Huano Caramel Latte vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Caramel Latte and the Wuque Studio WS Brown offer two distinct yet appealing options that cater to different typing preferences. The Caramel Latte, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth feel and a bright, clacky sound profile, making it perfect for typists who enjoy a fluid keystroke experience without tactile interruption. With a medium weight of 50g at bottom out, this switch provides a satisfying feedback that’s ideal for those who prioritize speed and keystroke consistency in their typing. On the other hand, the WS Brown switch stands out as a tactile option that elegantly marries comfort with responsiveness. With a medium-light actuation force, it allows for an enjoyable typing experience that minimizes fatigue during long work or gaming sessions—all while delivering that delightful auditory feedback thanks to its nylon housing and POM stem combination. Both switches have their unique advantages, appealing to varying preferences in typing style and sound. 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POK
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 double-stage spring
Housing materials
The comparison of the housing materials in the Huano Caramel Latte and Wuque Studio WS Brown reveals distinct characteristics that influence their performance and acoustic qualities. The Caramel Latte features a POK top housing, known for its impressive durability and smoothness, with a coefficient of friction that promotes effortless key presses. This synthetic material outperforms traditional plastics like Nylon and POM in terms of wear and shock resistance, resulting in a switch that exudes a clacky sound while maintaining resilience over time. In contrast, the WS Brown incorporates a nylon top housing, which, while being a classic material for switch housings, offers a different audio experience. The softer nature of nylon contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, making it more effective at absorbing sound compared to the POK material.
Both the Huano Caramel Latte and Wuque Studio WS Brown utilize nylon for their bottom housings, ensuring consistency in sound absorption and tactile response. As both switches utilize nylon, they will share a similar acoustic signature in terms of dampening vibrations and producing a duller, rounder sound when the key is bottomed out. The design philosophy behind using nylon for the bottom housing reinforces the qualitative experience of the switch, making it ideal for users who appreciate a rich auditory feedback while typing or gaming. Both models will thus exhibit a satisfying tactile feel and resonance, though the nuances in sound will largely be influenced by the top housing material.
Overall, the integration of POK for the Caramel Latte's top housing offers an innovative approach with added durability and smoothness, while the WS Brown leans toward traditional appeal with its nylon top housing. Despite their differences, both switches feature nylon on the bottom, creating a balanced interaction between their respective materials. Users can expect a unique typing experience from each model, where the Caramel Latte might cater to those looking for a snappier response and distinct audio feedback during key release, whereas the WS Brown will appeal to individuals seeking a fuller and more subdued sound profile that accentuates the deeper tones associated with nylon.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, we see both have the same bottom out force of 55 grams, indicating a consistent resistance when pressing the key all the way down. However, the actuation force presents a difference: the Caramel Latte has a defined actuation force of 45 grams, while the WS Brown's actuation force is unknown. Given this information, the Caramel Latte offers a lighter actuation, making it potentially more suitable for extended typing sessions, whereas the WS Brown may provide a variance in feel due to the lack of specified actuation force. As a result, users who prefer a lighter keypress would lean toward the Caramel Latte, whereas those seeking a more substantial typing experience might find the WS Brown appealing. Overall, if the WS Brown's actuation force is comparable or similar to that of the Caramel Latte, users could expect a typing experience that meets their preferences in both scenarios.
Travel distance
The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Caramel Latte provides a more responsive experience due to its shorter travel distance, which may be preferred by gamers seeking quick key presses. In contrast, the WS Brown's longer travel distance allows for a more pronounced depth sensation, which some users might find more satisfying for typing purposes. Therefore, for those who prioritize responsiveness, the Caramel Latte is the better choice, while those who enjoy a deeper feel might gravitate toward the WS Brown. Overall, the Caramel Latte is the shorter option, making it ideal for fast-paced scenarios, whereas the WS Brown is the longer switch, catering to users who favor a more traditional typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Caramel Latte has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Caramel Latte for $2.75.
The Wuque Studio WS Brown comes in at $3.50 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 Caramel Latte switch is known for its bright, clacky sound profile, which can be particularly enjoyable for those who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback when typing. This lively sound can add energy to your typing sessions, making each keystroke feel more impactful. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Brown switch offers a more subtle acoustic experience. It delivers a familiar and delightful auditory signature, though it may not be as pronounced as the Caramel Latte's sound. Both switches harmonize with their respective designs and can yield satisfying auditory results, albeit in different volumes and tones, influenced by factors such as the keyboard build and keycap choice.
When it comes to feel, the Caramel Latte switch provides a super smooth typing experience, marked by a medium weight of 50g bottom out. This smoothness enhances the overall comfort, allowing for fluid typing without much resistance. The tactile feedback is less emphasized in this linear switch, focusing instead on an uninterrupted sensation. Meanwhile, the WS Brown switch features a medium-light actuation force, which strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort. It is designed for extended typing sessions, ensuring that fatigue is minimized while still offering sufficient tactile feedback that many enthusiasts enjoy. The tactile bump on the WS Brown may create a more engaging typing sensation for those who prefer their switches to have a noticeable response at the point of actuation.
In conclusion, both the Huano Caramel Latte and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches have unique strengths that cater to different preferences. The Caramel Latte offers a bright and clacky sound with a super smooth feel, perfect for those who enjoy a more expressive auditory experience. In contrast, the WS Brown provides a balanced auditory feedback and a comfortable typing experience with its medium-light actuation force. While the Caramel Latte may be more vibrant in sound, the WS Brown excels in providing tactile feedback that can make longer typing sessions more enjoyable. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize sound, feel, or a combination of both in your typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch should align with your specific typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prioritize a smooth and quiet typing experience that delivers a satisfying keystroke feedback without any bump during actuation, the Caramel Latte is an excellent fit—a perfect choice for both gaming and general typing, especially if you enjoy a bright and clacky sound profile that energizes your keystrokes. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile feel that helps you know exactly when your key has registered with a pleasant tactile bump, the WS Brown switches would be more suitable. They offer a balance of comfort and responsiveness, making them ideal for long typing sessions or office environments where feedback matters, yet noise levels need to be kept in check. Each switch has its strengths, so your decision should be informed by whether you value smooth linear action or pronounced tactile response in your mechanical keyboard experience.