Huano Caramel Latte vs. Wuque Studio WS Red
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard, the type of switches you opt for can significantly impact your overall typing experience. The Huano Caramel Latte switches, with their medium actuation force of 50g at bottom out, are renowned for their smoothness and bright, clacky sound profile, making every keystroke feel pleasurable and responsive. They cater well to those who enjoy a tactile feedback without a heavy resistance. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Red switches provide a bouncy, responsive experience thanks to their unique 22mm double-stage spring, which offers a heavier actuation force that delivers a satisfying weight to each keystroke. This adds a bit more substance to your typing, appealing to users who prefer a more deliberate and robust feel while maintaining a classic sound signature. While both switches fall under the linear category, offering a smooth travel without tactile bumps or clicks, their distinct characteristics make them suitable for different typing styles and preferences. 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
67g
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 housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the Wuque Studio WS Red exhibit both similarities and differences that significantly influence the performance and auditory experience of each switch. The Caramel Latte's top housing is crafted from polyketone (POK), a material known for its exceptional durability and smoothness, with a coefficient of friction slightly higher than that of nylon. This contributes to a tactile experience that is marked by a smooth, clacky sound when typing. In contrast, the WS Red utilizes a nylon top housing, which is more traditional and lends a deeper, fuller sound profile by absorbing sound better than harder materials. While nylon and POK both create unique auditory experiences, the POK's superior durability allows for longevity in smoother actuation, whereas the nylon's softer nature cultivates a more muted sound.
Interestingly, both switches share an identical bottom housing material—nylon—which plays a critical role in sound production and tactile feedback. As nylon is renowned for its ability to absorb vibrations, this characteristic creates a rounder and duller sound profile for both the Caramel Latte and WS Red. The nylon bottom ensures that the auditory qualities are consistent between the two switches, thus providing a level of familiarity in sound while typing. Since the bottom housing significantly affects the bottom-out sound and tactile feel, users will likely experience a similar response when pressing either switch downwards, despite the differences observed in their top housings.
In conclusion, while the Huano Caramel Latte and Wuque Studio WS Red switches diverge in their top housing materials—with the former using POK for enhanced durability and smoothness and the latter relying on nylon for a traditional soundscape—they converge in their use of nylon for the bottom housing. This shared element ensures that users will enjoy a recognizable and rich typing experience regardless of the top housing distinction. Thus, while the POK top housing imparts a lively sound upon release, the nylon bottom housing guarantees consistent performance, demonstrating how varying materials interplay to create a multifaceted typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces can be observed. The Caramel Latte features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light, which many users appreciate for extended typing sessions and gaming due to the reduced effort required to register key presses. In contrast, the WS Red switch has an unspecified actuation force, which leaves that aspect unknown, but its bottom out force is significantly higher at 67 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy category. This heavier bottom out force offers a more substantial typing experience, appealing to users who prefer a firmer feel while typing. Overall, the Caramel Latte switch is the lighter option, making it more suitable for those who prioritize comfort over extended use, while the WS Red, being heavier, caters to users who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Caramel Latte features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the WS Red has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that, if you prefer a quicker response time, the Caramel Latte's shorter travel distance may be more suitable for you, catering well to gamers who favor faster key presses. On the other hand, the WS Red, with its greater travel distance, might be ideal for those who appreciate a more substantial feel when pressing keys, providing a sense of depth that some users find more comfortable. In essence, choosing between these two switches will largely depend on personal preference for responsiveness versus key depth.
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 Red 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 linear switch stands out with its bright, clacky sound profile, which can create an engaging auditory experience as you type. This makes it ideal for those who enjoy hearing each keystroke distinctly. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch offers a sound signature that is more subdued, owing to its classic material blend. While it may not be as loud as the Caramel Latte, the WS Red, with the right board and keycaps, can still provide a satisfying auditory feedback that many users find appealing.
When it comes to feel, the Caramel Latte switch is characterized by its medium weight of 50g at bottom out, resulting in a smooth and effortless typing experience that many users appreciate for its fluidity. In contrast, the WS Red switch incorporates a heavier actuation force and utilizes a 22mm double-stage spring, offering a bouncier and more responsive typing feel. This extra weight contributes to a sense of satisfaction with every keystroke, providing a more substantial feedback that some typists may prefer.
Overall, while the Huano Caramel Latte and Wuque Studio WS Red linear switches differ significantly in their sound and feel characteristics, both cater to distinct typing preferences. The Caramel Latte appeals to users who enjoy a bright auditory experience and a smooth actuation, whereas the WS Red offers a heavier, more responsive feel with a slight auditory restraint. For individuals exploring switch options, this distinction helps in choosing a switch that aligns closely with their personal typing style and sound preference, ensuring a tailored keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences for typing experience and workload. If you favor a lighter actuation force and appreciate a smooth, clacky sound that enhances your typing pleasure, the Caramel Latte will likely suit you best. This switch is ideal for long typing sessions, gaming, or even casual use, providing a delightful tactile feedback that ensures comfort without straining your fingers. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feel with a heavier actuation force and a bouncier response, the WS Red is your go-to option. Its medium-heavy weight allows for a more controlled typing experience, making it great for those who enjoy a solid and deliberate keystroke, especially in fast-paced gaming scenarios or heavy programming workloads. Ultimately, consider how you type on a day-to-day basis and the activities you'll be engaging in; aligning those with the distinct characteristics of each switch will help you make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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