Huano Strawberry Latte vs. Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the Huano Strawberry Latte and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly influence your typing experience. The Huano Strawberry Latte, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth keystrokes and balanced sound profile—it strikes a satisfying middle ground between being too quiet and overly resonant, making it an appealing option for those who enjoy an uninterrupted typing experience without loud clicks. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch offers a distinctly different feel; it features a snappy and perceptible tactile bump while maintaining a smooth action and a neutral sound signature. This switch is particularly well-suited for users who appreciate the feedback of a tactile switch without the distracting noise often associated with clicky alternatives. While both switches cater to different preferences—smooth and linear versus tactile and responsive—deciding between them ultimately depends on your personal typing style and use case. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
15.4mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Strawberry Latte and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile, the distinctions in the top housing contribute significantly to the overall sound profile and feel of each switch. The Strawberry Latte utilizes a POK top housing made of polyketone, known for its smoothness and durability. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, it provides a gliding typing experience that is slightly slicker than the WS Light Tactile's polycarbonate top housing, which, while crisper and sharper in sound profile, may not match the buttery smoothness of the POK material. Polyketone's superior durability and shock resistance also yield a long-lasting performance, contributing to the switch's clackiness, while the polycarbonate offers translucency that enhances RGB lighting effects, giving it a visual appeal.
The bottom housings of both switches, however, are made from nylon, creating a noteworthy commonality between the two. Nylon is famed for its ability to absorb sound, leading to a deeper and fuller auditory experience when typing. Both the Strawberry Latte and WS Light Tactile utilize this traditional material in their bottom housings, which means that regardless of the differences in their top housings, they will share a similar acoustic characteristic. This results in an overall typing experience that feels robust and subdued, balancing the sharper sound from the WS Light Tactile's polycarbonate top with the rounded, softer noise from nylon below.
Ultimately, the contrasting top housing materials impact the duality of the switches' sound profiles, with the Strawberry Latte producing a "clacky" sound due to its POK material, while the WS Light Tactile offers a brightness that reflects its polycarbonate design. However, thanks to the consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing, both switches share a foundational sound profile that stabilizes their overall auditory feedback. Users seeking an interactive and diverse tactile experience will find that despite the differences in upper housings, the shared attributes of nylon in both switches facilitate a pleasantly harmonious typing experience. This interplay of materials showcases how a switch's design influences its sound and feel, fostering a rich landscape for customizable keyboard experiences.
Weight
The Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch both fall within the lighter end of the force spectrum, making them suitable for prolonged use in typing or gaming. The Strawberry Latte has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the WS Light Tactile has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This indicates that while both switches are lightweight, the Strawberry Latte is notably lighter in terms of actuation force, which may appeal to users looking for less resistance. Conversely, the WS Light Tactile provides a heavier feel, which could offer a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer that sensation. Ultimately, if you're seeking minimal resistance for comfort during extended use, the Strawberry Latte is the better option, while the WS Light Tactile might be more suited for those who appreciate a little more weight in their key presses.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Strawberry Latte the shorter option, offering more rapid response times that may appeal to gamers or users who prefer a snappier feel. In contrast, the WS Light Tactile, with its longer travel distance, provides a more substantial feedback and tactile experience, which may be favored by those who appreciate a hearty depth while typing or gaming. Although the difference in travel distance is relatively slight, it can significantly influence the overall user experience depending on individual preferences for responsiveness or tactile depth.
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 Light 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 Strawberry Latte linear switch presents a balanced auditory experience. It strikes a middle ground, being neither too quiet nor overly resonant, making it a versatile option for various environments, whether at home or in an office. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch boasts a neutral sound signature, characterized by its moderate actuation force and sound profile. This neutrality lends itself well to a broad range of applications, where users will find it suitable for both novice and experienced typists. Ultimately, while the Strawberry Latte offers a slightly more pronounced sound, both switches cater to those who prefer a balanced and unobtrusive auditory environment.
When considering the feel of each switch, the Huano Strawberry Latte is renowned for its exceptional smoothness, which contributes to an enjoyable typing experience. In contrast, the WS Light Tactile switch integrates a tactile bump that is defined as "stepped," providing a nuanced feedback experience with some pre-travel and post-travel sensations. This design makes the WS Light Tactile feel snappy and responsive while remaining easy to press, requiring minimal force for activation. The combination of gentle resistance and a tactile response creates a typing experience that is comfortable for extended sessions. Thus, while the Strawberry Latte offers smooth linear motion, the WS Light Tactile's tactile nature and effortless pressing provide varied typing sensations that cater to different preferences.
In conclusion, the Huano Strawberry Latte and Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches present distinct qualities in both sound and feel that cater to different keyboard enthusiasts. The Strawberry Latte is celebrated for its smooth operation and balanced sound, perfect for those who favor linear switches. Meanwhile, the WS Light Tactile stands out with its tactile feedback and ease of actuation, making it ideal for users who enjoy a more interactive typing experience. Both switches can provide satisfying results, and your choice will ultimately depend on whether you prioritize the smoothness of linear feedback or the tactile bumps of a stepped switch.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch will depend on your specific preferences and usage scenarios. If you value a very smooth keystroke with minimal resistance—ideal for rapid typing or gaming without interruption—the Strawberry Latte's lighter touch and balanced sound profile may suit you perfectly. Its low bottom-out force of 45 grams makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer a responsive and effortless experience while typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that provides tactile feedback without being overly harsh, the WS Light Tactile is likely the better option. With a slightly heavier bottom-out force of 50 grams, it offers a discernible tactile bump that can help guide your fingers during typing, making it particularly appealing for those who appreciate clear actuation points. Its neutral sound signature ensures it won't be disruptive in quieter environments, making it versatile for both work and leisure. Ultimately, consider how you like to type or game, as well as the environments in which you plan to use your keyboard, to make the best choice for your needs.
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