Huano Strawberry Latte vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown
An in-depth look at the Huano Strawberry Latte and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Strawberry Latte and the Wuque Studio WS Brown offer two distinct experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The Strawberry Latte, a linear switch, is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth keystrokes, which make it an excellent option for gamers and typists who prioritize a seamless, uninterrupted feel. Its balanced sound profile provides a moderate auditory experience, striking a middle ground that isn’t overly loud but still offers a satisfying resonance. On the other hand, the WS Brown switch introduces a tactile feel, characterized by a medium-light actuation force that balances responsiveness and comfort, making it a great choice for those who type for long periods. Thanks to its nylon housing and POM stem combination, the WS Brown delivers a familiar auditory feedback that many enthusiasts appreciate. Both switches cater to different needs and preferences—whether you seek smoothness or tactile feedback. 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
40g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Standard
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
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Huano Strawberry Latte and Wuque Studio WS Brown switches showcase a contrast in their top housing materials. The Strawberry Latte utilizes POK material, celebrated for its smoothness and exceptional durability. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, POK creates an experience that is slightly slicker than switches made with other common materials like LY, which has a coefficient of 0.03. In contrast, the WS Brown switches employ a classic nylon top housing, which is notably softer and contributes to a deeper sound profile. While the POK material focuses on providing a robust and resilient feel during operation, the nylon top in the WS Brown enables a different auditory experience, which prioritizes sound absorption and a fuller tonal output when keys are released.
In regards to the bottom housing, both the Huano Strawberry Latte and Wuque Studio WS Brown employ nylon, bringing them into alignment in terms of tonal qualities. The nylon material, revered for its sound-absorbing properties, enhances the deeper and rounder sound profile produced by both switches. This shared characteristic in their bottom housings ensures that both switches deliver a satisfying acoustic experience when typing, regardless of the difference in their top housing materials. The soft nature of nylon in both cases dampens sound, creating a more muted bottom-out impact, which caters to users looking for a less jarring auditory feedback during their typing sessions.
Ultimately, while the top housings of the Strawberry Latte and WS Brown are distinct—POK providing a smoother, more durable touch and nylon fostering a softer sound profile—their shared nylon bottom housing creates a cohesive sound experience across both switches. Users seeking a richly rounded sound will find compatibility in the nylon bottoms, which dominate the bottom-out feel and sound aspect. Therefore, despite the differences in material choices for the upper sections, both switches can yield similar overall acoustic outcomes, allowing users to enjoy attributes of both durability and warmth in auditory feedback.
Weight
The Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Strawberry Latte features a relatively light actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, while the actuation force for the WS Brown is not specified, its bottom out force of 55 grams indicates a heavier response, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel. Consequently, the Strawberry Latte is the lighter option overall, while the WS Brown leans toward a medium-light feel. If it turns out that the actuation force of the WS Brown is also light, users could achieve a similar typing experience; however, due to the unknown value, it remains ambiguous how they compare in that regard. Nevertheless, the WS Brown's heavier bottom out force suggests a more pronounced push-back effect compared to the Strawberry Latte.
Travel distance
The Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Strawberry Latte offers a more responsive experience, making it a suitable choice for gamers who appreciate quicker actuation for faster response times. On the other hand, the WS Brown's 3.8 mm travel distance provides a deeper feel, which might be preferred by users who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback during key presses. In summary, if you favor a shorter travel distance for swift actions, the Huano Strawberry Latte is the better option, while the Wuque Studio WS Brown may appeal to those who appreciate the extra depth in their keystrokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Strawberry Latte has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Latte for $3.29.
The Wuque Studio WS Brown comes in at $3.50 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 Strawberry Latte switch offers a balanced auditory profile, striking a harmonious middle ground that avoids both the extremes of being too quiet or overly resonant. This makes it versatile for various environments, allowing for a pleasing typing experience without overwhelming noise. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Brown switch provides a sound that many enthusiasts find delightful and familiar, enhanced by its nylon housing and POM stem combination. While the exact sound profile of the WS Brown may vary slightly based on specific setups, it maintains a reputation for a pleasant typing experience that complements its tactile feedback.
When it comes to feel, the Strawberry Latte switch is renowned for its super smooth operation, which comes from the latest molds employed by Huano. This smoothness contributes to a luxurious typing experience, making it particularly suitable for continuous use. In contrast, the WS Brown switch features a medium-light actuation force that combines responsiveness with comfort. This balance ensures fatigue-free typing sessions, catering well to both casual typists and serious gamers alike, thanks to its tactile bump that offers satisfying feedback without being too harsh.
Overall, both the Huano Strawberry Latte and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. If you prefer a smooth linear experience with a balanced sound profile, the Strawberry Latte may be your ideal choice. Conversely, if you appreciate a tactile feel with a familiar auditory experience, the WS Brown will likely resonate with you. Ultimately, each switch offers unique attributes that can lead to enjoyable typing, and your selection could simply come down to which specific qualities appeal to your typing style and environment.
Conclusion
To conclude, the decision between Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches and Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switches ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and typing habits. If you’re someone who favors a light touch and a super smooth keystroke experience during your typing or gaming sessions, the Strawberry Latte is an excellent choice; its 45g bottom-out force provides a quick and effortless actuation, making it ideal for fast-paced gaming or extended typing marathons. The balanced sound profile of the Strawberry Latte adds to its appeal, giving you a sound that is engaging without being distracting. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile feedback that mimics the sensation of traditional mechanical switches, the WS Brown should be your go-to option. With a medium-light bottom-out force of 55g, these switches offer a satisfying pop at actuation, giving you clear feedback that can enhance your typing accuracy, particularly for longer writing tasks. The WS Brown's familiar auditory experience and comfortable feel make it a wonderful option for those who enjoy a bit of a tactile response, ensuring less fatigue and promoting a more enjoyable typing experience. In essence, if you lean towards smoothness and lightness, go for the Strawberry Latte; if you appreciate tactile feedback, pick the WS Brown.
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