Kailh Box White V2 vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 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 Kailh Box White V2 and Wuque Studio WS Pearl is a fascinating one, as each switch caters to different typing preferences. The Kailh Box White V2 switches are celebrated for their distinctively crisp tactile feedback and unmistakable click sound, making them an ideal choice for users who enjoy the auditory and physical response of a clicky switch while typing. On the other hand, the WS Pearl switches stand out with their unique design that incorporates ball-bearings, which significantly reduce friction during key presses, resulting in an exceptionally smooth keystroke experience. This smoothness paired with a medium-high pitch sound profile gives them a subtle yet satisfying acoustic character, perfect for users who favor a quieter typing experience without compromising on performance. Ultimately, your choice may depend on whether you prioritize tactile feedback and auditory satisfaction or seek a fluid and seamless typing motion. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
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
Stainless steel
Spring
16mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box White V2 and Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches exhibit contrasting properties in their top housing materials, which significantly affect their sound profiles and overall typing experience. The Box White V2 utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, a stiffer plastic known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This characteristic is particularly desirable for users who prefer a crisper auditory feedback when typing. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for RGB lighting applications, allowing for vibrant light effects that enhance the visual appeal of the keyboard. In contrast, the WS Pearl features a nylon top housing, recognized for delivering a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softer plastic material absorbs more sound, resulting in a more muted auditory experience that some may find more pleasant for quieter environments or prolonged typing sessions.
Both switches share a nylon bottom housing, which contributes similarly to their sound characteristics. In the case of the Box White V2, the nylon bottom aids in producing a deeper sound, complementing the sharpness of the polycarbonate top. This duality allows for a unique auditory experience where the softer nylon provides a rounded sound foundation, despite the top housing’s higher-pitched tone. The WS Pearl, on the other hand, fully embraces the qualities of nylon with both its top and bottom housings, producing an even mellower sound overall. While both switches utilize nylon in their bottom housings, the resulting sound can differ greatly due to the contrasting materials of the top housings, allowing users to choose their preferred auditory profile based on personal preference.
Ultimately, these distinctions highlight the influence of housing materials on switch performance. The Kailh Box White V2 is ideal for users seeking a more dynamic typing experience, where the bright sound from the polycarbonate housing is enhanced by the warmth of the nylon bottom. Conversely, the WS Pearl creates a more uniform and subdued audio environment with its consistent use of nylon. For users desiring a specific auditory profile, understanding the interplay between these materials can help in selecting a switch that best matches their typing style and environment, as the distinct characteristics of the housings shape not only sound but also the overall feel of key presses.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Box White V2 features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it relatively light in terms of user effort. In contrast, the WS Pearl has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams but a heavier bottom out force of 58 grams. This means that while the WS Pearl requires less force to register a keystroke, it demands more effort when reaching the bottom of the switch. Overall, the Kailh Box White V2 can be characterized as the heavier switch due to its greater actuation and bottom out forces compared to the WS Pearl. For users who appreciate a lighter feel for extended typing sessions, the WS Pearl may cater to their needs better; however, those seeking a more substantial push feel might find the Box White V2 more satisfying.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This minor difference indicates that the Box White V2 offers a bit more depth compared to the WS Pearl, making it the choice for those who may appreciate a more pronounced experience when actuating keys. The slightly increased travel distance of the Box White V2 may appeal to users who prefer a traditional feel, whereas gamers or those seeking faster response times might gravitate toward the WS Pearl's shorter travel distance. Ultimately, while both switches provide a distinct typing experience, the Box White V2 stands out for its additional 0.1 mm of travel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Kailh Box White V2 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Box White V2 for $3.00.
The Wuque Studio WS Pearl comes in at $6.00 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 Kailh Box White V2 switch produces a distinctly sharp and crisp audible click with each keystroke, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy an audible feedback experience. This clicky sound is pronounced and can be quite satisfying, particularly for typists who appreciate the auditory confirmation of their inputs. On the other hand, the WS Pearl switch offers a more subdued, medium-high pitched sound that is less pronounced than the Box White V2. This sound, while still noticeable, is characterized by a smoothness that aligns with its linear design, which may appeal to users looking for a quieter typing experience without the harshness of a click.
When considering feel, the Kailh Box White V2 provides a tactile feedback that is crisp and pronounced, allowing typists to easily identify when a keystroke is registered. This tactile bump enhances the typing experience, especially for those who prefer a more traditional “clicky” keyboard feel. In contrast, the WS Pearl switch stands out for its incredibly smooth keystrokes enhanced by the incorporation of ball-bearings that minimize friction. This design offers a fluid typing experience, allowing for rapid key presses with a sense of gliding action that is quite different from the tactile feedback of the Box White V2.
Overall, while the Kailh Box White V2 and Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches present distinctly different auditory and tactile experiences, they each cater to specific preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The Box White V2 is ideal for users who prioritize auditory feedback and tactile feel, while the WS Pearl is better suited for those who value a smooth, quiet typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences in sound and feel, guiding newcomers to find the best match for their typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switches and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switches, consider the kind of typing experience you are seeking. If you enjoy a tactile and engaging feedback accompanied by an audible click that enhances your typing rhythm and provides clear confirmation with each keystroke, the Box White V2 is an excellent choice. Its lighter bottom-out force of 50 grams makes it suitable for prolonged typing sessions without feeling fatigued, particularly if you’re a fan of fast-paced typing or gaming where quick, responsive actions are essential. Conversely, if you prefer a smoother, quieter experience during your key presses, the WS Pearl’s unique ball-bearing mechanism offers an unparalleled silky feel that reduces friction, complemented by a balanced medium-bottom-out force of 58 grams. This switch is perfect for those who prioritize a seamless typing experience, whether for extended writing or gaming without the distraction of clicky sounds. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal preferences in feedback and sound characteristics, allowing your keyboard to become a true extension of your typing style.
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