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Huano Grape Orange vs. Wuque Studio WS POM+

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

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between Huano Grape Orange and Wuque Studio WS POM+ presents an intriguing comparison for typists and gamers alike. The Grape Orange, recognized for its exceptionally light 40g actuation force, allows for an effortless typing experience that is particularly beneficial for long hours at the keyboard. This switch is tailored for those who prioritize speed and comfort, making it an attractive option for both casual typists and competitive gamers. On the other hand, the WS POM+ boasts an all-POM composition, delivering a distinctive deep "thock" sound and a buttery-smooth keystroke that many enthusiasts cherish. This switch appeals to users who favor a tactile auditory feedback and a premium feel during each keystroke. Despite their shared linear characteristics, the Grape Orange and WS POM+ cater to different preferences in typing sensation and sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Technical specifications

Actuation force

40g

Actuation force

45g

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

3.60 mm

Factory lubed

Yes

Factory lubed

Yes

Stem construction

Partial box

Stem construction

Standard

Stem material

POM

Stem material

POM

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

22mm extended double-stage spring

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Grape Orange and the Wuque Studio WS POM+, notable distinctions arise between the two switches, particularly in their top housings. The Grape Orange utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, noted for its ability to produce a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This material's translucency enhances RGB lighting effects, further contributing to its appeal for users seeking vibrant aesthetics alongside auditory clarity. In contrast, the WS POM+ employs a POM (polyoxymethylene) top housing, which is characterized by its ability to deliver a deeper, more muted sound profile. POM's inherent qualities contribute to this unique auditory experience, showcasing a different aspect of sound design that contrasts with the Grape Orange's focus on bright clarity. Thus, while the Grape Orange favors a more pronounced sound signature with its polycarbonate top, the WS POM+ caters to those desiring a subdued acoustic performance.

Examining the bottom housings reveals similarities and shared traits between these switches. The Grape Orange's nylon bottom housing is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, which results from its relatively softer material that absorbs sound waves effectively. This quality lends itself to a rounder auditory experience, complementing the sharper upper register generated by the polycarbonate top. Meanwhile, the WS POM+ features a POM bottom housing, whose sound characteristics also lean towards a muted and deep profile. Although both materials serve to create a rich and pleasing acoustic experience, the differences in material flexibility can affect the nuances of sound produced upon bottoming out. Thus, while they approach sound design from unique perspectives, both switches evolve the aural experience through their thoughtfully selected bottom housing.

As the top and bottom housings of these switches are crafted from distinct materials, they each contribute uniquely to the overall sound and feel during key presses. The polycarbonate top housing of the Grape Orange enhances the sound during the release of a key, allowing for a bright and resonant tone, whereas the nylon bottom helps shape the overall feel with its rounded sound. On the other hand, the WS POM+ mixes the characteristics of a POM top and bottom housing to create a cohesive sound signature that is consistently muted and deeper. Therefore, even though they employ different materials, you can achieve similar successful auditory results by pairing these distinctive properties effectively, allowing users to experience a satisfying level of tactile feedback and sound quality tailored to their individual preferences.

Weight

The Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch exhibit differences in both actuation force and bottom out force, which affects their overall typing experience. The Grape Orange features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a softer touch, enabling them to type comfortably for extended periods such as in a worksetting or during lengthy gaming sessions. In contrast, the WS POM+ has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, offering a more substantial feel while typing, which some users might find more satisfying. Thus, while both switches are in the medium-light to light range, the Grape Orange is the lighter of the two. Users looking for a more delicate typing experience may lean towards the Huano Grape Orange, whereas those who like a bit more resistance for tactile feedback may prefer the WS POM+. Overall, the Grape Orange allows for quicker actuation and is more forgiving for longer typing sessions, while the WS POM+ provides a firmer push that some may find gratifying.

Travel distance

Both the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that users will experience the same feel in terms of how far the switch travels from the top to the bottom when pressed. This equivalence in travel distance ensures that both switches provide a similar tactile experience during operation, making them suitable for users who prioritize consistent key feedback. Since both switches have identical specifications in this regard, you can expect comparable performance when it comes to the travel distance.

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 POM+ comes in at $3.90 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 hasn’t been attributed with a specific sound profile, but its linear design typically results in a quieter operation compared to clicky or tactile switches. The lack of a tactile bump contributes to a smoother and less pronounced auditory feedback, making it more suited for those who prefer minimal noise during typing. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS POM+ switch is notable for delivering a deep, satisfying "thock" sound, elevating the auditory experience with each keystroke. This sound signature is complemented by the switch's construction, providing a resonant acoustic quality that can be particularly enjoyable for users who appreciate an audible typing experience. It's important to remember that the overall sound output can also be influenced by the keyboard's build and keycap materials.

In terms of feel, the Huano Grape Orange switch stands out for its exceptionally light and effortless typing experience, characterized by a low actuation force of just 40g. This allows for rapid keystrokes, making it ideal for extended typing sessions without fatigue. The smooth, linear movement contributes to a seamless typing experience, inviting users to glide across the keycaps. Conversely, the WS POM+, crafted entirely from POM material, offers a buttery-smooth keystroke that further enhances its pleasant tactile feedback. While the Grape Orange may be preferable for those seeking a lighter switch, the POM+ provides an equally smooth experience but may cater to users who appreciate a more premium feel under their fingers.

In summary, both the Huano Grape Orange and Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switches provide distinct yet satisfying typing experiences tailored to different preferences. The Grape Orange focuses on an ultra-light feel ideal for endurance typing, while the WS POM+ delivers a richer sound and smoothness that many might find appealing. Therefore, your choice between them should hinge on whether you prioritize weight and ease of use or enjoy a deeper auditory feedback and a refined touch in your typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the specific experience you're seeking. If you favor a light and effortless typing experience, particularly during long sessions, the Grape Orange is an excellent choice, thanks to its ultra-low 40g actuation force that minimizes finger fatigue. This switch is ideal for typists who appreciate a softer bottom-out feel and are looking for a more forgiving response as they type. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly more substantial tactile feedback alongside a well-defined "thock" sound when key presses are registered, the WS POM+ is an appealing option. With its medium-light 55g bottom-out force, this switch provides a balanced feel that many find satisfying while still maintaining a smooth keystroke. In the end, selecting between these two switches boils down to whether you prioritize ease of use and lighter key presses or a more resonant sound and a bit more resistance.

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