Huano Acacia vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Acacia and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile present two distinct typing experiences that cater to different preferences and styles. The Acacia, classified as a linear switch, offers a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke with its medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication, ensuring an excellent typing experience right out of the box. Its minimal stem wobble enhances consistency, making it ideal for those who favor speed and agility in their typing. In contrast, the WS Heavy Tactile switch is designed for tactile enthusiasts, delivering a robust 70g tactile bump that not only provides engaging feedback but also an immersive typing experience complemented by a unique "thocky" sound produced by its nylon housing. This switch's classification as 'Bouncy,' 'Clacky,' and 'Resonant' appeals to users who value a more pronounced tactile sensation during typing. Ultimately, both switches boast unique features, with the Acacia aimed at smooth, linear performance and the WS Heavy Tactile delivering rich tactile feedback. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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 Huano Acacia and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile both utilize distinct materials for their top and bottom switch housings, leading to different auditory and tactile experiences during use. The Acacia features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This quality arises from polycarbonate's relatively stiff nature, allowing for clearer resonance. The translucency of polycarbonate is also a significant advantage when RGB lighting is in play since it enhances the visual aesthetic by allowing light to shine through more effectively. In contrast, the WS Heavy Tactile employs a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound waves, leading to a duller, rounder auditory experience compared to the Acacia's top housing.
When it comes to the bottom housings, both the Huano Acacia and the WS Heavy Tactile utilize nylon, providing consistency in the deeper, fuller sound profile associated with this material. The nature of nylon allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, which contributes to a smoother and more subdued experience when the key is pressed down from either switch. This similarity in material choice results in a comparable tactile feedback and bottom-out sound, as both switches benefit from the acoustic properties of nylon, providing a performance that is more unified in its depth and resonance.
In conclusion, while the top housings of the Huano Acacia and Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile differ in material—polycarbonate for the former and nylon for the latter—both switches share a similar bottom housing composition that contributes to their overall tactile experience. The differing acoustic profiles leveraged by the swinging qualities of each top housing create distinct sound signatures that affect how users perceive each switch when pressed. Moving forward, users can expect a more tactile, deeper sound from the WS Heavy Tactile, while the Acacia will yield a crisper, more resonant sound, particularly influenced by its polycarbonate top.
Weight
The Huano Acacia linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch present an interesting comparison in terms of their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them feel similar in terms of the pressure required to register a keystroke, which may appeal to users looking for a comfortable typing experience, especially during extended use. However, the two switches diverge when it comes to bottom out force: the Acacia has a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the WS Heavy Tactile’s bottom out force is significantly higher at 70 grams. This means that while both switches have a light actuation feel, the WS Heavy Tactile will provide a more substantial and heavier sensation when fully pressed down. As a result, users who prefer a lighter overall experience might lean towards the Acacia for its more forgiving bottoming out, whereas those who enjoy a heftier feel may be inclined to choose the WS Heavy Tactile for its stronger bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch, the Acacia has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the WS Heavy Tactile features a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. This makes the Acacia the longer option, providing a depthier feel that some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile's shorter distance can cater to gamers and those seeking quicker response times, as it allows for faster actuation. Ultimately, if you favor a more responsive experience, the WS Heavy Tactile is the way to go, while the Acacia may appeal to users who appreciate a more traditional depth in their keystrokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Huano Acacia comes in at $3.39, whereas the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile comes in at $3.50.
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 considering sound, the Huano Acacia linear switch is known for its relatively quiet operations, making it suitable for environments where noise is a concern. Its minimal sound profile allows for a more subdued typing experience, which can be beneficial for prolonged use in quiet settings. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch provides a more vibrant auditory experience characterized by a clacky, high-pitched, and resonant sound. This "thocky" acoustic profile creates an engaging auditory feedback that many typists find satisfying, making it an excellent choice for users who enjoy a more pronounced sound with each keystroke.
In terms of feel, the Huano Acacia is recognized for its medium-light weight, generous lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, resulting in a smooth and enjoyable typing experience. Users can appreciate the fluidity of each keypress without any excessive resistance. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switch offers a completely different tactile sensation with its pronounced 70g bump. Described as accented, bouncy, and invigorating, these switches provide a lively feedback that is not only sharp but also offers a measure of snappiness, ensuring each keystroke feels rewarding and responsive.
In summary, while the Huano Acacia linear switch excels in providing a quieter and smoother typing experience with minimal distractions, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch delivers a robust auditory and tactile engagement that enhances the typing journey. Each switch caters to different preferences—whether you prioritize a serene atmosphere or a pronounced and immersive experience, you'll appreciate the unique qualities they each bring to the keyboard. Selecting between them will ultimately depend on your personal preference for sound and feel, ensuring that both options can yield satisfying results tailored to your typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch really comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a lighter actuation with a smooth and consistent feel, the Acacia is likely your best bet. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams, coupled with its excellent factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, makes it ideal for long typing sessions and casual gaming, as you won't tire your fingers. Additionally, if you prefer a quieter switch with a more subdued sound profile, the Acacia will serve you well without drawing unwanted attention. On the other hand, if you thrive on tactile feedback and enjoy a more engaging typing experience, the WS Heavy Tactile might be the better choice. The 70-gram actuation force, pronounced tactile bump, and satisfying "thocky" sound can transform your typing into a more immersive activity, making it particularly satisfying for those who appreciate the physical sensation of each keystroke. The invigorating and snappy feedback of the WS Heavy Tactile caters to users who enjoy a more dynamic and audible typing experience, while its sturdier build can be beneficial for tasks requiring precision and deliberate input. Ultimately, whether you lean towards the ease and flow of the Acacia or the rich tactile feedback of the WS Heavy Tactile will depend on how you prioritize comfort versus engagement in your keyboard experience.
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