Huano Acacia vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the decision often boils down to personal preference and the intended use of the keyboard. Two popular options are the Huano Acacia and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear, both of which are linear switches known for their smooth keystrokes. The Huano Acacia stands out with its medium-light weight, impressive factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, providing a responsive and satisfying typing experience right out of the box. Conversely, the WS Silent Linear offers an innovative solution for those seeking to elevate their office environment; its unique stem railings with discreet cutouts significantly reduce noise while retaining a sharp responsiveness and satisfying bottom-out feel, without the typical silicone dampeners associated with other silent switches. While both switches excel in delivering a seamless typing experience, they cater to different priorities, such as sound level and 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Acacia and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches, a distinct contrast arises from the choice of materials for their top housings. The Acacia features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, more resonant sound profile due to its stiffer nature. This material's clarity allows for a crisper auditory experience, making it particularly effective when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the WS Silent Linear employs a nylon top housing, a classic material that yields a deeper and fuller sound profile owing to its softer composition. The nylon's ability to absorb sound contributes to a duller, more rounded auditory experience, highlighting how different top housing materials can significantly shape the overall sound and feel of switches.
Both switches, however, incorporate nylon for their bottom housing, leading to a convergence in sound characteristics despite differences in their top materials. In both cases, the nylon bottom housing imparts a deeper sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience, primarily impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. The soft plastic's sound-absorbing qualities lend a consistency in auditory feedback, culminating in a fuller sound when the key is pressed down. This shared material across both switches provides a level of uniformity in the sonic experience during keypresses, even as the top housings influence the sound when keys are released.
Ultimately, while the Huano Acacia and the WS Silent Linear switches utilize different materials for their top housings—polycarbonate versus nylon—their bottom housings create a shared auditory environment that marries the unique qualities of both designs. If one seeks clarity and resonance in key release sounds with the Acacia, they will encounter a notably different character than the subdued, fuller tones of the WS Silent Linear. However, the nylon bottom housing ensures a level of consistency in the overall typing experience, allowing users to appreciate how material choices, both individually and collectively, shape the auditory profile of mechanical keyboard switches.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch to the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces that affect their usability. The Acacia features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light, which is beneficial for extended typing sessions or gaming due to its reduced resistance. Conversely, the WS Silent Linear switch has an unknown actuation force but boasts a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy. This suggests a more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel. Overall, the Acacia is the lighter option compared to the heavier WS Silent Linear, making it more suitable for users who seek comfort during prolonged use, while the WS Silent Linear caters to those who appreciate a firmer keystroke.
Travel distance
The Huano Acacia linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch both feature a travel distance of 3.5 mm, indicating that users will experience the same amount of key travel when pressing down on these switches. This similarity in travel distance means that both switches will provide a comparable feel and responsiveness during typing or gaming, ultimately leading to similar performance results. As both switches measure the same in terms of travel distance, users can expect a consistent experience when utilizing either option.
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 Silent Linear comes in at $4.20.
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
The Huano Acacia switch is characterized by a pleasant, non-intrusive sound profile, facilitating a typing experience that is unobtrusive in both home and office settings. It’s designed to strike a balance between a more traditional mechanical keyboard sound and a quieter output, making it versatile for different environments. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch takes this a step further with its emphasis on sound dampening. It features a neutral and muted sound profile that significantly reduces noise, offering a quieter typing experience without the use of silicone dampeners. The result is a more subdued acoustic signature that allows for focused work without the distraction of clackiness that often accompanies mechanical switches.
When it comes to feel, the Acacia switch excels with its medium-light weight, allowing for a smooth and responsive typing experience straight out of the box. The generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble enhance the overall tactile sensation, making it enjoyable for long typing sessions. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear switch offers a mild feel that promotes a gentle typing experience. While it lacks the more pronounced tactile feedback that some users may prefer, its balanced characteristics create an approachable feel that is comfortable for a wide range of users, whether they are newbies or seasoned typists.
Overall, both the Huano Acacia and Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches serve specific yet overlapping niches in the mechanical keyboard market. While the Acacia emphasizes a pleasing sound and a well-rounded feel that's ready for immediate use, the WS Silent Linear focuses on delivering a virtually silent experience without compromising responsiveness. Each switch provides a unique typing experience tailored to different preferences while also ensuring solid performance, making either choice a suitable option depending on one’s priorities in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the environments in which you plan to use your keyboard. If you appreciate a medium-light bottom-out force and enjoy typing on switches that provide an excellent feel and sound right out of the box, the Acacia switch is a great choice. Its smooth action and minimal stem wobble make it ideal for those seeking a satisfying typing experience, whether at home or in a cozy office setting. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that minimizes noise while still delivering a satisfying tactile experience, the WS Silent Linear is the way to go. With its medium-heavy resistance and thoughtfully engineered design, it effectively reduces noise without sacrificing responsiveness, making it perfect for work environments where maintaining a quiet atmosphere is paramount. Ultimately, the decision hinges on your desired balance of tactile feedback and noise level, so consider where you’ll be using your keyboard most frequently to make the best choice for your needs.
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