Huano Caramel Latte vs. Wuque Studio WS Dash
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Caramel Latte and the Wuque Studio WS Dash present two compelling yet distinct options. The Caramel Latte, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth and satisfying keystrokes, featuring a medium actuation force of 50g that strikes a perfect balance for typists and gamers alike. Its bright, clacky sound profile adds an enjoyable auditory element to the typing experience, making it a popular choice for those who appreciate both feedback and comfort. On the other hand, the WS Dash, a hall effect switch, offers a unique combination of refinement and functionality. Known for its smooth keystrokes paired with a similarly bright and clacky sound, it showcases the innovative technology of Hall Effect switches, which provide greater durability and responsiveness. While the Caramel Latte is favored for its traditional linear feel and vibrant sound, the WS Dash is ideal for users seeking cutting-edge performance alongside a sophisticated aesthetic. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that aligns with your typing preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Huano Caramel Latte and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches employ different materials for their top housings, resulting in distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Caramel Latte features a POK top housing, which boasts a low coefficient of friction (0.04), ensuring smooth key presses. Additionally, POK is exceptionally durable and shock-resistant, contributing to a "clacky" sound that enhances the overall typing experience. In contrast, the WS Dash utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and translucency, which results in a higher-pitched and crisper sound profile. This material is particularly advantageous for setups with RGB lighting, as its clarity allows light to shine through effectively. Therefore, while both switches offer enjoyable typing experiences, the contrasting materials produce differing auditory and aesthetic outcomes.
On the bottom housing front, both the Huano Caramel Latte and the WS Dash utilize nylon, which results in a deep, full sound profile. Nylon is known for its softer texture, which absorbs sound and creates a more rounded auditory experience when pressed. This shared bottom housing component leads to a degree of uniformity in the feel and sound when typing, regardless of the top housing differences. The softer characteristics of nylon are particularly effective at minimizing higher frequencies, ultimately lending both switches a richness in sound on bottom-out that might not be as pronounced if either switch had a harder material in the bottom.
The combination of POK in the Caramel Latte's top housing and nylon in both switches' bottom housings illustrates how diverse materials can yield varied tactile and auditory experiences. Users can enjoy the unique, clacky sound of the Caramel Latte due to its resilient top housing while still experiencing the depth of sound that nylon provides. In comparison, the WS Dash's polycarbonate top adds brightness and clarity, complementing the full-bodied nature of its nylon bottom. Thus, though differing in top housing materials, the two switches share enough common ground in their bottom construction that allows them both to produce a pleasing, deep sound profile, while still catering to different preferences in sound and performance.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, there are both similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Caramel Latte features an actuation force of 45 grams, while the WS Dash has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams. Despite this, both switches share the same bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a consistent resistance when fully pressed down. This results in a common experience at the bottom of the key press, but the initial actuation will feel different between the two. The lighter actuation force of the WS Dash can potentially lead to a more comfortable typing experience for extended periods, making it preferable for users who prioritize ease during long typing sessions or gaming. Conversely, the heavier actuation force of the Caramel Latte can provide a more substantial feel, which might appeal to those who prefer a stronger push sensation when typing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, the Caramel Latte offers a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the WS Dash has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Caramel Latte provides a slightly deeper press compared to the WS Dash, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the WS Dash might be more attractive to gamers seeking quicker response times, as shorter distances can facilitate faster actuation. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for key feel and responsiveness; those who favor the sensation of depth will likely lean towards the Caramel Latte, whereas those prioritizing quick actuation may opt for the WS Dash.
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 Dash has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Dash for $7.49.
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, both the Huano Caramel Latte and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches exhibit a bright and clacky sound profile. This characteristic makes them appealing for users who enjoy an audible feedback when typing, enhancing the overall engagement of the typing experience. However, the specific qualities of the sound may vary depending on the choice of keyboard, mounting style, and keycap material used, which can further shape how these switches resonate.
When it comes to feel, the Caramel Latte boasts a medium weight of 50g on bottom-out, delivering a smooth and pleasurable typing experience. This translates to tactile satisfaction for those who favor linear switches, ensuring that each keystroke feels fluid and effortless. Similarly, the WS Dash switches offer a silky smooth keystroke, following in the Caramel Latte’s footsteps for a smooth experience. The consistency in the smoothness of both switches suggests a refined typing experience that caters to typists and gamers alike.
In summary, both the Huano Caramel Latte and the Wuque Studio WS Dash are excellent choices for those seeking a bright, clacky sound paired with a smooth and satisfying keystroke. With their appealing auditory and tactile qualities, either switch can create a delightful typing experience, appealing to a wide range of users.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch will largely depend on your personal preferences and intended use. If you prioritize a smooth typing experience combined with a bright, clacky sound, the Caramel Latte is an excellent option. It's ideal for users who enjoy the lively acoustics and an engaging tactile feedback with their keystrokes, making it well-suited for both gaming and general typing tasks. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more refined typing experience, the WS Dash switches offer a unique hall effect mechanism that produces a silky smooth keystroke while still providing that distinct clacky sound. This makes them more suitable for users who value precision and responsiveness, especially in gaming scenarios where quick actuation is key. Ultimately, both switches have a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, so your choice should reflect the overall typing experience you desire—whether that’s the engaging feel of the Caramel Latte or the sophisticated touch of the WS Dash switches.
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