Huano Acacia vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preference regarding feel and sound. The Huano Acacia, a linear switch, excels with its medium-light actuation force, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, resulting in a smooth and satisfying typing experience right out of the box. This switch is perfect for users who favor fluid keystrokes and a quieter performance without the tactile bumps typically found in other types. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch stands out in office settings or shared spaces, delivering a medium-level tactile response while significantly reducing noise. Thanks to its innovative design, which forgoes traditional silicone dampeners, it maintains a crisp feedback that appeals to those who appreciate both tactility and silence in their typing. Each switch has its unique offerings: the Acacia offers a smooth, uninterrupted typing experience, while the WS Silent Tactile ensures a quieter, yet tactile interaction. 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 Tactile, one of the key differences lies in the materials used for the top housing. The Acacia features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and translucence, resulting in a sharper and more resonant sound profile. This characteristic makes it particularly suitable for RGB lighting, as the clear polycarbonate allows the illumination to shine through more vividly, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the keyboard. The crisper sound produced by polycarbonate adds a distinct auditory quality that many users may prefer for their typing experience, as it allows for greater auditory feedback.
In contrast, the WS Silent Tactile employs a nylon top housing that imparts a deeply rounded and fuller sound profile. As nylon is a softer plastic than polycarbonate, it absorbs more sound, resulting in a more muted typing experience. This quality can be especially appealing to users seeking a quieter keystroke, as the nylon helps to dampen sound transmission, creating a more serene environment during use. While the Acacia's polycarbonate enhances brightness and clarity in sound, the nylon in the WS Silent Tactile cultivates a more toned-down audio experience.
Despite their differences in top housing materials, both keyboards share the same nylon material for the bottom housing. This similarity ensures that when typing on either switch, the final auditory experience will be influenced by the nylon's characteristics, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Therefore, while the top housing may lead to distinct sound signatures—one being sharper and the other rounder—the commonality in bottom housing material balances their sound outputs. Users can expect a blend of their desired typing dynamics, whether they prefer the crisper sound from the Acacia or the quieter notes from the WS Silent Tactile, demonstrating that the combined effects of both top and bottom materials are crucial for the overall typing experience.
Weight
The Huano Acacia linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Acacia switch has a relatively light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a suitable choice for users who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the WS Silent Tactile switch does not have a specified actuation force, but it features a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which contributes to a more substantial typing experience favored by those who like a firmer push. Thus, while the Acacia is the lighter option due to its defined actuation and lower bottom out forces, the WS Silent Tactile, although unspecified for actuation, is implied to be the heavier choice based on its higher bottom out force. For someone seeking a balance between the two, the differences in bottom out forces would result in a more tactile feedback in the WS Silent Tactile, while the Acacia would be preferable for longer typing durations with less finger fatigue.
Travel distance
The Huano Acacia linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch both have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This similarity means that users can expect a comparable feel when pressing down on the keys of devices featuring either switch. With the same travel distance, both switches will provide a consistent tactile experience, allowing for uniformity in key presses and overall performance. Hence, whether you choose the Acacia or the WS Silent Tactile, the key travel will feel identical, ensuring that users who prioritize travel distance can enjoy a consistent experience with 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 Tactile 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
In terms of sound, the Huano Acacia switch is designed to deliver a typing experience that is more subdued and pleasant, though specific sound characteristics are not detailed. It can be inferred that, similar to other linear switches, it may produce a relatively quieter sound profile compared to tactile or clicky switches. The Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile, on the other hand, is explicitly crafted for minimal noise output; it has a muted sound, making it ideal for quieter environments, such as offices. The combination of the switch’s precision-engineered stem railings enhances its silent operation while still providing a balanced auditory backdrop, allowing users to type without disruptive sound. Both switches aim for a less intrusive typing experience, but the WS Silent Tactile clearly excels in noise reduction, particularly for those seeking a serene atmosphere.
When it comes to feel, the Huano Acacia switch offers a medium-light weight with generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, leading to a smooth and satisfying typing sensation. This results in an immersive typing experience that allows users to glide effortlessly over the keys. The WS Silent Tactile switch features a unique blend of tactile feedback and silent operation, described with terms like "accented" and "invigorating." It provides a pronounced tactile bump without feeling overwhelming, catering to those who enjoy a bit of responsiveness in their typing but want to avoid excessive scratchiness. Its mild qualities make it approachable, ensuring it does not alienate users who prefer a gentler typing touch. Together, both switches offer distinct tactile experiences, with the Acacia leaning towards smoothness and the WS Silent Tactile providing a more pronounced but still gentle feedback.
In summary, while the Huano Acacia linear switch excels in delivering a smooth and enjoyable typing experience characterized by minimal wobble and good factory lubrication, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch stands out with its superior noise reduction and unique tactile responsiveness. Both switches cater to users seeking a pleasant typing experience but serve different needs regarding sound and tactile feedback. The Acacia is suitable for those who appreciate smooth, linear action, while the WS Silent Tactile appeals to individuals desiring a tactile engagement with minimal noise. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to whether you prioritize a quiet typing environment or a more traditional typing feel with tangible feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch largely depends on your specific typing preferences and environment. If you appreciate a medium-light actuation force accompanied by a smooth, linear feel, the Acacia switch will be your go-to, especially for a fast and uninterrupted typing experience. This makes it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who value speed and fluidity without the added tactile bump. On the other hand, if you're often in a shared workspace or prefer a quieter typing experience without sacrificing feedback, the WS Silent Tactile switch is a fantastic option. Its medium-heavy force combined with its unique design offers a balanced tactile feedback while minimizing unwanted noise, making it ideal for both office settings and home use where peace and discretion are valued. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you prioritize a smooth, uninterrupted flow of keystrokes or a more textured, quieter experience that still engages your senses.
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