Huano Sakura vs. Wuque Studio WS Red
An in-depth look at the Huano Sakura and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Sakura and the Wuque Studio WS Red stand out as two compelling linear options, each catering to different user preferences. The Huano Sakura switch is celebrated for its feather-light touch and medium acoustics, making it an excellent choice for those who engage in extended typing sessions and favor a more effortless keypress experience. On the other hand, the WS Red switch features a bouncy, responsive typing feel thanks to its 22mm double-stage spring, providing a heavier actuation force that delivers a satisfying tactile weight to each keystroke while maintaining a familiar sound profile. While the Sakura offers a lighter touch for quick and comfortable typing, the WS Red appeals to users who appreciate a more substantial feedback with their keystrokes. 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
35g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The comparison between the Huano Sakura and the Wuque Studio WS Red highlights the distinctive characteristics of their respective housing materials. The Sakura features a top housing made of polyketone (POK), which is known for its impressive durability and low coefficient of friction. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, POK offers a smoother keystroke experience compared to the WS Red's nylon top housing, which inherently has acoustic properties that produce a fuller, deeper sound profile due to nylon's softer nature. Although both switches benefit from distinct materials, the Sakura's POK contributes to a more pronounced, clacky sound when released, while the WS Red's nylon creates a softer acoustic response.
On the bottom housing side, both the Sakura and WS Red utilize nylon, leading to a consistent performance in terms of sound absorption and tactile feedback. The nylon's inherent properties create a duller and rounder sound profile for both switches, promoting a fuller auditory experience when typing. Since both switches share nylon for the bottom housing, users can expect a similar bottom-out feel and sound across both models. This commonality means that, despite the differences in top housing materials, the crucial impact of the bottom housing will still resonate similarly in both switches, as the material choice dictates the sound and feel felt during the pressing action.
In summary, the primary differences between the Huano Sakura and Wuque Studio WS Red lie within their top housing materials, with the Sakura employing POK for its smoother, more durable attributes, and the WS Red opting for nylon for a softer acoustic profile. However, the consistent usage of nylon in both switch bottoms means that users will experience comparable bottom-out characteristics in terms of sound and feel. As a result, while the top housings diverge in material and performance, the shared nylon bottom contributes a familiar tactile experience that can serve to unify the overall typing experience across both switches.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Sakura linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, there is a notable contrast in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Sakura features a light actuation force of 35 grams, allowing for effortless keystrokes that are ideal for prolonged typing sessions. Its bottom out force of 45 grams, while still relatively light, provides a satisfying resistance upon full depression. In contrast, the WS Red switch has an unspecified actuation force, making it challenging to gauge its sensitivity in that aspect. However, its bottom out force is significantly higher at 67 grams, indicating a medium-heavy feel that caters to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Therefore, the Sakura is the lighter option overall, while the WS Red is the heavier switch, making it better suited for users who favor a stronger push feel in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Huano Sakura linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Sakura the shorter option, which may cater to gamers seeking faster response times due to its reduced travel distance. On the other hand, the WS Red, with its longer travel distance, could provide a more substantial feel for those who prefer a deeper keystroke. While both switches offer benefits in terms of responsiveness and tactile feedback, the choice between them ultimately depends on individual preferences regarding key feel and actuation speed. If you favor a quicker, more abrupt response, the Sakura is the better option; whereas if you prefer a heftier depth, the WS Red would be more suitable.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
In this case, both switches are $3.50. As such, price can't serve as a tiebreaker when choosing between the Sakura and WS Red.
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 Sakura linear switch features medium acoustics that provide a balanced auditory experience, making them suitable for long typing sessions without being overly noisy. This characteristic allows the Sakura to blend into various typing environments without becoming a distraction. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Red switch maintains a familiar sound signature, attributed to its classic material blend. Although both switches are linear and tend to have subdued sound profiles, the WS Red's sound can feel a bit heavier due to the added weight from its design and actuation force, which can offer a different auditory experience depending on the overall construction of the keyboard.
When considering the feel of each switch, the Sakura's feather-light touch allows for effortless key presses, which is particularly advantageous during prolonged typing sessions as it minimizes finger fatigue. The tactile experience is smooth, making it ideal for those who prefer a more effortless feel while typing. In contrast, the WS Red switch features a 22mm double-stage spring that delivers a bouncy and responsive typing experience. While it demands a heavier actuation force, this added resistance can give the user a more substantial feeling with each keystroke, offering a satisfying feedback that appeals to those who enjoy a touch of weight in their typing.
In conclusion, both the Huano Sakura and Wuque Studio WS Red switches present unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Sakura excels in providing a light and easy touch paired with medium acoustics, while the WS Red offers a bouncy response with a more pronounced but familiar sound. Ultimately, while each switch caters to different typing experiences, users can look forward to similar qualities in terms of linear actuation; however, their personal preferences regarding weight and sound signature will play a crucial role in determining which switch best suits their needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Huano Sakura linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize a lightweight touch with a smooth feel for extensive typing sessions, the Sakura is an excellent option. Its 45-gram bottom-out force makes it easier on your fingers during long writing marathons, and the medium acoustics ensure that your typing won't be overly disruptive, allowing for a comfortable and quiet environment. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more substantial keystroke and prefer a slightly heavier actuation, the WS Red with its 67-gram bottom-out force might be more suitable for you. The 22mm double-stage spring provides a bouncy, responsive typing experience that many find satisfying, making it ideal for those who appreciate tactile feedback and a classic sound profile. Ultimately, consider the weight and feel that you find most comfortable, as well as the type of tasks you'll be using your keyboard for, to guide your decision between these two distinct switches.
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