Huano Strawberry Latte vs. Wuque Studio WS Morandi
An in-depth look at the Huano Strawberry Latte and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi 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 Morandi both offer compelling options for users seeking a linear experience, yet they cater to different preferences and aesthetics. The Strawberry Latte is celebrated for its super-smooth keystrokes, crafted using cutting-edge molds by Huano to deliver a balanced sound profile that strikes a sweet spot—not too quiet but not overly resonant. This makes it ideal for users who appreciate a satisfying, yet unobtrusive typing experience. In contrast, the WS Morandi elevates the user experience with a focus on innovation and aesthetics, boasting a unique UPE stem designed for an airy, smooth feel, coupled with a light column that enhances RGB lighting effects. Its muted sound profile is due to the all-POM housing, which appeals to those who prefer a more subdued auditory experience. Both switches offer distinct advantages suited to different typing styles and sensory preferences; 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
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
UPE
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
18mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Huano Strawberry Latte and Wuque Studio WS Morandi switches showcase distinct differences in top housing design, which significantly influences their overall performance and auditory characteristics. The Strawberry Latte utilizes POK (polyketone) for its top housing, known for its smoothness and durability. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, the POK material allows for effortless key presses while providing notable shock resistance, making it a premium choice for creating responsive switches. In contrast, the WS Morandi employs POM (polyoxymethylene) for its top housing, which helps in producing a unique sound profile that is deeper and more muted compared to the sharper feedback offered by the Strawberry Latte's POK. This difference suggests that while both switches may feel smooth to the touch, they will deliver contrasting auditory experiences thanks to the properties of their respective top housing materials.
While the Strawberry Latte boasts a nylon bottom housing, which is softer and contributes to a fuller sound by absorbing more impact, the WS Morandi opts for a POM bottom housing. Both POM housings, whether at the top or bottom, influence the sound, though they yield distinct results. The nylon's inherent qualities lend a rounded and duller auditory experience, whereas the POM produces a unique sound that is pleasing but leans more towards being muted. This divergence in bottom housing material between the two models indicates that the auditory characteristics will significantly vary depending on which bottom housing is used, with nylon allowing for more sound absorption compared to the crisper POM.
In aggregate, the combination of these materials and their placement in each switch heavily influences both the tactile feel and sound profile. With the top housing's material leaning towards different sound outputs and the bottom housing affecting the overall feel, you can expect that even if certain materials are shared, like POM in the WS Morandi, the unique properties of the nylon in the Strawberry Latte will inherently alter the experience. If one were to invoke similar results across the two models, it could be achieved by carefully balancing the strengths of the bottom housing to complement the top housing, thus merging the sound profiles while maintaining the unique durability and feel that each switch promises through its construction.
Weight
In comparing the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch, we see distinct differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Strawberry Latte features a light actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a softer touch, beneficial for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons. In contrast, the WS Morandi has a higher actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial push feel with increased resistance. While both switches provide different typing experiences—lighter versus medium—the Strawberry Latte is the lighter option overall, making it suitable for users seeking comfort over prolonged use. On the other hand, the own Morandi’s heavier actuation and bottom out forces can help create a more tactile and engaging typing experience for users who prefer a firmer keypress.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Strawberry Latte switch provides a deeper feel when pressing down, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial key response. In contrast, the WS Morandi switch, with its shorter travel distance, may offer quicker responsiveness, making it a suitable choice for gamers looking for speed. Ultimately, if you value a heartier depth, the Huano Strawberry Latte is the better option. However, if you lean towards a more abrupt, speedy reaction, the WS Morandi would be more appropriate.
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 Morandi has an MSRP of $4.30 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Morandi for $3.90.
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 audio profile that strikes a harmonious middle ground; it is neither overly quiet nor excessively resonant, making it suitable for both casual typing and more immersive environments. Meanwhile, the WS Morandi switch is characterized by its low-pitched, thocky sound, producing a deep and rich auditory experience reminiscent of a satisfying thud upon actuation. This tonal quality may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial auditory feedback during their typing sessions. Both switches, however, can exhibit different sound characteristics depending on the keyboard and keycap combinations used, giving users room to experiment.
When considering the feel of the switches, the Strawberry Latte is lauded for its super smooth experience, ideally crafted with the latest molds which enhance the fluidity of each keystroke. On the other hand, the WS Morandi offers a uniquely pleasurable typing sensation with descriptors such as buttery, creamy, and silky. This indicates an exceptionally smooth and effortless keystroke experience, which is ideal for prolonged typing sessions. The combination of these feelings in the Morandi switch suggests an elevated tactile pleasure, making each stroke feel gliding and intuitive. In essence, while the Strawberry Latte is smooth, the WS Morandi elevates that experience through a variety of textures felt when typing.
Overall, both the Huano Strawberry Latte and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switches have unique qualities that may attract different preferences among users, especially in sound and feel. The Strawberry Latte emphasizes a balanced auditory signature and a notably smooth keystroke, while the WS Morandi enriches the typing experience with a deeper sound profile and an enhanced tactile sensation that feels creamy and silky. Although each switch offers its own distinct characteristics, those who appreciate a smooth typing experience may find both options satisfactory, achieving similar outcomes in their typing endeavors, albeit through different auditory and tactile sensations.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lightweight switch with a bottom-out force of 45 grams, the Strawberry Latte would be ideal for you, especially if you enjoy a smooth, balanced sound profile that isn’t too loud or too quiet. This makes it perfect for fast typists or gamers who benefit from quick keystrokes and a tactile experience that doesn't fatigue your fingers over extended periods. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a bit more resistance with a medium force of 60 grams, and you appreciate a deeper, thocky sound combined with an airy, buttery feel, then the WS Morandi would be a better fit. Its unique design not only enhances your RGB visuals but also delivers a creamy typing experience that can make your time spent typing feel more luxurious. Thus, determining your priority—be it a lighter, faster tactile feedback or a richer, more stable experience—will guide you in choosing the switch that best enhances your mechanical keyboard setup.
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