Huano Acacia vs. TTC Yunhai

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect linear mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that often come up are the Huano Acacia and the TTC Yunhai. The Huano Acacia is renowned for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, providing an exceptional typing experience right out of the box. It's a solid choice for those who value a smooth and stable keystroke with a tactile and satisfying feel. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai differentiates itself with a unique, deep-rounded sound profile and an incredibly light actuation force, making it ideal for typists who favor a gentle, effortless typing experience. While both switches cater to specific preferences, they each offer distinct advantages that could sway your decision. 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

TTC Yunhai Linear

$3.39 per 10

$7.50

$5.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Acacia and the TTC Yunhai switches, it becomes evident that there is a prominent distinction in their top housing compositions. The Acacia features a polycarbonate top housing, which is noted for its stiffer structure that produces a sharper and crisper sound profile. This sonic clarity is amplified, especially under RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for effective light diffusion. In contrast, the Yunhai utilizes a nylon top housing, a more traditional material known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. While both housing types perform essential functions in shaping the acoustics of the switch, their differing effects—one emphasizing brightness and clarity and the other lending a rounder and warmer depth—provide distinct tactile and auditory feedback to users.

On the other hand, both switches employ nylon for their bottom housings. This uniformity leads to shared characteristics in how sound is produced when a key is fully pressed down. Using nylon in the bottom housing contributes to a stampede feeling that is deeper and more muted, as the material's softer nature absorbs much of the sound impact. This consistency across the Acacia and Yunhai's bottom housings means that users can expect a similar experience when bottoming out on either switch, despite the varied responses from their top housings. The familiarity and reliability of nylon in both cases serve to anchor the overall auditory experience of each switch, creating a coherent experience during use.

Ultimately, the combination of materials in each switch creates contrasting tuning profiles. The Acacia's polycarbonate top provides a bright, crisp sound while the nylon bottom offers the familiar deep finish, producing an effective sonic balance. In contrast, the Yunhai's all-nylon design provides a harmony that emphasizes fullness and warmth throughout the keypress. Thus, even with a common bottom housing material, the distinctions in the top housing reveal fundamental differences in sound and tactile feedback, showcasing how material choices can significantly influence user experience and preferences in mechanical switches.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, we find notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Acacia features a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, compared to the lighter 42 grams of the Yunhai, making the Acacia better suited for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In terms of bottom out force, the Acacia also has a higher rating at 55 grams versus the Yunhai's 50 grams. This difference suggests that the Acacia may provide a firmer feel when bottoming out, which could be appealing for those who favor a more tactile end to their keystrokes. Ultimately, if you're looking for a lighter switch that may facilitate longer typing sessions or gaming, the TTC Yunhai would be preferable, while the Huano Acacia is ideal for those who appreciate a stronger push feel.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, the Acacia measures 3.5 mm, while the Yunhai is slightly longer at 3.6 mm. This indicates that if you're looking for a switch with a more responsive feel, the Acacia may be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance, which can lead to quicker key actuations—ideal for gamers who prioritize speed. Conversely, the Yunhai's longer travel distance of 3.6 mm may appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced tactile experience, providing a sense of depth that some users find more satisfying. While both switches are quite similar in their travel characteristics, the Acacia stands out as the more responsive option, while the Yunhai caters to users desiring a fuller key press.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Huano Acacia linear switch is noted for its smooth and quiet operation, thanks to its generous factory lubrication that dampens any unwanted noise. This allows for a more tranquil typing experience, making it suitable for quieter environments, such as offices or shared spaces. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai linear switch boasts a deep, rounded sound profile, providing a satisfying acoustic feedback that is distinct yet not overly loud. This unique sound makes it particularly appealing to users who enjoy an auditory element to their typing that still maintains a relatively soft output.

When it comes to feel, the Acacia switch features a medium-light weight, which caters to a broad range of typists. Its minimal stem wobble enhances the overall stability of each keystroke, allowing for a consistent and precise typing experience right out of the box. In contrast, the Yunhai switch is characterized by its incredibly light actuation force, making each keystroke feel effortless. This lightness can be particularly advantageous for long typing sessions, as it reduces finger fatigue, although it may require some adjustment for those accustomed to heavier switches.

Overall, both the Huano Acacia and the TTC Yunhai linear switches provide appealing qualities suited for different preferences. The Acacia excels with its quiet, stable feel, making it excellent for users who prioritize a straightforward, unobtrusive typing experience. In comparison, the Yunhai offers a unique auditory element and a lighter touch that may delight users looking for a more playful and effortless keystroke. Depending on individual preferences, users can expect satisfying performance from either switch, though their differing sound and feel characteristics can guide a newcomer towards the option that best matches their typing style.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the overall experience you're seeking. If you prefer a medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams that strikes a balance between responsiveness and control, the Acacia is an excellent choice. Its generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble offer a smooth typing experience right out of the box, which is great if you value precision and a direct feel in your keystrokes. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of just 50 grams, the Yunhai is likely to suit your style better. Its unique deep and rounded sound profile, combined with the incredibly light actuation force, provides a gentle and effortless typing experience that can be particularly appealing for long typing sessions or casual use. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal preferences for sound and feel, as well as the level of tactile feedback you enjoy.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Acacia Linear

$3.39 per 10

Learn more

TTC Yunhai Linear

$7.50

$5.99 per 10

Learn more