Huano Strawberry Latte vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Huano Strawberry Latte and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the selection can dramatically influence your typing experience. The Huano Strawberry Latte, known for its super smooth performance, utilizes the latest mold technology to provide a balanced sound profile that is neither too quiet nor overly resonant, making it an excellent choice for both casual typists and gamers seeking a fluid keystroke. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches elevate your office or work experience with ingeniously designed stem railings that significantly reduce noise levels without sacrificing responsiveness. Unlike traditional silent switches, the WS Silent Linear avoids using silicone dampeners, ensuring a unique typing sensation that is both serene and precise. While the Strawberry Latte excels in delivering a smooth and balanced feel, the WS Silent Linear stands out for those who prioritize a quieter typing environment without compromising on performance. 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
63.5g
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
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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Strawberry Latte and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear, notable differences emerge, particularly in the composition of the top housings. The Strawberry Latte's top housing is made from POK (polyketone), a material noted for its exceptional durability and smoothness. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, it provides a slightly more gliding feel compared to the WS Silent Linear's nylon top housing. Conversely, the nylon used in the WS Silent Linear is a classic choice that emphasizes a deeper sound profile due to its softer composition. While POK offers a robust construction with outstanding wear and shock resistance, nylon is favored for its sound absorption qualities, leading to a distinctly round and subdued auditory experience.
Both switches share nylon for their bottom housings, making them similar in terms of sound characteristics. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a fuller acoustic signature, regardless of the top housing material, which indicates that both switches aim for a satisfying typing experience. Consequently, the use of nylon at the bottom ensures that users will encounter a familiar texture and sound quality that is soft and audible. This commonality means that while the top housings offer different tactile experiences, the inherent qualities of nylon at the bottom create a consistent foundation for both switches.
Overall, the combination of materials in both switches reflects different design philosophies. The Huano Strawberry Latte aligns with a focus on durability and performance through its POK top, while the WS Silent Linear emphasizes acoustic properties with its entirely nylon composition. Users looking for a smooth typing experience may prefer the Strawberry Latte for its robust feel, whereas those seeking a more muted sound profile would lean towards the WS Silent Linear. However, the shared nylon bottom in both models guarantees that the rich, plush sound will remain a delightful component of the typing experience, ensuring similar results despite the contrasting top housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch to the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch, we find notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Strawberry Latte features a light actuation force of 35 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a softer touch during long typing sessions or extended gaming. In contrast, the WS Silent Linear lacks a specified actuation force but has a significantly heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, indicating a more substantial resistance felt when fully pressing the switch. This heavier bottom out may provide a more tactile experience for those who appreciate a firmer push. Overall, the Strawberry Latte is the lighter option, ideal for comfort over longer use, while the WS Silent Linear caters to individuals seeking a more robust typing feel. Since the actuation force of the WS Silent Linear is unknown, one cannot draw a precise comparison there, but the heavier bottom out suggests it would deliver a different feel compared to the lighter Strawberry Latte.
Travel distance
The Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Strawberry Latte the better option for users who appreciate a deeper, more hearty feel when pressing keys, as its 3.6 mm distance provides just a bit more depth than the WS Silent's 3.5 mm. Conversely, the shorter distance of the WS Silent Linear may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times, even if the difference is minimal. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference: for a more substantial keystroke, the Strawberry Latte is the ideal option, while those who favor a quicker response may lean towards the WS Silent.
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 Silent Linear 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
When it comes to sound, the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch offers a balanced profile that strikes a middle ground, providing a sound that's neither too quiet nor overly resonant. This makes it suitable for both home and office use, keeping it versatile for different environments. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch is designed specifically to minimize noise through cleverly engineered stem railings with discreet cutouts. This results in a muted and subdued sound when typing, ensuring it produces a softer auditory experience than traditional linear switches. While the Strawberry Latte provides a distinctly pleasant auditory experience, users looking for a more tranquil typing atmosphere might find the WS Silent Linear switch to be more appealing due to its refined sound dampening.
In terms of feel, the Strawberry Latte linear switch is known for its exceedingly smooth action, providing a buttery-smooth typing experience that many users appreciate. However, detailed subjective qualities regarding the feel of the Strawberry Latte are not provided. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear switch is characterized by a mild feel that offers a more gentle typing experience, making it approachable for users of all skill levels. It aims to offer a balance in its tactile response without overwhelming the typist, providing a sense of comfort in its use.
In conclusion, both switches cater to different preferences while sharing some common ground with their linear nature. The Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch is celebrated for its smooth operation and balanced sound profile, making it enjoyable across versatile environments. Conversely, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch stands out for its sound-dampening features and mild tactile feedback, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a quieter typing experience without sacrificing responsiveness. While there are distinct characteristics in each, users will find satisfactory performance and comfort in either option, allowing for enjoyable typing experiences that suit individual needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch ultimately hinges on your specific needs and typing preferences. If you prefer a lighter touch when typing, the Strawberry Latte, with its 45 grams of bottom-out force, offers a smooth and balanced sound profile that doesn't overwhelm yet remains engaging. This switch can be an excellent choice if you enjoy a more tactile experience and want a switch that excels in both casual typing and gaming without excessive noise. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more substantial feel and noise reduction, the WS Silent Linear switch with its 63.5-gram bottom-out force is designed for environments where discretion matters, such as an office setting. Its unique design effectively minimizes sound without sacrificing responsiveness, making it an ideal option for those who want a quiet typing experience without the overly cushioned feeling typical of silent switches. Ultimately, your decision should reflect where and how you plan to use your keyboard, balancing your need for smoothness or silence with the weight and sound profile that best fits your environment.
Mentioned in this article
