Huano Strawberry Latte vs. Wuque Studio WS Dash
An in-depth look at the Huano Strawberry Latte and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Strawberry Latte and the Wuque Studio WS Dash offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Strawberry Latte, a linear switch, is celebrated for its ultra-smooth action, thanks to its cutting-edge molds from Huano, providing a balanced sound profile that strikes a perfect harmony between too quiet and overly resonant. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer a seamless performance without the distraction of loud clicks. On the other hand, the WS Dash, utilizing Hall Effect technology, delivers a bright and clacky sound signature enhanced by a silky smooth keystroke, adding flair and a uniquely refined touch to your keyboard experience. While the Strawberry Latte is ideal for gamers and typists seeking a minimalist feel, the WS Dash is perfect for those who appreciate a more vibrant auditory feedback. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Huano Strawberry Latte and the Wuque Studio WS Dash, it becomes evident that the two switches approach their design with distinct characteristics for their top housing. The Strawberry Latte employs POK material, known for its exceptional durability and low friction, resulting in a smooth keypress experience. In contrast, the WS Dash opts for polycarbonate, a stiffer and more resonant plastic that contributes to a sharper sound profile. While both materials provide unique auditory experiences, the POK material is designed for smoothness and strength, whereas polycarbonate prioritizes clarity and resonance, making the acoustic feedback of each switch notably different under similar circumstances.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both switches make use of nylon, a tried-and-true material recognized for its contributions to sound quality. The nylon bottom housing in both the Strawberry Latte and WS Dash absorbs sound effectively, leading to a deeper and fuller auditory profile. Because this key feature remains consistent, users can expect a similar underlying sound quality from both switches. This cohesion in material choice means that, while the top housings may produce different sound characteristics, the joint usage of nylon will harmonize the overall sound experience by providing a consistent foundation to both switches.
Ultimately, the differences in housing materials of the Huano Strawberry Latte and Wuque Studio WS Dash create distinct sensory experiences that cater to varying preferences. The POK top of the Strawberry Latte lends itself to a smooth and strong feel, while the polycarbonate top of the WS Dash enhances brightness and resonance. However, with both switches featuring nylon in the bottom housing, there is a shared depth to the sound. This thoughtful design strategy suggests that even with different top materials, users can enjoy a balanced blend of characteristics and acoustic nuances, achieving a rewarding typing or gaming experience across either switch.
Weight
The Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch present a distinct contrast in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Strawberry Latte, with an actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, is lighter compared to the WS Dash, which features a slightly lighter actuation force of 30 grams but a heavier bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that while users will experience a lighter initial push with the WS Dash, they will need to apply more force to fully bottom out compared to the Strawberry Latte. Those who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing sessions will find the Strawberry Latte more appealing, as its overall lighter forces make it suitable for long hours of use. Conversely, the heavier bottom out force of the WS Dash may cater to users seeking a more substantial typing experience despite its slightly lower actuation force. Overall, this comparison highlights differing preferences in force dynamics between the two switches, which could guide users in their choice based on their typing needs.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Strawberry Latte offers a deeper keystroke compared to the WS Dash, making it potentially more suitable for users who prefer a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the WS Dash may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, as it encourages faster actuation. Overall, if you lean towards a more responsive feel, the WS Dash could be the better choice, while those who favor a more pronounced depth might prefer the Strawberry Latte.
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 Dash has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Dash for $7.49.
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 presents a balanced profile, striking a pleasant middle ground that isn’t overly quiet nor excessively resonant. This creates a sound that is consistent and unobtrusive, suitable for various environments without being distracting. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Dash switch is characterized by a bright and clacky sound signature, which gives it a more vibrant acoustic presence. This engaging sound can enhance the typing experience, especially for those who enjoy auditory feedback while they type. However, it's essential to remember that the overall sound produced by a switch can vary significantly based on the keyboard's construction and the keycap materials used.
When it comes to feel, the Strawberry Latte switch is known for its smooth operation, utilizing the latest molds from Huano to ensure a fluid keystroke. This smoothness contributes to a pleasant typing experience, making it an excellent choice for users who appreciate linear switches. In contrast, the WS Dash switch is designed to offer a silky smooth keystroke as well, which aligns with the premium feel associated with Hall Effect switches. While both switches aim to deliver a seamless feeling during use, the tactile experience may differ slightly, appealing to different preferences in how smooth or responsive a keystroke feels.
Overall, both the Huano Strawberry Latte and Wuque Studio WS Dash switches present unique qualities that cater to varying preferences among users. While the Strawberry Latte offers a more balanced and moderate sound profile with a smooth feel, the WS Dash provides a livelier auditory experience paired with a similarly smooth keystroke. Both switches shine in their respective areas and can provide satisfying results depending on personal taste. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on your sound preference and the kind of typing feel you desire, but you can expect a quality experience from either option.
Conclusion
In the end, your choice between the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter switch that offers a super smooth keystroke and a balanced sound profile—not too quiet but not overly resonant—the Strawberry Latte might be the ideal choice for you. This switch is particularly suitable if you enjoy a more effortless typing experience, making it a great option for both casual use and long typing sessions. On the other hand, if you're looking for a slightly firmer feel with a medium-light activation force, the WS Dash may be more to your liking. This switch not only delivers a bright and clacky sound signature but also provides a silky smooth feel that can enhance your gaming or typing experience, especially with its unique Hall Effect technology. Thus, choosing between these switches boils down to whether you prioritize a lighter, smoother switch for comfort or a more refined and tactile experience with a distinct auditory feedback.
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