Huano Caramel Latte vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Caramel Latte and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile each offer distinct advantages that cater to different preferences and environments. The Caramel Latte switch, renowned for its medium weight of 50g bottom out and a bright, clacky sound profile, is ideal for those who enjoy a smooth typing experience filled with auditory feedback. This linear switch provides an engaging and satisfying response with every keystroke, making it a favorite for gamers and typists who seek both speed and a lively sound. In contrast, the WS Silent Tactile switch is designed with a focus on quiet operation and superior tactile feedback. Its precision-engineered design ensures a soft tactile bump without the noise typically associated with traditional switches, making it perfect for office settings or shared spaces where noise reduction is essential. Each switch clearly serves a unique purpose, whether you prioritize sound and feel or require a quieter, more subdued typing 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Huano Caramel Latte and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches feature differing top housing materials, which significantly affects their overall performance and sound profile. The Caramel Latte utilizes POK (polyketone) for its top housing, prized for its smoothness, durability, and shock resistance. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, it is slightly slicker than LY, offering a smoother typing experience. POK's exceptional wear resistance—14 times stronger than POM—and superior shock absorption compared to both Nylon and POM suggests that the Caramel Latte is designed for longevity and a crisp tactile feedback. In contrast, the WS Silent Tactile's top housing is made of nylon, a classic choice known for its softer texture that results in a deep and resonant sound profile. While nylon absorbs sound better than harder plastics, causing a more muted auditory experience, it does not contribute to the same level of smoothness as POK.
However, when we examine the bottom housings of both switches, we find a similarity that influences their performance less distinguishably. Both the Huano Caramel Latte and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile utilize nylon for their bottom housings, enabling a consistent sound profile that emphasizes depth and fullness in the keystrokes. Since nylon's properties allow for sound absorption, the bottoming out of keys in both switches will produce a similar, rounder sound with less ping than would be heard with harder materials. This commonality in the bottom housing highlights how users can expect a substantial amount of sound dampening and a tactile experience that is achieved by the consistent properties of nylon regardless of the differing top housing materials.
In essence, while the Huano Caramel Latte employs POK to enhance smoothness and durability at the top of the switch, the WS Silent Tactile leans on the traditional benefits of nylon for its top, prioritizing depth in sound. The contribution of the nylon bottom housing in both switches creates a shared auditory experience, albeit shaped by the unique qualities of each differing top material. This division of housing roles means that although results can vary, the shared use of nylon ensures that both switches deliver a satisfying feel and a dampened sound profile at the bottom-out stage, creating a harmonized, albeit distinct, typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch, significant differences in their actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Caramel Latte has a light actuation force of 45 grams paired with a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it an ideal option for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, particularly beneficial for extensive typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the WS Silent Tactile switch does not have a specified actuation force, but its bottom out force is notably heavier at 63.5 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This means that, while the actuation force for the WS Silent Tactile is unknown, it will still require a firmer push to reach the bottom, creating a more substantial typing feel for users who prefer heavier switches. Thus, if lighter touch is desired, the Huano Caramel Latte is the superior choice, whereas those looking for a more robust experience should consider the WS Silent Tactile despite its undefined actuation force.
Travel distance
The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Caramel Latte switch offers a bit more depth compared to the WS Silent Tactile, which might be preferable for users who enjoy a fuller keypress experience. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile's shorter travel distance could appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times, as it allows for a faster activation with less effort. Ultimately, while both switches offer relatively shallow travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, the Caramel Latte gives a slightly longer feel, making it a better choice for those who favor a more substantial press.
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 Silent 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
In terms of sound, the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch is characterized by its bright and clacky sound profile, creating an engaging auditory experience with each keystroke. This lively sound appeals to enthusiasts who enjoy the acoustic feedback of their keyboards. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch is designed specifically for quiet operation. It features a muted and neutral sound, which makes it an excellent choice for environments where noise reduction is paramount, such as offices. While the Caramel Latte's sound stands out with a more pronounced and lively tone, the WS Silent Tactile is engineered to minimize auditory disruption, offering a calm alternative that still allows for a clear typing experience.
Moving on to feel, the Caramel Latte offers a super smooth typing experience that is typically synonymous with linear switches, making it a joy for continuous typing but lacking any tactile bump. The Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch, on the other hand, presents a medium tactility that many users find to be a balanced and nuanced experience. As an accented switch, it provides noticeable feedback without being overly harsh, while its invigorating and snappy response keeps typists engaged. The slightly mild nature of the tactile feedback allows for comfortable and pleasant typing sessions without overwhelming the user. Therefore, the Huano Caramel Latte may feel smoother and more effortless, whereas the WS Silent Tactile offers a satisfying tactile sensation that can enhance typing accuracy.
In summary, both the Huano Caramel Latte and Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches cater to distinct preferences within the realm of mechanical keyboards. The Caramel Latte excels in delivering an expressive and lively sound alongside a smooth typing experience, appealing to users who enjoy auditory engagement and fluidity. Meanwhile, the WS Silent Tactile provides a muted sound profile coupled with a medium tactile sensation, making it ideal for office use or quiet environments. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your environment and personal preference for auditory and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch largely depends on your specific preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a smooth, lightly weighted typing experience with a bright, clacky sound profile, the Caramel Latte would be an excellent choice—especially for casual typing or gaming sessions where auditory feedback enhances the experience. On the other hand, if you find yourself in an office environment or need a quieter setup for any reason, the WS Silent Tactile switch is particularly suited for that with its muted yet responsive feedback. Its medium-heavy actuation force and superior noise reduction ensure that you can type comfortably without disturbing those around you. Overall, opt for the Caramel Latte when you want a vibrant and lively feel, and choose the WS Silent Tactile if you seek a balanced and discreet typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
