Huano Acacia vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Huano Acacia and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl can significantly impact your typing or gaming experience. The Acacia is celebrated for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, delivering a smooth and satisfying feel straight out of the box, making it an excellent option for users who prioritize effortless keystrokes and a comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Pearl stands out for its innovative use of ball-bearings, which drastically reduce friction during keystrokes, resulting in a remarkably smooth and fluid typing experience, complemented by a distinct medium-high pitched sound signature that adds an auditory element to your interaction with the keyboard. While both switches are linear and offer their unique advantages, choosing between them ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. 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
45g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
16mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Huano Acacia and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl exhibit contrasting approaches to their housing materials, particularly in their top housings. The Acacia opts for polycarbonate as its top housing material, which yields a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffer composition. This choice enhances the clarity and resonance of each keystroke, making it an ideal option for users seeking a more pronounced auditory feedback, especially when RGB lighting is utilized. On the other hand, the WS Pearl employs nylon for its top housing, which conveys a deeper and rounder sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a typing experience that feels muted and full-bodied. This fundamental difference in materials influences the overall typing experience, highlighting how material choice can shape the acoustics of keyboard switches.
When considering the bottom housings, both switches use nylon, which introduces a commonality in their sound profile. In the Huano Acacia, the nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound output, complementing the high-pitched sound produced by its polycarbonate top. This layered sonic experience allows typists to enjoy a varied sound profile that reflects both the qualities of the softer nylon and the clearer polycarbonate. Conversely, the WS Pearl’s nylon bottom housing similarly maintains deeper notes, but without the counterbalance of a harder plastic's clarity. This shared use of nylon in both switches serves to align their auditory characteristics while distinctly emphasizing how the top housing can alter the overall soundscape, elaborating on the nuanced differences between the two designs.
Ultimately, while the outer layers of the Huano Acacia and Wuque Studio WS Pearl are made from differing materials that create distinctive sound profiles, both switches find common ground in their nylon bottom housings, which promote a fuller auditory experience. The Acacia's combination of polycarbonate and nylon allows for a dual-layered effect, whereas the WS Pearl's consistency in using nylon throughout captures a singular deep tone. Thus, both switches can deliver satisfying acoustics, but the nature of their top housings distinctly tailors the final output—whether users prefer the crispness of the Acacia or the warmth of the WS Pearl, their chosen materials play a crucial role in defining their keyboard experience.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces and bottom out forces. The Acacia switch features an actuation force of 45 grams, while the WS Pearl requires a lighter actuation force of just 30 grams, making the WS Pearl easier to press and potentially more suitable for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming marathons. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Acacia has a force of 55 grams, which is slightly less than the WS Pearl's bottom out force of 58 grams. This means that while the WS Pearl is lighter in terms of actuation, it does require a bit more effort when fully pressing down. Thus, for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a heavier feel, the Acacia's overall forces make it the heavier option, whereas the WS Pearl's lighter actuation force may appeal to those looking for a more effortless typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch feature an identical travel distance of 3.5 mm, meaning the distance each switch travels from the top to the bottom is the same. As a result, users can expect a similar tactile experience and keypress feel when pressing down on either switch, allowing for consistent performance in typing and gaming scenarios. Since both switches operate within the same travel distance, the choice between them can be influenced by factors other than travel, such as design, material, or brand preference.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Huano Acacia comes in at $3.39, whereas the Wuque Studio WS Pearl comes in at $6.00.
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 Acacia linear switch offers a pleasant typing experience characterized by a relatively muted tone, blending well without being distracting. Its sound signature is generally smooth, benefiting from the generous factory lubrication which contributes to softer keystrokes. Conversely, the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch produces a medium-high pitched sound, which might be heard as a sharper tone in comparison. This sounds particularly lively yet focused, owing to its unique construction with ball-bearings that reduce friction, allowing auditory clarity while typing. While both switches can produce satisfying sounds, the overall acoustic experience may be further influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Acacia switch is recognized for its medium-light weight, which offers just the right amount of resistance for comfortable and efficient typing. It has minimal stem wobble, translating to a stable and controlled keystroke that enhances overall precision. On the other hand, the WS Pearl switch excels in the smoothness of its keystrokes, courtesy of the ball-bearing mechanism that dramatically reduces friction throughout the entire motion. This creates an exceptionally buttery sensation with a consistent actuation that many users find enjoyable. While the Acacia presents a solid and reliable feel, the WS Pearl takes smoothness to a level that feels almost surreal.
Overall, the Huano Acacia and Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switches each present unique benefits tailored to different user preferences. The Acacia's more muted sound and stable feel make it a fantastic entry point for those seeking reliability without excess noise. In contrast, the WS Pearl's higher-pitched sound and exceptionally smooth experience appeal more to enthusiasts looking for a distinct typing sensation. Each switch can provide satisfactory results, but the experience will differ based on the unique qualities they offer. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prefer a traditional, solid typing experience or an ultra-smooth and lively keystroke.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, it’s essential to consider your personal preferences and intended use. If you appreciate a typing experience that is both comfortable and satisfying right out of the box, the Acacia switch may be your best bet. Its medium-light actuation force of 55 grams allows for easier key presses, making it ideal for long typing sessions or for those who may prefer a lighter touch. The minimal stem wobble and generous factory lubrication further enhance its overall feel, providing a smooth and consistent experience. On the other hand, if you're looking for a truly unique and smooth keystroke experience, the WS Pearl is an excellent choice. Its slightly higher bottom-out force of 58 grams offers a bit more resistance, which some users may prefer for a more controlled typing action. Moreover, the incorporation of ball-bearings in the WS Pearl significantly reduces friction during key presses, creating a remarkably smooth feel that is particularly appealing for gaming or fast-paced typing. Ultimately, your choice hinges on whether you favor the easier and slightly softer actuation of the Acacia or the superior smoothness and unique sound signature of the WS Pearl. Take the time to test both switches, and you'll be better positioned to find the one that perfectly aligns with your typing style.
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