Huano Grape Orange vs. Wuque Studio WS Jade
An in-depth look at the Huano Grape Orange and the Wuque Studio WS Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, both the Huano Grape Orange and the Wuque Studio WS Jade cater to different preferences, each offering their unique characteristics that enhance your typing experience. The Huano Grape Orange switch is celebrated for its ultra-light 40g actuation force, providing a remarkably effortless and comfortable typing experience, making it an ideal choice for those who engage in prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the WS Jade switch stands out with its metallic insert that produces a distinctive and resonant sound profile, coupled with a creamy and smooth feel. Additionally, its light diffuser enhances the visual appeal with captivating RGB effects, attracting gamers and enthusiasts who appreciate both aesthetics and performance. While the Grape Orange is perfect for speed and ease of use, the WS Jade brings a clacky and vibrant experience to the table. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
UPE
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
18mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Grape Orange and the Wuque Studio WS Jade, notable distinctions emerge, particularly in their top housing. The Grape Orange utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate facilitates sound clarity and resonance, making it an excellent choice for users who desire an accentuated auditory experience, especially when combined with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the WS Jade employs POM in its top housing, which results in a deeper, more muted sound profile. This difference means that while both switches produce unique auditory characteristics, the Grape Orange's polycarbonate aids in delivering a more vibrant sound, whereas the Jade's POM generates a softer, more mellow tone.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of these two switches share a more similar approach. The Grape Orange features nylon in its bottom housing, a classic material known for producing a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. This results in a sound that is more rounded, as nylon absorbs more vibrations and minimizes sharpness. Meanwhile, the WS Jade incorporates POM for its bottom housing, which also generates a deeper and relatively muted sound profile. Although the materials differ, both Nylon and POM contribute to a complementary experience, leading to a smooth and enjoyable typing feel. The differences in sound characteristics are influenced by the interplay of the top and bottom housing materials, creating a unique acoustics balance for each switch.
Ultimately, while the Huano Grape Orange and Wuque Studio WS Jade exhibit contrasting auditory profiles stemming from their top housings, they converge in the sound experience produced by their bottom housings. The combination of the sharper, high-pitched sound associated with polycarbonate in the Grape Orange and the deeper, more muted quality of POM in the Jade invites a nuanced typing experience. When using either switch, practitioners can expect a unique feel based on the interplay of materials; thus, achieving a harmonious result relies on the cohesive functional balance between the varied properties of the respective housing materials. Ultimately, each switch offers a distinct sonic signature, distinctly influenced by their respective housing materials, showcasing the rich diversity within mechanical keyboard switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch, distinct differences emerge. The Huano Grape Orange features a light actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a softer touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Jade boasts a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial and tactile typing experience. Thus, while both switches serve different preferences, the Grape Orange is the lighter option overall, whereas the WS Jade provides a firmer feel. If users desire a lighter keyboard experience, they should opt for the Grape Orange, while those seeking a more pronounced resistance may find the WS Jade preferable.
Travel distance
Both the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch feature an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either switch, users will experience the same amount of travel from the top to the bottom. Since the travel distances are equal, users can expect a similar feel and responsiveness whether they choose the Grape Orange or the WS Jade. This uniformity in travel distance allows for a consistent typing experience across both switches.
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 Jade comes in at $4.30 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 Grape Orange switch tends to be on the quieter side, which can make it less intrusive in shared environments or during extended typing sessions. Although specific sound characteristics for the Grape Orange weren't provided, it generally produces less resonance and lower pitch than a lot of mechanical switches. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch delivers a bright and vibrant audio experience, rich with clacky, marbly, and resonant qualities. The inclusion of a metallic insert creates a sharp, crisp sound, making each keystroke feel more dynamic and engaging. The notable auditory elements of the WS Jade not only elevate your typing experience but also add an immersive auditory pleasure to your workflow.
In terms of feel, the Grape Orange switch is renowned for its ultra-light 40g actuation force, promising an effortless typing experience that's ideal for long sessions without causing finger fatigue. However, details about the specific tactile qualities of the Grape Orange were not specified. The WS Jade, on the other hand, boasts a creamy and smooth feel, enhanced by a silky texture during key presses. This remarkable smoothness minimizes resistance, allowing for a seamless glide while typing. The feeling is elevated further by the consistent bottom-out resistance, which adds to the overall satisfying experience that the WS Jade provides. In contrast to the Grape Orange, it offers more pronounced tactile feedback and a richer engagement with each keystroke.
In summary, while both switches cater to distinct preferences, the Huano Grape Orange offers a lighter, quieter typing experience, making it an excellent choice for prolonged use. Meanwhile, the Wuque Studio WS Jade excels in both sound and tactile feedback, providing a lively auditory profile combined with a creamy and silky feel, which many may find rewarding. Your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a quieter experience with less physical engagement or an auditory delight paired with a rich tactile sensation. Ultimately, either option can elevate your mechanical keyboard experience based on your individual needs and preferences, ensuring satisfaction in your typing endeavors.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch, it’s essential to consider your typing preferences and use cases. If you’re looking for a light, effortless typing experience that is particularly suited for long sessions of writing or coding, the Grape Orange switch, with its low actuation force of 40 grams and bottom-out force of 50 grams, will serve you well. It is designed to minimize fatigue, allowing you to type swiftly and comfortably. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feel with medium stiffness and enjoy a richer auditory experience, the WS Jade switch might be your best bet. With a bottom-out force of 60 grams and its clacky, marbly, and resonant sound profile amplified by a metallic insert, the WS Jade delivers a typing experience that is smooth yet firm, providing a satisfying tactile depth alongside eye-catching RGB effects. Ultimately, your choice should reflect how you prioritize sound, feel, and typing endurance in your unique keyboard experience.
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