Huano Caramel Latte vs. Wuque Studio WS Morandi
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly impact both typing experience and aesthetics. The Huano Caramel Latte switch is celebrated for its medium weight of 50g and its bright, clacky sound profile, providing a striking auditory experience that pairs well with a super smooth typing feel, ensuring that every keystroke is enjoyable. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switch emphasizes innovation and visual appeal, featuring a light column that enhances RGB lighting effects and an airy smoothness from its UPE stem. While the Morandi's muted, low-pitched sound creates a subtle yet satisfying auditory feedback, its creamy feel appeals to those who prioritize a quiet and refined typing environment. Ultimately, the choice between the Caramel Latte and the WS Morandi will depend on whether you prefer a vibrant clack or a refined thock—however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that truly suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
UPE
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
18mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi, notable differences and similarities emerge. The Huano Caramel Latte features a top housing made of POK, or polyketone, which is praised for its smoothness, durability, and impressive shock resistance. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, the POK material provides a slightly smoother experience than the POM used in the WS Morandi, which has a coefficient of 0.03. The exceptional strength of POK makes it highly resistant to wear and tear, outperforming POM in this regard. This indicates that while both switches are designed for smooth engagement during use, the Caramel Latte's POK material is purposefully engineered for enhanced durability and performance.
In contrast, the bottom housing of both the Huano Caramel Latte and the WS Morandi utilizes different materials; the Caramel Latte opts for nylon, while the WS Morandi features POM. The nylon bottom housing in the Caramel Latte is notably softer, leading to a more muted and rounder sound profile that absorbs vibrations, contributing to a deeper acoustic experience. This softer plastic characteristic allows for a fuller auditory sensation when typing. On the other hand, the POM bottom housing of the WS Morandi also promotes a deeper sound but is described as being relatively more muted than nylon. Despite their differing materials, both switches are engineered to create a pleasing sound profile, demonstrating how variations in material choices can yield comparable acoustic experiences.
Overall, both the Huano Caramel Latte and the WS Morandi are designed to deliver a satisfying typing experience, but they do so through distinct material combinations. The differing top housings create unique tactile sensations during activation and release, while the bottom housings influence the auditory feedback upon bottoming out. However, the final feel and sound blend of the switches come from the interplay of both materials. If one were to switch the bottom housings, the expected sound profiles would alter, yet the distinct essence of each switch would remain. In conclusion, understanding the properties of each housing material helps to appreciate the nuanced results each switch can provide while highlighting the importance of material choice in designing a keyboard switch.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switches, it is clear that there are distinctions in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Caramel Latte features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the WS Morandi has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial push feel when typing. As a result, the Caramel Latte is the lighter option, while the WS Morandi is the heavier choice. Both switches, however, provide a relatively similar experience when bottoming out, as they both require a moderate exertion of force, but the Morandi definitely leans towards a firmer typing experience overall.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch, we find notable differences: the Caramel Latte has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the WS Morandi measures slightly shorter at 3.5 mm. This indicates that if you are looking for a more responsive switch, the WS Morandi, with its shorter travel distance, may be the preferable choice, catering to gamers and those seeking quicker key responses. On the other hand, the Caramel Latte offers a bit more depth with its longer travel distance, which may appeal to users who favor a more substantial feel while typing. Thus, depending on personal preferences regarding key response and depth, either switch could be ideal; however, the Caramel Latte provides a more pronounced tactile experience due to its greater 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 Morandi has an MSRP of $4.30 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Morandi for $3.90.
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 linear switches present a bright and clacky profile, characterized by a high-pitched and sharp sound that produces a crisp auditory feedback upon keystrokes. This makes them an excellent choice for users who prefer a more lively and percussive typing experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switches have a muted sound profile, leaning towards a low-pitched and thocky character. This results in a deeper and more mellow tone, adding a rich, satisfying resonance that some typists may find more enjoyable. Given that sound quality can be influenced by the keyboard and keycap choices, both switches would create distinctly different auditory experiences.
Regarding feel, the Caramel Latte switches are known for their silky smoothness, which minimizes resistance for an exceptionally fluid typing experience. This quality enhances the enjoyment of each keystroke, making it feel effortless and comfortable. Conversely, the WS Morandi switches offer a unique blend of buttery and creamy feel, providing a seamless and uniform typing sensation that feels smooth and pleasant during use. Although both switches are characterized by their smoothness, the Caramel Latte achieves this primarily through its build, while the WS Morandi combines a silky texture with an airy smoothness brought about by its innovative materials, delivering a slightly different yet equally satisfying experience.
In conclusion, the Huano Caramel Latte and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switches cater to different auditory and tactile preferences. While the Caramel Latte offers a bright, clacky sound with a silky feel, the WS Morandi provides a deep, thocky sound accompanied by a buttery and creamy typing experience. Ultimately, both switches promise a satisfying user experience, but the choice between them will come down to the individual’s preference for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, each switch offers unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing scenarios. If you value a lighter keystroke with an engagingly bright and clacky sound, then the Huano Caramel Latte switch might be your best option. Its smooth, silky feel and high-pitched auditory feedback make it ideal for those who enjoy a more energetic typing experience, whether for gaming or fast-paced writing. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier feel and are drawn to a more muted, thocky sound profile, the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switch should be your go-to choice. With its buttery and creamy typing sensation and visually appealing light diffusion, this switch is perfect for creating a more relaxed typing environment, suitable for long hours of work or introspective writing. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your typing style, preferences for sound and feel, and the overall experience you're seeking from your mechanical keyboard.
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