Huano Elf vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile
An in-depth look at the Huano Elf and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly influence your typing experience. The Huano Elf switch, known for its linear design, offers a medium-light feel complemented by a POK top housing that enhances acoustics, resulting in a deep sound signature perfect for those who appreciate a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke. This switch excels for users seeking a tactile yet fluid typing experience without any clicky disruptions, making it ideal for both gaming and long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch stands out with its pronounced 70g tactile bump and immersive resistance. Its nylon construction provides a captivating "thocky" sound that many users find deeply engaging, especially when feedback is essential for their typing rhythm. This switch caters to those who enjoy a richer tactile feedback with each press, effectively enhancing the overall satisfaction of the typing experience. While both switches boast unique advantages—smoothness and acoustics versus tactile feedback and pronounced sound—it's crucial to explore these characteristics further to determine which switch aligns best with your typing preferences and needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.20 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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Huano Elf and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches showcase both similarities and differences that impact their overall performance. The Huano Elf switch utilizes polyketone (POK) for its top housing, known for a high coefficient of friction (0.04) and remarkable durability. POK is not only smoother than nylon but also significantly tougher, boasting wear resistance that is 14 times stronger than POM and shock resistance over 2.3 times that of nylon. This can lead to a smoother and more responsive experience when actuating the switches due to its unique mechanical properties, which are particularly appealing for gamers and typists who prioritize performance.
In contrast, the WS Heavy Tactile features a nylon top housing characterized by its softer texture, which contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile. As an established material in switch design, nylon's ability to absorb sound results in a rounder acoustic response, offering a different, yet rich auditory experience. While the top housing of the WS Heavy Tactile generates a softer sound when releasing a key, the Huano Elf's tougher POK material tends to yield a more clacky feedback, making it suited for those who enjoy a sharper sound during key presses. This distinction between the materials shapes the overall typing experience, providing users with different tactile and auditory feedback.
Both switches share nylon as the material for their bottom housings, contributing to a consistent sound profile for both models. This commonality means that despite their differing top housings, both switches will produce a duller and rounder sound when bottoming out, as the nylon absorbs sound effectively. Ultimately, the unique combination of POK and nylon in the Huano Elf, contrasted with the all-nylon construction of the WS Heavy Tactile, shapes their respective performance. Users who favor a sharp and explosive typing experience may lean towards the Elf, while those who appreciate a softer sound and feel might prefer the WS Heavy Tactile. However, both switches ultimately deliver a satisfying typing experience, rooted in the familiar qualities of nylon for their bases.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch to the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch, there are some notable differences in actuation force and bottom out force. The Huano Elf features an actuation force of 42 grams, while the WS Heavy Tactile has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, indicating that the WS switch requires a bit more effort to trigger a keystroke. The bottom out force for the Elf is currently unavailable, whereas the WS Heavy Tactile has a defined bottom out force of 70 grams, categorized as medium-heavy. This suggests that if you prefer a lighter typing experience, the Huano Elf would be the better choice, allowing for comfortable typing during long sessions. Conversely, the WS Heavy Tactile offers a stronger push feel, which may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial typing sensation. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you favor a lighter actuation for extended usage or a heavier force for a more engaged tactile experience.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the Huano Elf linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch are 3.6 mm and 3.2 mm, respectively. This means the Huano Elf offers a longer travel distance, which may provide a more pronounced feel and depth when keying, appealing to those who prefer a hearty typing experience. In contrast, the WS Heavy Tactile switch, with its shorter travel distance, can deliver a faster response time, making it more suitable for gamers seeking quick actuation. Overall, if you prefer a switch with a more pronounced depth, the Huano Elf would be the better choice, while the WS Heavy Tactile caters to those who favor quick responsiveness with its shorter travel distance.
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 Heavy Tactile 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 Elf linear switch produces a deep and rich sound signature, thanks to its POK top housing that enhances acoustics. This results in a more subdued auditory profile compared to other switches, making it less obtrusive while still satisfying. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch creates a captivating auditory experience characterized as “thocky,” producing a sharp and percussive sound. The nylon housing contributes to this “clacky” and high-pitched sound profile, yielding an immersive auditory experience that is both bright and resonant. Your choice of keyboard materials and keycaps will ultimately influence these sound characteristics, but the Elf leans toward a deeper sound while the WS Heavy Tactile is sharper and more pronounced.
When considering feel, the Elf switch is known for its medium-light actuation that offers a comfortable and smooth typing experience. This makes it suitable for those who prefer a less aggressive feedback sensation. In contrast, the WS Heavy Tactile switch provides a robust tactile experience with its 70g tactile bump. It strikes a balance between pronounced feedback and snappy responsiveness, characterized by its accented and bouncy nature. The invigorating feel of the WS Heavy Tactile is designed to engage users with a prominent tactile response that isn’t overwhelming, making each keystroke feel lively and satisfying. The Elf's feel is more about ease and fluidity, while the WS Heavy Tactile emphasizes a dynamic interaction with the keys.
In conclusion, the Huano Elf linear switch offers a quieter and smoother typing experience with its deep sound and comfortable feel, making it an excellent choice for users who favor subtler tactile feedback. Conversely, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch caters to those who desire pronounced tactile feedback and a more engaging auditory experience. Together, these switches provide unique qualities suited to different preferences in sound and feel, allowing newcomers to find their ideal typing experience, whether they prefer a subdued linear action or a pronounced tactile response.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Elf linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you favor a soft, smooth typing experience that allows for rapid key presses without the distraction of tactile feedback, the Elf, with its medium-light feel and deep sound signature, would be an excellent choice. It's ideal for gaming or tasks that require long typing sessions where you do not want to feel fatigued by resistance. On the other hand, if you appreciate tactile feedback and enjoy a more pronounced typing experience, the WS Heavy Tactile is the way to go. With its 70 grams of bottom-out force, it delivers a satisfying tactile bump that can invigorate your typing, providing both an engaging auditory experience and enhancing your overall comfort with each keystroke. The choice ultimately comes down to whether you prioritize a smooth, linear action or the rewarding sensation of a tactile switch—both are excellent options tailored to different preferences in the vast and rewarding world of mechanical keyboards.
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