Huano Sakura vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile
An in-depth look at the Huano Sakura and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the Huano Sakura and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile. The Sakura, a linear switch, is beloved for its feather-light touch and medium acoustics, making it an excellent choice for those who engage in extended typing sessions without distraction. Its smooth keypresses provide a seamless typing experience, which appeals to gamers and typists alike who value speed and fluidity. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switch caters to individuals who prioritize a quiet environment, such as office workers. These switches offer medium tactility, allowing for feedback with each keystroke while minimizing noise through precision-engineered design—eschewing traditional silicone dampeners in favor of a more effective solution. This innovation not only ensures a silent typing experience but also maintains a tactile response that enhances user satisfaction. While both switches serve distinct purposes, from the light and unencumbered Sakura to the discreetly responsive WS Silent Tactile, it's vital to consider personal preferences and usage scenarios when making a choice. 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
35g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Sakura and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches, notable differences emerge in their top housings, while both share a commonality in their bottom housing. The Sakura utilizes a POK top housing, celebrated for its low coefficient of friction (0.04), which allows for an exceptionally smooth typing experience. This material's superior durability and shock resistance make it a strong contender for creating responsive and long-lasting switches. In contrast, the WS Silent Tactile uses nylon for its top housing, which, while providing a softer and more sound-absorbing quality, lacks the advanced durability features of POK. Therefore, while the Sakura’s POK contributes to a more pronounced and clacky sound profile during key release, the nylon top of the WS Silent Tactile focuses on a deeper and rounder acoustic character.
Interestingly, both switches use nylon for their bottom housings, leading to a parallel in their performance characteristics when it comes to bottoming out. As a classic switch housing material, nylon enhances the auditory experience by absorbing sound effectively, which contributes to a fuller and softer noise when pressed. Both the Sakura and WS Silent Tactile benefit from this shared use of nylon, resulting in a consistent and muted sound profile when the key is fully depressed. This synergy in bottom housing material means that regardless of the differences in the top housing, users can still expect a cohesive typing experience marked by the thorough sound-dampening qualities provided by nylon.
Ultimately, the combination of POK and nylon in the Huano Sakura contrasts with the dual nylon configuration of the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile. These differences imply that the overall acoustic and tactile feedback differs between the two switches. The Sakura, with its POK top, is likely to provide a sharper and more tactile response on key release, while the WS Silent Tactile will offer a smoother and quieter keystroke thanks to the insulating properties of nylon. Even with the similarity in bottom housing materials, the distinct characteristics of their top materials lead to unique sound profiles and tactile sensations, allowing enthusiasts to choose according to their typing preferences.
Weight
The Huano Sakura linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch exhibit contrasting characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different user preferences. The Sakura features a light actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for users seeking a comfortable typing experience that minimizes fatigue during extended use. In contrast, the WS Silent Tactile switch has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is medium-heavy, but its actuation force value is unspecified. This suggests that, while the bottom out force is significantly heavier than that of the Sakura, the actuation force could either be lighter or heavier, which affects the overall typing experience. Consequently, those who prefer a more substantial typing feel might find the WS Silent Tactile more appealing due to its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the Sakura is the lighter option, promoting longer typing sessions, while the WS Silent Tactile leans towards a more robust tactile response.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Huano Sakura linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch, we find that the Sakura has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the WS Silent Tactile features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Huano Sakura offers a greater depth for each key press, which might be preferable for users who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback and a sense of stability in their keystrokes. Conversely, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to gamers and those seeking quicker response times, as this option allows for faster actuation. Both switches, though closely matched in terms of travel distances, cater to different preferences; thus, selecting between them will largely depend on whether one favors a deeper feel or quicker activation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Sakura has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura for $3.29.
The Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile comes in at $4.20 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 Sakura linear switch produces a medium acoustic profile, offering a balanced sound that is not too loud, making it suitable for extended typing sessions. This positioning allows it to remain relatively unobtrusive, which can be ideal for those who type for long periods but still want a satisfying auditory feedback. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch is designed with noise reduction as a priority. Its neutral and muted sound characteristics ensure a quieter typing experience, especially beneficial in office environments where minimizing disturbance is essential. The WS Silent Tactile manages to achieve this quiet operation without compromising the quality of auditory feedback, offering a crisp yet subdued sound that appeals to those seeking serenity during their typing activities.
When it comes to feel, the Sakura switch is recognized for its feather-light touch, facilitating a smooth, weightless typing experience that can lessen finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Although this description does not specify its tactile response, linear switches typically lack the pronounced tactile bump found in tactile switches, which may appeal to users who prefer an uninterrupted keystroke. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switch is characterized by its medium tactility, delivering a notable amount of feedback through its accented design. The invigorating sensation it provides makes it responsive and engaging, while its mild attributes ensure a gentle typing experience that won't overwhelm the user. This combination of tactility and smoothness makes the WS Silent Tactile ideal for those seeking both precision and comfort.
In summary, the Huano Sakura linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch each present unique qualities suited to different user preferences. The Sakura offers a well-balanced sound with a lightweight feel, making it great for prolonged use. Meanwhile, the WS Silent Tactile excels in offering a quieter experience without sacrificing tactile feedback, ideal for office settings. Whether one prioritizes noise management or seeks a more immersive tactile interaction, both switches enhance the typing experience in their own distinct ways, ensuring that users can find satisfaction and comfort based on their individual needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Huano Sakura linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch ultimately boils down to your specific typing preferences and environment. If you value a feather-light touch and anticipate engaging in extended typing sessions, the Sakura switch might be your ideal choice, given its low actuation force of 45 grams, which allows for effortless keystrokes without much fatigue. It’s also suitable for those who don’t mind a medium acoustic level, making it a solid option for home use or casual gaming where a slight sound presence won’t be a distraction. On the other hand, if you find yourself typing in shared spaces—like an office—where noise could be an issue, the WS Silent Tactile is the better fit. Its medium-heavy force of 63.5 grams provides a satisfying tactile experience while enforcing a quieter operation through its innovative design that minimizes sound without sacrificing feedback. The pronounced yet not overwhelming tactility can enhance your typing enjoyment while ensuring that you remain considerate of those around you. In essence, choose the Sakura for light and quiet responsiveness, and opt for the WS Silent Tactile for a balanced tactile feedback that respects your surroundings.
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