Huano Caramel Latte vs. Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile 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 Light Tactile present two intriguing options that cater to different preferences. The Caramel Latte, a linear switch, is celebrated for its medium actuation weight of 50g and its bright, clacky sound profile, delivering a super smooth typing experience that enhances every keystroke. It's perfect for typists and gamers who appreciate a seamless and uninterrupted feel without the tactile feedback. In contrast, the WS Light Tactile switch offers a more interactive experience with its snappy and perceptible tactile bump, combined with a neutral sound signature, making it a favorable choice for those who enjoy tactile feedback and a more pronounced response while typing. Both switches provide unique advantages depending on whether you prioritize a smooth, linear feel or a tactile experience. 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
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
15.4mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile, notable differences can be observed in their top housings. The Caramel Latte features a POK top housing, known for its smoothness and durability, with a coefficient of friction of 0.04, which is slightly higher than the LY material. This contributes to a very smooth keystroke experience, while its exceptional durability, being 14 times stronger than POM, enhances longevity and reliability. In contrast, the WS Light Tactile utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for delivering a higher-pitched and crisper sound profile due to its rigidity. This material is particularly advantageous where RGB lighting is implemented, as its translucency allows for vibrant light diffusion and aesthetic appeal. While both materials contribute to user experience, their differing acoustic qualities suggest that each switch will respond uniquely to keystrokes.
Examining the bottom housings of both switches reveals a point of similarity. Both the Huano Caramel Latte and the WS Light Tactile utilize nylon as their bottom housing material. Nylon is widely regarded in the switch-making community for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile, attributed to its softer composition that dampens sound better than harder plastics. Thus, both switches will likely offer a pronounced and rounded bottom-out sound when pressed. Given this shared characteristic, while the top housings of the two switches are different and thus influence the sound upon release, the bottom housing experience remains consistent and enjoyable for users of both switches.
The interaction between the top and bottom housings in these switches highlights the complex interplay of material properties in crafting the overall typing experience. While the POK top of the Caramel Latte excels in smoothness and durability, providing an engaging tactile feel during typing, the polycarbonate top of the WS Light Tactile enhances clarity and luminosity, enhancing the acoustic experience distinctly. However, both switches maintain a similar aural depth thanks to their nylon bottoms. Consequently, users can expect both models to generate a rewarding typing experience, albeit with different auditory nuances and aesthetic qualities resulting from their top housing selections.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch, both have an actuation force of 45 grams, resulting in a similar keystroke trigger feel. However, the two switches differ in their bottom out forces; the Caramel Latte has a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the WS Light Tactile is lighter at 50 grams. This means that while both switches require the same amount of force to initiate a keystroke, the Caramel Latte provides a slightly more substantial typing experience upon bottoming out due to its heavier bottom out force. Therefore, the Caramel Latte is considered heavier overall, while the WS Light Tactile can be classified as lighter, making the latter potentially more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions, as it allows for less effort during prolonged use.
Travel distance
The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This means that the Caramel Latte offers a more responsive feel, catering to those who prefer quicker actuation, such as gamers seeking faster response times. In contrast, the WS Light Tactile switch, with its 4.0 mm distance, provides a more substantial engagement, which some users may find more satisfying and less abrupt. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Caramel Latte would be the ideal choice due to its shorter travel distance, while the WS Light Tactile would be better suited for those who appreciate a deeper and more tactile feedback experience, thanks to its longer travel distance.
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 Light Tactile comes in at $4.20 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
When it comes to sound quality, the Huano Caramel Latte switches deliver a bright and clacky sound profile, adding an engaging auditory element to the typing experience. This lively sound can be particularly enjoyable for those who appreciate a more pronounced acoustic feedback while typing, making each keystroke feel more satisfying. In contrast, the WS Light Tactile switches feature a neutral sound signature, characterized by a moderate actuation force and a sound profile that does not overly stand out. This neutrality makes them versatile, suitable for various environments, whether at home or in the office, where you may want a quieter typing experience. However, it's important to acknowledge that the overall sounds emitted will also be influenced by the type of keyboard and keycaps used with either switch.
In terms of feel, the Caramel Latte offers a super smooth typing experience, which complements its medium weight of 50g at bottom out, creating a fluid action that many typists enjoy. This smoothness contributes to a more pleasant overall experience, allowing for quick and effortless typing without any noticeable resistance. Conversely, the WS Light Tactile switches feature a stepped tactile feel, providing a snappy and perceptible bump at the actuation point, which can help typists locate their key presses more effectively. Additionally, these switches are designed to be easy to press, requiring minimal force and thus reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. This combination offers a comfortable and responsive experience that can be appealing to both casual and more intensive users.
Combining all of these qualities provides a rich tapestry of options for typists. The Caramel Latte's bright sound and smooth feel cater to those who enjoy a lively and tactile experience, while the WS Light Tactile offers an engaging yet neutral auditory experience paired with a tactile feel that's easy to press and responsive. Depending on personal preference, both switches can deliver satisfying results, whether you prioritize sound, feel, or a balance of both in your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and usage context. If you favor a smoother typing experience with a medium-light actuation force, the Caramel Latte is an excellent choice, especially if you enjoy a bright, clacky sound profile that brings a bit of fun to your typing sessions. This switch is particularly well-suited for casual typing, gaming, or anyone who values a pure linear feel without tactile interruptions. On the other hand, if you appreciate a tactile experience but want something gentle, the WS Light Tactile would serve you well. With its light actuation force and stepped tactile feedback, it offers a comfortable and engaging typing experience, striking a balance between tactile response and smoothness. These switches excel in environments where you may want a more neutral sound profile, making them perfect for office setups or quieter home environments. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you prefer the smooth and lively Caramel Latte or the tactile and user-friendly WS Light Tactile, so consider what aspects are most important for your typing satisfaction before making your final decision.
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