Huano Strawberry Latte vs. Wuque Studio WS Red
An in-depth look at the Huano Strawberry Latte and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves deliberating between various options, including the Huano Strawberry Latte and the Wuque Studio WS Red, both of which are linear switches catering to different typing preferences. The Huano Strawberry Latte is celebrated for its ultra-smooth operation, employing the latest molds that lend it a balanced sound profile—not too quiet, but not overly resonant either. This switch aims to provide a silky typing experience, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a straightforward, seamless keystroke. In contrast, the WS Red boasts a unique 22mm double-stage spring that delivers a bouncy and responsive feeling while maintaining a familiar sound profile thanks to its traditional material blend. With a heavier actuation force, the WS Red adds a substantial and satisfying weight to each keystroke, catering to typists who enjoy a bit of tactile feedback and resistance. While both switches have their merits, they cater to distinct user preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
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 comparison between the housing materials of the Huano Strawberry Latte and the Wuque Studio WS Red reveals both similarities and contrasts. The Strawberry Latte features a POK material for its top housing, which is renowned for its excellent wear resistance and shock-absorbing properties. POK boasts a coefficient of friction of 0.04, slightly higher than the 0.03 of LY, making it a smooth choice for switch mechanisms. In contrast, the WS Red utilizes a nylon top housing, a traditional favorite that offers a warmer, more rounded sound profile due to its softer nature. This pronounced sound dampening can result in a different acoustic experience when typing, showcasing how the material can shape the characteristics of the switch.
Both the Strawberry Latte and WS Red employ nylon for their bottom housings, creating a shared foundation that influences their overall feel and sound. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, producing a deeper and richer auditory experience with keystrokes. This commonality ensures that both switches will provide users with a similar robust acoustic quality, fostering a fuller sound when the switch is bottomed out. As the bottom housing affects the sound and feel during key presses, it establishes a consistent performance aspect between the two switches shared by both models.
Despite their differences in top housing materials, the overall user experience of the two switches may yield comparable results in terms of sound profile due to the shared nylon in the bottom housing. The heightened durability and smoothness imparted by the Strawberry Latte's POK top housing could offer a unique tactile feel when releasing a key, bringing an added layer of finesse to the typing experience. Nevertheless, the differences in the broader acoustic nuances will likely manifest, as the POK's crispness contrasts with the nylon's inherent warmth. Therefore, while each switch may cater to different preferences in terms of material characteristics, both ultimately lead to effective and satisfying typing experiences.
Weight
The Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Strawberry Latte features a notably lighter actuation force of 35 grams, requiring less effort for keystrokes, and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming, as it reduces finger fatigue. In contrast, the WS Red switch has an unknown actuation force, along with a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, which suggests a more substantial feel when pressing the keys. This difference indicates that users who prefer a lighter experience should gravitate towards the Strawberry Latte, while those seeking a stronger push sensation may favor the WS Red, despite its unclear actuation specifications. Overall, the Strawberry Latte stands out as the lighter option, appealing to those who prioritize comfort during prolonged use, while the WS Red offers a medium-heavy experience for users who enjoy a firmer keystroke feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, we find that the Strawberry Latte has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the WS Red offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Strawberry Latte, with its shorter distance, may provide a quicker response time, making it a potentially preferred option for gamers who favor fast inputs. On the other hand, the WS Red's longer travel distance could be more appealing to those who enjoy a deeper keystroke, offering a more tactile experience. Therefore, if responsiveness is your priority, the Huano Strawberry Latte is the better choice; if you appreciate a hearty depth in your switch feel, then the WS Red would likely suit you better.
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 Red 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 linear switch features a balanced sound profile that strikes a pleasing middle ground; it's not excessively quiet but doesn’t produce overwhelming resonance either. The WS Red, on the other hand, has a classic sound signature that remains familiar yet slightly more weighted due to its heavier actuation force. While both switches provide a satisfying auditory experience, the Strawberry Latte offers a slightly more refined sound that may lend itself well to office environments, while the WS Red's sound might feel richer and more pronounced in a gaming setup.
When it comes to feel, the Strawberry Latte is lauded for its super smooth typing experience, which is a result of the latest mold technology from Huano, providing an effortless keystroke. The WS Red, featuring a 22mm double-stage spring, delivers a bouncy and responsive typing experience that gives each keystroke a significant “weight” which can enhance feedback during use. While both switches offer a pleasing tactile experience, the Strawberry Latte caters to those who prefer silky smoothness, while the WS Red provides a more pronounced feedback with an engaging resistance that may appeal to typists who enjoy feeling a bit more substance in their keystrokes.
Overall, both the Huano Strawberry Latte and Wuque Studio WS Red linear switches cater to enthusiasts looking for high-quality options but differentiate themselves in sound and feel. The Strawberry Latte offers a smoother and more balanced sound, making it suitable for quieter environments, while the WS Red combines a heavier actuation and bouncier feel with a familiar auditory experience that may resonate well with gamers or those seeking tangible feedback. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on whether you prioritize that slick seamless action or a more substantial, tactile typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, your intended use and personal preferences will play a crucial role. If you prefer a lighter actuation force for extended typing sessions or gaming and enjoy a smooth, balanced sound profile, the Strawberry Latte is an excellent choice. Its lightweight feel at 45 grams can reduce finger fatigue, making it suitable for those who type quickly or for long periods. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more substantial typing experience with a bouncier feedback and slightly heavier keystrokes at 67 grams, the WS Red switch may be better suited for you. Its medium-heavy actuation provides a solid tactile feedback that many find satisfying, making it appealing for both gamers and typists who like to feel the weight of each keystroke. Ultimately, your decision comes down to whether you prioritize a lighter touch with a smooth, balanced sound or a heavier, more responsive feel with a classic sound profile.
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