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Huano Grape Orange vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile

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

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the nuanced differences between options like the Huano Grape Orange and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile can significantly affect your typing experience. The Grape Orange is renowned for its exceptionally light 40g actuation force, offering an effortless and fluid typing sensation that makes it ideal for extended sessions where comfort is paramount. In contrast, the WS Heavy Tactile switch boasts a robust 70g tactile bump, delivering a profound and engaging feedback that many typists find satisfying. Its unique characteristics produce a “thocky” sound, thanks to its nylon housing, which adds an enjoyable auditory dimension to typing. While the Grape Orange excels in providing a smooth and speedy experience suitable for gaming and quick typing, the WS Heavy Tactile appeals to those who appreciate a more pronounced tactile sensation and a resonant sound profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.

By the numbers

Technical specifications

Actuation force

40g

Actuation force

45g

Bottom-out force

50g

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

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 single-stage spring

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Grape Orange and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile, key differences in their construction yield distinct auditory experiences. The Grape Orange features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and translucency. This material contributes to a sharp and crisp sound profile, making it particularly well-suited for RGB lighting as it allows illumination to shine through clearly. In contrast, the WS Heavy Tactile utilizes a nylon top housing, a classic choice that imparts a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer properties absorb sound more effectively, resulting in a mellower auditory experience than that produced by the polycarbonate of the Grape Orange.

Turning to the bottom housings, both the Grape Orange and WS Heavy Tactile employ nylon, which lends similar acoustic qualities to both switches. The nylon bottom housing in the Grape Orange creates a rounded and muted sound profile, enhancing the tactile feel upon bottoming out. Likewise, the WS Heavy Tactile’s nylon bottom further accentuates this deeper sound characteristic. Since the bottom housing has a significant impact on the overall typing experience, both models share this essential quality, which promotes a comfortable and satisfying user experience.

Considering the combined effects of their respective materials, when the Grape Orange is paired with its polycarbonate top and nylon bottom, it delivers a distinctive auditory clarity and sharpness. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile offers a rich, full sound experience due to its all-nylon construction. While they serve different sound profiles, both switches meet the demands of their users by providing a tactile and auditory experience that resonates with their preferences. Therefore, depending on the desired typing experience—whether clarity or fullness—one can achieve similar satisfaction through conscious selection of the housing materials.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch, notable differences can be observed in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Grape Orange has an actuation force of 40 grams, making it lighter and more suitable for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, especially during long sessions. In contrast, the WS Heavy Tactile switch requires a stronger actuation force of 45 grams, appealing to those who favor a more substantial push while typing. This trend continues with their bottom out forces, where the Grape Orange again demonstrates its lighter nature with a bottom out force of 50 grams, compared to the WS Heavy Tactile's considerably heavier bottom out force of 70 grams. These differences suggest that users who prioritize ease and comfort during prolonged usage may gravitate towards the Grape Orange, while those seeking a firmer tactile feedback in their typing experience might prefer the WS Heavy Tactile. Overall, the Grape Orange is the lighter switch, while the WS Heavy Tactile is the heavier option.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch, it is evident that there is a difference in their specifications. The Grape Orange has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the WS Heavy Tactile features a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. This makes the Grape Orange the longer of the two, providing a deeper keypress experience. For users who prefer a more responsive and quicker actuation, the WS Heavy Tactile may be preferable due to its shorter travel distance, which aligns well with the trend toward faster response times, particularly among gamers. Conversely, the Grape Orange offers a more substantial feel with greater travel, suitable for those who enjoy a more tactile depth in their key presses. Overall, the choice between these switches largely hinges on individual preferences for responsiveness versus key depth.

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 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 Grape Orange switch is fairly quiet, prioritizing a muted auditory experience that is ideal for those who prefer less noise during their typing sessions. This makes it excellent for environments where quiet is essential, such as offices or shared spaces. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch is characterized by its clacky, high-pitched, and resonant sound profile. Each keystroke produces a sharp, crisp, and percussive noise that can create a satisfying auditory feedback loop for users. This contrast in sound makes the Grape Orange much more subdued, while the WS Heavy Tactile switch is more pronounced and attention-grabbing, enhancing the tactile experience through its immersive sounds.

When it comes to feel, the Grape Orange switch is lightweight and effortless, providing a smooth typing experience that is easy on the fingers, especially during long sessions. This makes it suitable for users who favor a more fluid typing style without the interruption of tactile bumps. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile offers a significantly different feel. With a 70g actuation force combined with its pronounced tactile bump, the WS Heavy Tactile is invigorating and provides a satisfying level of resistance with each keystroke. It delivers a sharp tactile feedback that stands out during use, making the typing experience engaging and responsive. The bouncy and snappy properties of the WS Heavy Tactile further emphasize a lively interaction with the keyboard that hardcore typists often enjoy.

In summary, the Huano Grape Orange and Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches cater to very different typing preferences. The Grape Orange is ideal for those seeking a light, quiet, and effortless typing experience suitable for prolonged use, while the WS Heavy Tactile switch appeals to users who enjoy a substantial tactile response, pronounced auditory feedback, and a more engaging interaction with their keyboard. Each switch offers unique qualities, so the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference with sound and feel playing critical roles in the overall typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prioritize a light, smooth, and effortless typing experience, particularly for long sessions of typing or gaming, the Grape Orange's ultra-low actuation force of 40 grams and less demanding bottom out force of 50 grams make it an excellent option. This switch allows you to type quickly for extended periods without feeling fatigued, ideal for those who engage in extensive writing or fast-paced gaming. Conversely, if you appreciate a more tactile and engaging typing experience, the WS Heavy Tactile is the better choice. Its 70-gram bottom out force and pronounced tactile bump provide immersive feedback that makes each keystroke satisfying and rewarding. This switch is particularly suited for users who enjoy the tactile sensation when typing or gaming and prefer a robust auditory feedback profile, offering a 'thocky' sound that enhances the overall experience. By considering your personal typing style and the kind of feedback you desire, you can make an informed decision that will ensure enjoyable typing experiences tailored to your needs.

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