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Huano Grape Orange vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown

An in-depth look at the Huano Grape Orange and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between Huano Grape Orange and Wuque Studio WS Brown highlights contrasting typing experiences tailored to distinct preferences. The Huano Grape Orange, a linear switch, is celebrated for its exceptionally light actuation force of just 40g, facilitating an effortless and fluid typing experience that is ideal for long hours of use without fatigue. Conversely, the WS Brown features a tactile nature that not only enhances feedback with each keystroke but also employs a medium-light actuation force, striking a balance between responsiveness and comfort. While the Grape Orange excels in speed and smoothness, perfect for gaming or rapid typing, the WS Brown caters to those who appreciate tactile feedback and a pleasant auditory experience, thanks to its nylon housing and POM stem. Ultimately, each switch has its merits catering to specific user needs—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

40g

Actuation force

N/A

Bottom-out force

50g

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

Partial box

Stem construction

Partial box

Stem material

POM

Stem material

POM

Top housing material

Polycarbonate

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-stage spring

Spring

22mm double-stage spring

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Huano Grape Orange and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches present a striking contrast in terms of their acoustic properties and overall sound profiles. The Grape Orange features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and ability to produce a sharper, crisper sound. This transparency also enhances RGB lighting effects, making it visually appealing to users who prioritize aesthetics alongside performance. The use of polycarbonate allows the switch to offer a brighter sound, which can be particularly desirable for typists seeking a more pronounced auditory feedback when they engage with the keys.

In contrast, the WS Brown switches utilize a nylon top housing, renowned for delivering a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer characteristics contribute to its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. While this may not cater to the same bright sound that polycarbonate provides, the warmth and depth of the sound can be particularly enjoyable for users who prefer a more subdued typing experience. This difference between the two materials exemplifies how housing composition shapes not just the acoustic quality but also the personal preferences of different typists regarding sound and feel.

Interestingly, both switches employ nylon for their bottom housing, which solidifies the foundation of their sound experience. This shared material aspect leads to similarities in the deeper and fuller sound profile when keys are bottomed out, irrespective of the top housing. It highlights how the impact of housing materials can be split between the top and bottom, where the nylon in both cases contributes to a certain level of consistency in feel and sound, especially during the actuation phase. Therefore, while the top housings deliver distinctly different auditory experiences, the nylon bottom housing creates a connection between the two, suggesting that users could achieve a blend of characteristics by participating in both designs.

Weight

The Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch exhibit contrasting characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Grape Orange features a relatively light actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for extended typing sessions without causing excessive strain. In comparison, the WS Brown switch lacks a specified actuation force, while its bottom out force is slightly higher at 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This means that the Wuque Studio switch offers a heavier feel upon bottoming out, which may appeal to users looking for a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the Huano Grape Orange is the lighter option, potentially favoring those who prioritize comfort during prolonged use, whereas the Wuque Studio WS Brown leans towards users who prefer a more resistant keystroke.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, we observe that the Grape Orange has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the WS Brown measures slightly longer at 3.8 mm. This difference indicates that if you're looking for a switch with a quicker response time, the Grape Orange could be more appealing due to its shorter travel distance. Conversely, the WS Brown, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more pronounced tactile feedback that some users appreciate for its hearty depth. Thus, for those who prefer a more responsive experience, the Huano Grape Orange is the better choice, while the Wuque Studio WS Brown caters to those who favor a richer keypress feel.

Price comparison

Which switch is more bang for your buck?

The Huano Grape Orange has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Grape Orange for $2.79.

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 Grape Orange linear switch has a sound profile that leans towards a quieter typing experience since linear switches are generally designed to minimize noise during keystrokes. This makes the Grape Orange ideal for environments where sound could be a distraction. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch produces a more distinct auditory feedback that enthusiasts enjoy. The sound produced by the WS Brown is often characterized as satisfying and familiar, adding an element of auditory pleasure to the typing experience. However, it is worth noting that the sound of each switch can vary depending on the keyboard type and keycap selection.

In terms of feel, the Grape Orange switch offers an exceptionally light and smooth typing experience due to its ultra-low 40g actuation force, allowing for rapid key presses and effortless typing, making it easy to type for extended periods without fatigue. In contrast, the WS Brown switch provides a tactile feedback response with a medium-light actuation force that blends responsiveness with comfort. This tactile bump gives users a confirmation that the key has been actuated, which can be quite rewarding during typing sessions, while still being comfortable enough for long periods of use.

In conclusion, both the Huano Grape Orange and Wuque Studio WS Brown switches offer unique experiences suited to different typing preferences. The Grape Orange is excellent for those seeking a lightweight and quiet experience, while the WS Brown appeals to those who enjoy tactile feedback and a more pronounced auditory response. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on your typing style and environment, and while the subjective qualities differ, both switches can deliver satisfying results tailored to their unique characteristics.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between Huano Grape Orange linear switches and Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switches ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the intended use case. If you prioritize a light, smooth keystroke for extended typing sessions, the Grape Orange switch is an excellent choice due to its ultra-low actuation force of 40 grams and 50 grams bottom-out force, allowing for effortless typing with minimal fatigue. This makes it specially suited for those who value speed or may spend long hours typing without a strain on their fingers. Conversely, if you enjoy tactile feedback during your typing experience, the WS Brown switch is more fitting. With a slightly higher bottom-out force of 55 grams and a satisfying tactile bump, it provides a comforting, responsive feel that many typists appreciate, especially for gaming or tasks that require precision. Additionally, the WS Brown switch emits a pleasing sound profile that contributes to an engaging typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should align with whether you prefer a linear feel for speed and comfort or a tactile response that enriches your typing experience.

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