Huano Strawberry Latte vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile
An in-depth look at the Huano Strawberry Latte and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Strawberry Latte and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences and environments. The Huano Strawberry Latte, known for its smoothness and balanced sound profile, is a linear switch that provides a seamless keystroke experience, appealing to those who prioritize swift and uninterrupted typing without auditory distractions. In contrast, the WS Silent Tactile switch delivers a gratifying tactile feedback without the usual noise associated with traditional tactile switches, making it a perfect choice for office settings or quiet spaces. Its innovative design, which circumvents the use of silicone dampeners, allows for a crisp feel while maintaining a serene atmosphere. Ultimately, while both switches cater to unique typing preferences—smoothness and speed versus tactility and silence—they each enhance the overall keyboard experience in their own right. 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
The housing materials of the Huano Strawberry Latte and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches exhibit both similarities and differences that significantly influence their auditory and tactile feedback. The Strawberry Latte features a POK top housing, known for its durability and low coefficient of friction, resulting in a smooth typing experience. The POK material's strength and wear resistance help create a sharp and clacky sound profile, enhancing the overall feel of the switch. In contrast, the WS Silent Tactile switch utilizes a nylon top housing, which is softer and allows for a duller, rounder sound, characterized by a deeper auditory feedback. This fundamental variation in top housing materials contributes to a distinct typing experience between the two switches, where the more resilient POK provides a clearer acoustic response compared to the muted sounds of nylon.
Regarding the bottom housings, both the Strawberry Latte and WS Silent Tactile switches utilize nylon, which is renowned for its sound-absorbing qualities. This consistency in material ensures that both switches deliver a richer and more immersive sound profile when bottoming out. The nylon bottom housing's softness allows it to absorb more sound than harder alternatives, resulting in a deeper and fuller acoustic experience regardless of the switches' top housings. Therefore, while the type of material impacts the switches' top housing performance, the use of nylon in both switches for the bottom housing helps unify their sound characteristics, yielding a more balanced auditory experience.
In summary, while the Huano Strawberry Latte and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches share a commonality in their nylon bottom housings, their top housings differ significantly, creating contrasting auditory experiences. The POK top housing of the Strawberry Latte provides a sharper, more resonant key release sound, while the nylon top of the WS Silent Tactile creates a smoother, quieter upper sound profile. This divergence allows for personal preference to guide the choice between these two options, where users may favor the clackiness of the Strawberry Latte or the subdued sound of the WS Silent Tactile. Ultimately, regardless of the differences in top materials, the nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches afford a satisfying and rich sound experience when engaged.
Weight
The Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Strawberry Latte features a light actuation force of 35 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, ideal for extended use during work or gaming sessions. In contrast, the WS Silent Tactile has an unspecified actuation force but a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, contributing to a more substantial typing feel for users who favor a firmer push. As a result, the Strawberry Latte is the lighter option, while the WS Silent Tactile is on the heavier side. These differing characteristics ensure users have distinct experiences; those who appreciate a lighter feel may gravitate towards the Strawberry Latte, whereas users seeking a more resistive feel may prefer the WS Silent Tactile. Since the actuation force of the WS Silent Tactile is unknown, it is unclear how it compares directly in that regard.
Travel distance
The Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference of just 0.1 mm indicates that the Strawberry Latte offers a more pronounced key press experience, which might appeal to those who favor a deeper feel when typing. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile's shorter travel distance allows for quicker actuation, making it advantageous for gamers seeking faster response times. In summary, while the Strawberry Latte may provide a more robust key press, the WS Silent Tactile delivers a more responsive touch, catering to different user preferences in terms of travel feel and typing experience.
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 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
When comparing the sound profiles of the Huano Strawberry Latte and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches, there are notable differences. The Strawberry Latte is characterized by a balanced sound profile that is neither overly loud nor entirely muted, making it versatile for various settings. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile is designed with a focus on noise reduction and features a muted sound that is softer than a traditional mechanical switch. While both are suitable for everyday use, the WS Silent Tactile may be preferable in quieter environments such as offices due to its precision-engineered design, which minimizes noise without sacrificing the audible feedback that typists appreciate.
In terms of feel, the Huano Strawberry Latte provides a super smooth typing experience due to its advanced molding technology, promoting a seamless keypress that many users enjoy. This enhances the overall tactile experience, allowing for unimpeded typing. Conversely, the WS Silent Tactile switch offers a unique tactile feedback quality that leans towards medium tactility. It strikes a balance with its "invigorating" response, providing pronounced feedback without feeling overwhelming. This makes the WS Silent Tactile a compelling choice for those who appreciate a tactile sensation while still maintaining a degree of smoothness in their typing.
In conclusion, both switches present distinct advantages suited to different preferences and environments. The Strawberry Latte offers a balanced sound profile alongside a smooth feel, making it an enjoyable option for various users. Meanwhile, the WS Silent Tactile excels in providing a quieter operation accompanied by a pronounced yet comfortable tactile experience, ideal for office use. Choosing between them ultimately depends on whether the user prioritizes a smoother, more traditional sound and feel or prefers a quieter, tactile experience. Either way, both switches can deliver satisfying results in their respective strengths.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Huano Strawberry Latte and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches ultimately depends on your specific typing needs and environment. If you prefer a lighter tactile experience with a smooth key press, the Strawberry Latte, with its 45-gram bottom out force, is an excellent choice; its balanced sound profile is neither overly quiet nor too loud, making it suitable for both home and casual office use. This switch is perfect for those who enjoy a responsive feel without overwhelming resistance, enhancing your typing speed and overall enjoyment. On the other hand, if you work in a noise-sensitive environment or simply prefer a more subdued typing experience, the WS Silent Tactile’s 63.5-gram actuation force offers a medium-heavy tactile feedback that won't disrupt your colleagues while providing that satisfying "click" sensation. Its innovative design ensures a crisp response without excessive noise, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions in shared spaces. In choosing between these two, consider your typing preferences and environment: the Strawberry Latte for a lighter, more fluid experience, and the WS Silent Tactile for a robust yet quiet performance.
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