Huano Matcha Latte V2 vs. Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile offer distinct experiences catering to different preferences. The Matcha Latte V2, a linear switch, is celebrated for its buttery smooth typing experience, characterized by a light feel and a solid bottom-out sensation. With its generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, this switch provides a premium performance while remaining budget-friendly, ideal for those who enjoy uninterrupted keystrokes. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile offers a more engaging experience with its noticeable tactile bump, allowing typists to feel feedback without the loud noise typically associated with tactile switches. With a neutral sound signature and an easy-to-press action, this switch is perfect for users who appreciate feedback in their keystrokes without overwhelming their auditory environment. 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
45g
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
15.4mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches, a clear distinction emerges in their top housing compositions. The Matcha Latte V2 features POK (polyketone) material, celebrated for its low coefficient of friction and superior durability, offering a smooth and consistent typing experience. With a wear resistance significantly greater than POM and enhanced shock resistance compared to Nylon, the POK top housing contributes to the switch's overall resilience. In contrast, the WS Light Tactile is crafted with polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic known for producing a sharper, more resonant sound profile, particularly beneficial for RGB lighting due to its translucency. While both materials aim to optimize switch performance, they achieve this through differing auditory and tactile qualities, leading to distinctive user experiences.
The bottom housings of both switches, however, are composed of nylon, creating a uniform element in their design. Nylon is a classic choice in the mechanical keyboard community, praised for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This shared material implies that both the Matcha Latte V2 and WS Light Tactile will deliver similar sound characteristics when bottoming out, as the nylon bottom housing is responsible for the rounded sound profile that typists often seek. Despite differences in material for the top housing, the overlapping presence of nylon ensures that both switches maintain a level of tactile similarity in terms of sound produced during keystrokes.
When considering the overall impact of each housing material, one must recognize how the interplay of the top and bottom housings influences the final typing experience. The distinct materials of the top housing in each switch mean that the characteristics of sound and feel will be divided; while the Matcha Latte V2's POK will dictate a smoother release, the WS Light Tactile's polycarbonate will result in a crisper response. However, the nylon bottom housing in both switches guarantees a cohesive auditory foundation, ensuring that typists can expect a familiar depth of sound across both models. Ultimately, users seeking different tactile and auditory nuances will find value in the strengths of each switch while still enjoying a consistent typing foundation rooted in the shared nylon bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch, both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning they require the same effort to register a keystroke, making them suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the two switches differ in their bottom out force, with the WS Light Tactile switch having a bottom out force of 50 grams, which is a light force. The bottom out force for the Matcha Latte V2 is unknown, leaving an open question regarding its overall resistance when fully pressed down. Therefore, if the Matcha Latte V2's bottom out force aligns with the tactile switch's 50 grams, it would provide a firmer feel when the key is fully depressed. Consequently, for those seeking a light typing experience, either switch could be suitable, but the Matcha Latte V2's unspecified bottom out force makes it difficult to determine how it would feel in comparison when pressed all the way down.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch, we find that their specifications differ significantly. The Matcha Latte V2 features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option, while the WS Light Tactile has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is the longer of the two. For users who favor quicker response times, the shorter travel distance of the Matcha Latte V2 may be more appealing, as it allows for faster actuation. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing keys might opt for the WS Light Tactile, as its longer travel distance of 4 mm provides a more pronounced and satisfying action. Thus, the choice between these two switches ultimately depends on personal preference regarding the balance between responsiveness and the tactile experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 comes in at $3.99, whereas the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile comes in at $4.20.
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 Matcha Latte V2 produces a smooth and subtle audio profile, reflecting its linear nature. While the specifics of its sound signature aren't detailed, linear switches typically tend to be quieter than tactile or clicky switches, allowing for more discreet typing. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile boasts a neutral sound signature. This characteristic ensures that the WS Light Tactile can be used in various environments, whether at home or in an office, without drawing undue attention. Both switches are generally quiet compared to their tactile counterparts, making them suitable for users who prefer a less obtrusive typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Matcha Latte V2 is characterized by its bouncy and creamy sensations. The bouncy nature provides a spring-like feedback that gives a lively typing experience, while the creamy aspect adds a silky smoothness that can promote comfort during prolonged use. Conversely, the WS Light Tactile features a stepped feel, where the tactile bump is more subdued and oriented towards a two-stage keypress, offering a unique sensation to the user. Additionally, the easy-to-press design of the WS Light Tactile allows for minimal resistance, making it effortless to actuate keys, which can significantly reduce finger fatigue. While the Matcha Latte V2 emphasizes a fluid and smooth typing experience, the WS Light Tactile focuses on a balanced tactile feedback and low impact activation.
In summary, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The Matcha Latte V2 excels in providing a smooth, bouncy feel with a restrained sound profile, making it an attractive option for those who value fluidity in their typing. In contrast, the WS Light Tactile combines a gentle tactile experience with an easy actuation force, promoting effortless typing. Users can choose between these switches based on their preferred typing style and usage scenarios, keeping in mind the overall typing experience each switch offers. Both switches, while differing in tactile feedback, provide quality performance and cater to varied preferences, ensuring that newcomers have an exciting array of options to explore.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you appreciate a smooth, linear experience with a touch of bounciness and a creamy feel, the Matcha Latte V2 is likely the better option for you. Its premium performance combined with a light and solid bottom-out feel makes it ideal for both casual typing and gaming, especially if you prefer a quieter sound. On the other hand, if you enjoy a tactile feedback sensation with a noticeable bump, the WS Light Tactile will be more to your liking. Its stepped design offers a gentle resistance that's easy on the fingers during long sessions, making it a great choice for typists who appreciate tactile cues without being overwhelmed by noise or effort. Ultimately, both switches cater to different typing styles, so consider what you value more in your daily interactions with your mechanical keyboard and make your choice accordingly.
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