyable typing experience right from the start. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy), also a linear switch, offers a heftier feel and is highlighted for its unique PA12 top housing that provides a softer acoustics profile, paired with a POM stem that yields a distinctively crisp and higher-pitched resonance. While the Acacia may be the optimal choice for those seeking a light and effortless touch, the more substantial Xinhai (Heavy) caters to users who appreciate a blend of sophistication and precise performance in their keystrokes. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Acacia and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy), one of the most striking differences lies in their top housing compositions. The Acacia employs polycarbonate for its top housing, which endows it with a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This is primarily because polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, enhances the clarity and resonance of the audio output generated when the keys are pressed. Moreover, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it particularly advantageous for users interested in RGB lighting, as it allows for vibrant illumination and showcases the light effects more effectively. In stark contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) features a nylon top housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon contributes to its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a more muffled and rounder auditory experience.
On the other hand, both the Acacia and the Xinhai (Heavy) utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This consistency means that when it comes to the impact of the bottom housing on the typing experience, the two switches will perform similarly. Since nylon is known for its sound-absorbing qualities, users can expect a deep and rich sound profile from both switches in terms of bottom-out noise and feel. This feature is critical for enthusiasts who favor a smoother and more cushioned typing experience. Thus, despite the differing top housing materials—one amplifying sound clarity and the other dampening it—the bottom housing remains a common ground that offers a level of acoustic uniformity across both models.
Ultimately, the difference in top housing materials leads to unique sound profiles, while the similarity in bottom housing material creates a harmonious blend of characteristics. When pressing down on the keys, users will feel the plush impact offered by the nylon bottom housing in both switches. However, when it comes to releasing the key, the sound experience will diverge significantly: the Acacia will deliver a brighter and sharper note due to its polycarbonate top, while the Xinhai (Heavy) will contribute a softer tone. This contrast highlights the importance of material selection in achieving the desired auditory experience, offering users the opportunity to choose based on their personal preferences in sound quality and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Acacia has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light option well-suited for those who favor ease of typing and longer use without fatigue. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) switch features a higher actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, categorized as medium, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial feel with a stronger push. Consequently, the Acacia switch is the lighter option, potentially leading to a more comfortable experience for those engaged in prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Xinhai caters to users desiring a heftier keystroke feel, enhancing typing satisfaction for those who like a stronger actuation. Overall, the switches offer distinct tactile experiences based on their respective force dynamics.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, the Acacia has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Xinhai (Heavy) measures slightly shorter at 3.4 mm. This means that the Acacia offers a more substantial feel with a deeper travel distance, which may be preferred by users who enjoy a hearty, tactile experience when typing. On the other hand, the Xinhai (Heavy) switch, with its shorter travel distance, may cater better to gamers who favor quicker response times for heightened performance. While both switches fall within a similar range, the Acacia's 3.5 mm distance provides a bit more depth compared to the Xinhai’s 3.4 mm, making it the longer option. If greater responsiveness is a priority, the shorter Xinhai (Heavy) switch may be more appealing, whereas those who value a more pronounced keystroke might favor the Huano Acacia.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Xinhai (Heavy) 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 (Heavy) 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
In terms of sound, the Huano Acacia linear switch is characterized by its smooth and muted profile, allowing for a more subtle typing experience, particularly suitable for quieter environments. Its factory lubrication contributes to this pleasant acoustic while minimizing any undesired noise. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch is designed with a unique PA12 top housing that produces a softer, more refined sound. The POM stem enhances this switch's acoustic footprint, giving it a crisp, higher-pitched resonance that presents a distinct auditory signature. Although these switches differ in their sound profiles, the choice of keyboard and keycaps can significantly affect their overall acoustic performance.
When it comes to feel, the Acacia switch is lauded for its medium-light weight and responsive nature, providing a comfortable typing experience right out of the box. Its generous factory lubrication further enhances the smoothness of each keystroke, reducing friction and ensuring that users can enjoy prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch presents a heftier feel, catering to those who prefer a more substantial resistance in their typing experience. This switch’s design allows for precise performance, making it ideal for users who value tactile feedback and engagement with each keystroke. Both switches deliver unique, enjoyable feelings, appealing to different typing preferences among users.
In conclusion, users can expect the Huano Acacia linear switch to offer a smooth, muted typing experience with a lightweight feel, making it accessible for long-duration usage. The HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, with its crisp acoustics and heavy resistance, is perfect for those desiring a more pronounced tactile engagement. Ultimately, both switches provide distinct yet enjoyable typing experiences that cater to a range of personal preferences, ensuring that there is an option available for various typing styles and environments.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a switch that delivers a smooth, comfortable typing experience with a medium-light actuation force and well-lubricated internals right from the start, the Acacia may be the perfect fit for you. Its lower bottom-out force of 55 grams can provide a light and responsive feel, making it an excellent choice for extended typing sessions or if you’re coming from a softer switch background. On the other hand, if you appreciate a bit more resistance with a firmer bottom-out force of 62.5 grams, the Xinhai (Heavy) switch will better suit your needs. This switch is ideal for those who enjoy a more robust typing experience and might find satisfaction in the unique acoustics and the precise feedback provided by its design. Ultimately, both switches have their strengths, so consider your typing preferences, the sound you enjoy, and the type of overall experience you are seeking in a mechanical keyboard.
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