Huano Elf vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown
An in-depth look at the Huano Elf and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Elf and Wuque Studio WS Brown offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Huano Elf, known for its POK top housing, is designed to enhance acoustics while delivering a deep sound signature and a medium-light feel, making for an engaging and satisfying typing experience. As a linear switch, it provides a smooth keystroke without any tactile bump, appealing to those who prioritize uninterrupted fluidity in their typing. In contrast, the WS Brown switches present a tactile option that blends innovation with familiar craftsmanship, featuring a medium-light actuation force that balances responsiveness and comfort. Ideal for users who appreciate feedback, the WS Brown's nylon housing and POM stem provide a delightful auditory experience that is beloved among enthusiasts. While the Elf caters to those seeking a seamless typing experience, the WS Brown is perfect for users who value tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can determine which switch is truly the best fit for your unique typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Stainless steel spring
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of Huano Elf and Wuque Studio WS Brown, a distinct contrast emerges between their top housings. The Elf utilizes POK material, which is noted for its exceptionally low coefficient of friction (0.04) and remarkable durability, surpassing nylon in both shock and wear resistance. The POK's smooth texture enhances the tactile experience and contributes to a clacky sound associated with the switches, making it a preferred choice for those seeking responsiveness and longevity. In contrast, the WS Brown features a top housing made from nylon, a classic and softer material which, while providing a deeper and fuller sound profile, lacks the advanced durability metrics of POK. This material characteristic leads to a different tactile sensation during key presses, emphasizing a sound creation that is notably rounder and duller.
On the other hand, both the Huano Elf and WS Brown switches share a common material for their bottom housings: nylon. This similarity allows both switches to create a sound profile that is immersive and robust due to nylon’s acoustic properties. The use of nylon in both bottom housings ensures that users experience a consistency in sound when bottoming out, leading to a pleasing auditory experience regardless of which switch is being used. The inherent qualities of nylon, such as its sound absorption capabilities, provide a harmonious blend across the two switches, demonstrating that while the top housings differ, the bottom housings are unified in their ability to enhance the sound profile.
Ultimately, the different top and bottom housings in the Huano Elf and WS Brown switches yield unique results in terms of sound and feel. The performance characteristics of the POK top housing in the Elf significantly impacts the release sound and tactile feedback when keys are released, providing a pronounced clack paired with the fullness of the nylon bottom. In contrast, the nylon top of the WS Brown allows for a softer, more muted sound when the keys are released, still benefiting from the deeper profile of the nylon bottom. Thus, while there are distinct differences in materials, both switches demonstrate how the combination of various housings can yield similar enjoyable results, allowing users to choose based on their preference for sound and tactile feedback without sacrificing overall performance.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Huano Elf linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, we find a notable difference in their specifications. The Elf switch has a known actuation force of 42 grams, allowing for lighter key presses, which can be beneficial for users who prefer less resistance while typing or gaming, promoting longer usage without fatigue. However, the bottom out force for the Elf is not available, making it difficult to analyze how it feels when pressed fully down. In contrast, the WS Brown switch features an unknown actuation force but has a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorized as medium-light, indicating a heavier resistance when the key is fully pressed. Thus, while the Elf is confirmed to be lighter in terms of actuation force, the WS Brown's heavier bottom out force may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger tactile feedback. Overall, users looking for a lighter switch may opt for the Huano Elf, while those who enjoy a more pronounced push feeling might favor the WS Brown switch.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the Huano Elf linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch differ, with the Elf having a travel distance of 3.6 mm and the WS Brown at 3.8 mm. This makes the Elf the shorter option, while the WS Brown offers a longer travel distance. For gamers seeking rapid response times, the Elf’s shorter travel distance may be appealing, as it allows for quicker actuation. In contrast, those who favor a more pronounced tactile feedback and depth in their keystrokes might gravitate towards the WS Brown, appreciating its greater travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on individual preferences regarding responsiveness versus depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Elf has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Elf for $3.29.
The Wuque Studio WS Brown 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
The Huano Elf linear switch is best known for its deep sound signature, which is enhanced by its POK top housing that contributes to a distinct auditory experience. This switch produces a relatively muted sound profile compared to more clicky options, making it suitable for both quiet environments and mixed use. Meanwhile, the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch offers a familiar auditory experience characterized by a well-balanced sound, which many enthusiasts appreciate. The combination of nylon housing and POM stem contributes to the WS Brown’s signature sound, providing a satisfying auditory cue without being overly harsh or loud. Both switches’ sound profiles can be further influenced by the keyboard they are used with and the choice of keycaps, which means you'll likely achieve a pleasing auditory experience regardless of choice.
In terms of feel, the Elf switch presents a medium-light actuation force that delivers a smooth linear experience. This makes for a satisfying typing experience, as the linear nature means there is no tactile bump, allowing for uninterrupted keystrokes and fluid typing. The WS Brown, while also featuring a medium-light actuation force, distinguishes itself with its tactile feedback. This tactile bump provides a clear indication of actuation, making it a popular choice for users who appreciate a more pronounced sensation when typing. As such, the Elf offers a streamlined, fluid feeling ideal for rapid typing, while the WS Brown caters to those who prefer feedback without the noise of a click switch.
In conclusion, both the Huano Elf linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch present unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. The Elf excels in delivering a deep sound profile and smooth actuation, ideal for users looking for a quiet and efficient typing experience. In contrast, the WS Brown combines a comfortable, tactile feel with a balanced sound, appealing to those who enjoy feedback with each keystroke. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prefer the seamless nature of linear switches or the tactile stimulation that enhances the typing experience, but you can expect satisfying results from either option.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between the Huano Elf linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal typing style and preferences. If you favor a smooth and consistent keystroke with a quieter, deep sound signature, the Elf switch may be the ideal option for you. It's particularly advantageous for gamers or those who prefer less auditory feedback while typing, allowing you to focus on the task at hand without distractions. On the other hand, if you enjoy a tactile bump that gives you feedback during typing—further contributing to a more engaging and satisfying experience—the WS Brown switch would suit you better. Its medium-light actuation force and pleasant auditory experience make it a solid choice for long typing sessions, reducing fatigue while still delivering a familiar feel that many enthusiasts appreciate. Therefore, consider what aspects are most important for you—whether it's the smoothness and sound profile of the Elf or the tactile feedback and comfort of the WS Brown—to make an informed decision that enhances your overall keyboard experience.
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