Huano Elf vs. Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the Huano Elf and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference, particularly between linear and tactile options. The Huano Elf switch is renowned for its smooth operation and enhanced acoustics, thanks to its POK top housing. This design contributes to a deep sound signature and a medium-light feel, making the Elf a top choice for users who prioritize a satisfying typing experience without the distraction of excessive noise. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch offers a contrasting tactile experience; its design includes a noticeable bump that enhances feedback during typing while maintaining a smooth keypress. Additionally, it boasts a neutral sound signature that appeals to users seeking a subtle yet engaging interaction with their keyboard. While the Elf caters to those who enjoy a quiet and fluid keystroke, the WS Light Tactile is perfect for those who appreciate a more pronounced response without compromising on ease of activation. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that’s right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
15.4mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Elf and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches, one of the most notable differences lies in their top housing materials. The Huano Elf utilizes a POK (polyketone) top housing, which boasts a higher coefficient of friction (0.04) compared to the polycarbonate top housing found in the WS Light Tactile, which is rated at 0.03. The POK material is designed for superior durability, providing wear resistance that is 14 times stronger than POM and shock resistance that overtakes Nylon and POM by substantial margins. This ensures that the switches have a smooth and clacky feel on actuation, attributable to the resilient nature of POK. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the WS Light Tactile is formulated to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, complemented by its stiffer construction that contributes to a clearer resonance, especially beneficial for setups featuring RGB lighting.
While the top housings differ significantly in their material properties and sound characteristics, both the Huano Elf and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile utilize nylon for their bottom housing, creating a point of similarity between the two switches. The nylon’s softer composition in both switches delivers a deeper and fuller sound profile; it effectively absorbs sound, resulting in a more muted and rounded auditory experience. The shared use of nylon in the bottom housing allows users of both switches to enjoy a richer typing experience characterized by that signature plush sound. However, the interplay of the top and bottom housings means that users may perceive the overall acoustics and tactile feedback differently based on the top material chosen.
Ultimately, the differences in the materials used for the top housings will yield distinct typing experiences in terms of sound and feel, while the commonality of nylon in the bottom housing helps to harmonize the general performance between both types of switches. The POK of the Huano Elf enhances the tactile feedback and contributes to a lively sound upon release, while the polycarbonate of the WS Light Tactile sharpens the actuation sound. In practical terms, users seeking smoothness and a clacky outcome may prefer the Elf, whereas those desiring a brighter and crisper auditory feedback might gravitate towards the WS Light Tactile. The result is that, despite a shared nylon bottom housing, the character of each switch remains distinct, shaped largely by the contrasting properties of their top materials.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch, we see some differences in their actuation forces that reflect their respective typing experiences. The Huano Elf has an actuation force of 42 grams, making it the lighter option, which may appeal to those who prefer a gentler touch for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the WS Light Tactile features a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams. Additionally, the WS Light Tactile has a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating a more pronounced tactile feedback when fully pressed down. Unfortunately, the bottom out force for the Huano Elf is unavailable, which restricts a direct comparison on that front. Overall, those who seek a lighter switch may favor the Huano Elf, while those desiring a more substantial feel may lean towards the WS Light Tactile, especially given its heavier bottom out force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Huano Elf linear switch is measured at 3.6 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch has a slightly greater travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Elf switch offers a shorter travel distance than the WS Light Tactile, making it potentially more appealing to gamers or users looking for quicker response times. In contrast, the WS Light Tactile's longer travel distance may provide a more substantial feel for those who prefer a deeper key press. Ultimately, if you favor responsiveness and a lightweight touch, the Huano Elf linear switch would be the better choice, whereas the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch caters to those who enjoy a more pronounced click during typing.
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 Light 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
When it comes to sound, the Huano Elf linear switch is characterized by a deep sound signature, which is enhanced by its POK top housing designed specifically for improved acoustics. This results in a more pronounced auditory response during each keystroke, appealing to users who appreciate richer acoustics in their typing experience. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile that maintains moderation in both actuation force and sound output. This makes it versatile, suiting both beginners and experienced typists alike, offering a more balanced auditory experience suitable for various environments, whether at home or in the office.
Regarding feel, the Elf switch offers a medium-light actuation force, allowing for a satisfying and comfortable typing experience that is smooth yet enjoyable. The WS Light Tactile, meanwhile, features a stepped tactile bump, providing a clear point of engagement during typing while still ensuring a relatively mild experience compared to hypertactile switches. The easy-to-press nature of the WS Light Tactile further enhances user comfort, requiring minimal force for actuation and promoting a less fatiguing experience during extended typing sessions. Both switches cater to different preferences: the Elf emphasizes a smooth and deep feel, while the WS Light Tactile prioritizes a tactile response without overwhelming resistance.
In summary, the Huano Elf linear switch is well-suited for those who desire an acoustically rich and smooth typing experience, while the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile appeals to those who appreciate a tactile but understated bump with an easy actuation. The choice between them ultimately depends on personal preferences regarding sound and feel. Whichever you choose, both switches will offer a rewarding typing experience, making them excellent options for newcomers exploring the world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Huano Elf linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch, your specific typing preferences and usage scenarios play a crucial role. If you prefer a smooth, uninterrupted key press with a medium-light feel for a deeply satisfying typing experience, the Huano Elf switch is an excellent choice. Its POK top housing enhances acoustics, producing a richer sound signature that can make typing feel more immersive, perfect for those moments of focused work or gaming where sound depth matters. However, if you're looking for a more structured typing experience with feedback, the WS Light Tactile switch might be better suited for you. With its light actuation force and stepped tactile bump, it provides both a snappy response and a comfortable typing experience, reducing finger fatigue even during long sessions. The neutral sound profile ensures versatility, making it suitable for both office environments and home setups. Ultimately, your choice depends on whether you value the smooth linear feelor prefer the feedback of tactile switches; each has its advantages that cater to different typing styles and preferences.
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