Huano Caramel Latte vs. Wuque Studio WS Yellow
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboards, two notable switches come to mind: the Huano Caramel Latte and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow, both of which are linear switches but cater to different preferences and typing experiences. The Caramel Latte is celebrated for its medium weight of 50g at bottom out, providing a robust yet satisfying tactile response accompanied by a bright, clacky sound profile that enhances the overall typing enjoyment. On the other hand, the WS Yellow switches are designed for a smooth and effortless keystroke, featuring a lightweight feel, and are powered by a unique 22mm double-stage spring that offers a delightful bounce. While the Caramel Latte emphasizes a more pronounced auditory experience, the WS Yellow opts for a subtler sound signature fused with a polished feel. Both switches promise a pleasurable typing experience, appealing to different user preferences; the Caramel Latte draws in those who relish auditory feedback, while the WS Yellow targets users seeking a silky, smooth typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
53g
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 Huano Caramel Latte and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switches showcase distinct housing materials that influence their overall performance characteristics, despite sharing similarities in their bottom housing. The Caramel Latte features a top housing made of polyketone (POK), a material renowned for its exceptional strength and low friction coefficient. This allows for a smoother actuation and contributes to a clacky sound profile. In contrast, the WS Yellow switch utilizes a nylon top housing, revered for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. While both materials have their unique strengths, the Caramel Latte's POK brings a pronounced durability to the equation, which is essential for performance longevity.
When examining the bottom housings, both the Caramel Latte and the WS Yellow utilize nylon, which contributes to a cohesive sound profile across both switches. This choice of nylon enhances the tactile experience, providing a softer feel upon bottoming out, and absorbs vibrations that may detract from the acoustic performance. This consistent use of nylon allows for a shared auditory experience—whether in the Huano or Wuque Studio switch, users can expect the same deeper, rounder sound signature thanks to the material's inherent acoustic properties. Thus, while the top materials diverge in their characteristics, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a level of uniformity in sound output.
In synthesizing the differences and similarities, it becomes clear that the contrasting top housing materials create distinct experiences in terms of actuation and sound characteristics. The Caramel Latte's POK top emphasizes a smooth action and a sharper sound when releasing a key, while the WS Yellow's nylon top excels in providing a more muted auditory feedback. Nevertheless, the two switch lines find common ground through their nylon bottom housings, which bolster the rounded sound profile appreciated by typists and gamers alike. Ultimately, both switches offer unique but complementary experiences, with the top housings crafting their distinct nuances while the nylon bottoms harmonize the overall sound.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch, we find some intriguing differences and similarities in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Caramel Latte features an actuation force of 45 grams, which offers a responsive feel for users who prefer a lighter touch for long typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the WS Yellow does not specify an actuation force, making it difficult to directly compare this aspect. However, both switches have a bottom out force close in range, with the Caramel Latte at 55 grams and the WS Yellow at 53 grams, indicating that they deliver a similarly pleasant experience upon fully pressing down. Ultimately, the Caramel Latte is the lighter option due to its known actuation force, while the WS Yellow, with its unspecified actuation force, might require more investigation to determine its exact heaviness. Both switches, however, appeal to users looking for a medium-light weight preference, but the clarity in actuation force gives the Caramel Latte an edge for those seeking a precise typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch, it's clear that they differ slightly. The Caramel Latte switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the WS Yellow switch measures 3.8 mm. This makes the Caramel Latte option the shorter switch, providing a quicker response time that may appeal to gamers seeking immediate feedback. In contrast, the WS Yellow’s 3.8 mm travel distance offers a more substantial depth, which might feel more satisfying for those who prefer a traditional typing experience. While both switches have shorter travel distances than the traditional 4.0 mm standard, the choice between them ultimately depends on personal preference for either responsiveness or a more robust typing feel.
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 Yellow 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 is recognized for its bright, clacky sound profile, which adds a lively character to each keystroke. This acoustic quality can enhance the overall typing experience, making it enjoyable, especially for those who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback when typing. On the other hand, the WS Yellow linear switch is characterized by a familiar sound signature that many enthusiasts have come to admire. While the specifics of its sound profile are less detailed, it is likely to offer a tonality that resonates well within a mechanical keyboard context. However, it’s important to note that both switches' acoustic performance can vary depending on the keyboard build and the choice of keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Caramel Latte offers a super smooth typing experience, making each keystroke enjoyable and fluid. This switch's medium actuation weight of 50g contributes to its ease of use, ideal for both typing and gaming scenarios. In contrast, the WS Yellow switches provide a creamy, polished feel due to their unique blend of materials and the application of a 22mm double-stage spring. This translates to a buttery typing sensation that allows for smooth key presses with a delightful bounce. With a mild typing experience, the WS Yellow ensures that its qualities are accessible and comfortable, making it a versatile option for different users.
In conclusion, both the Huano Caramel Latte and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switches provide distinct and pleasurable typing experiences. The Caramel Latte excels in its bright and clacky sound combined with a smooth typing feel, while the WS Yellow stands out for its creamy and polished sensation, delivering a bounce that many users will appreciate. While they have different sound profiles and tactile responses, both switches are designed for a satisfying typing experience, making either choice likely to yield enjoyable results depending on personal preference and typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch ultimately hinges on your specific typing preferences and desired sound signature. If you appreciate a bright, clacky sound profile coupled with a medium-light feel, the Caramel Latte is an excellent option. Its smooth typing experience makes it suitable for both casual typing and gaming environments, providing a pleasant sensation with each keystroke. Conversely, if you seek a more refined and buttery typing experience, the WS Yellow switches are designed with a unique double-stage spring that promotes a delightful bounce. Their creamy feel and mild sound make them an ideal choice for long typing sessions where comfort and fluidity are paramount. Both switches offer smooth performance, but choosing one over the other will depend on whether you prioritize a lively auditory feedback and clackiness or a silky feel and understated sound. Ultimately, both options can enhance your typing experience, so consider testing them out to find which one resonates with you.
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