TTC Brother vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Brother and Wuque Studio WS Pearl offer distinct experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The TTC Brother, a clicky switch, is celebrated for its lightweight actuation of just 37g, allowing for a user-friendly tactile experience that is both satisfying and efficient. Its signature crunchy sound, combined with a tactile bump that strikes a balance between presence and subtlety, caters to those who cherish auditory and tactile feedback in their keystrokes. In contrast, the WS Pearl is a linear switch that stands out due to its innovative use of ball-bearings, dramatically reducing friction during use and resulting in a supremely smooth keystroke. While it offers a more muted sound signature, it prioritizes fluidity, making it ideal for gamers and typists seeking a seamless typing experience. Each switch has its own particular allure: the Brother for those who thrive on tactile feedback and acoustic confirmation, and the Pearl for users who value smooth, uninterrupted strokes. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial 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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
17.5mm spring
Spring
16mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Brother and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl, a distinct contrast emerges between their top housings. The TTC Brother utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and translucence. This material allows for a sharper and crisper sound profile, making it an excellent choice for applications that integrate RGB lighting. The clarity and resonance afforded by polycarbonate enhance the auditory feedback when typing, giving users an engaging and lively sound experience. In contrast, the WS Pearl features a nylon top housing, traditionally recognized for its softer texture, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. By absorbing more sound, nylon creates a rounder and less pronounced auditory feedback, appealing to those who prefer a gentler keystroke noise. Consequently, while both housings serve the purpose of improving typing experiences, they do so through fundamentally different acoustic characteristics.
On the other hand, both the TTC Brother and the WS Pearl share a commonality in their bottom housing, which is constructed from nylon. This consistent use of nylon contributes to a deeper and more resonant sound profile in both switches. The nylon material's ability to absorb sound effectively ensures that users experience a softer bottom-out sound during typing, regardless of the differences in the top housing. This similarity in bottom housing material allows both switches to provide a more muted auditory feedback when keys are pressed down, resulting in a satisfying and consistent typing experience. Thus, while the top housing materials diverge in terms of their acoustic properties, the shared bottom housing creates a cohesive sensation across both switches.
Ultimately, the differences in top housing materials lead to varied typing experiences between the TTC Brother and the WS Pearl, while their shared nylon bottom housing fosters consistency in terms of depth and warmth in sound. When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing dominate the tactile and auditory experience, while the characteristics of the top housing come into play during key release. Users seeking a sharper sound may gravitate towards the TTC Brother, while those drawn to a deeper, fuller typing experience might prefer the WS Pearl. Despite these variations, both switches offer unique advantages that cater to different preferences among typists, highlighting the nuanced impact housing materials can have in mechanical keyboard design.
Weight
Comparing the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch reveals notable differences in their actuation forces, though the bottom out force for the Brother remains unknown. The Brother switch requires an actuation force of 37 grams, which is heavier than the WS Pearl's 30 grams. This heavier actuation can provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the WS Pearl's lower actuation force may facilitate extended typing sessions and more comfortable gaming, making it the lighter option. While the WS Pearl has a clearly defined bottom out force of 58 grams, the absence of this data for the Brother switch leaves a gap in comprehension for bottoming out force comparison. Therefore, if you're looking for a lighter switch, the WS Pearl is the better choice, while those who enjoy a heftier feel may lean towards the TTC Brother.
Travel distance
The TTC Brother clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch both feature the same travel distance of 3.5 mm from the top to the bottom. This identical travel distance means that users can expect a similar tactile experience when pressing down on the keys of both switches, resulting in a consistent keystroke feel. Since both switches have the same measurement, they will deliver comparable performance in terms of travel distance, allowing for uniform feedback during typing or gaming.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Brother has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Brother for $3.30.
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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Brother clicky switch stands out with its distinctively crunchy sound signature, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. This auditory experience is characterized by clear and precise clicks that enhance the overall typing atmosphere, making it a favorite among clicky switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the WS Pearl switch has a medium-high pitched sound that is likely more subdued compared to the Brother's vibrant clicks, although specific details about its auditory characteristics are less defined. The sound produced by both switches can be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard frame and keycaps used, so while the Brother provides an engaging auditory feedback, the WS Pearl's sound profile remains notably unique, yet less specified.
In terms of feel, the TTC Brother clicky switch offers a remarkably easy-to-press experience, requiring a mere 37g of actuation force, which translates to effortless typing sessions with minimal finger fatigue. Its stepped tactile bump provides distinct feedback during key presses, allowing typists to enjoy a responsive yet comfortable keystroke. This combination makes the Brother suitable for both casual and extensive typing sessions. In contrast, the WS Pearl switch features ball-bearings designed to reduce friction during keystrokes, resulting in a surreal smoothness that is notably different from the Brother's tactile feedback. While the WS Pearl's specific tactile feedback has not been detailed, its design implies an emphasis on a fluid typing experience, catering to those who prefer a linear switch.
In conclusion, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the WS Pearl linear switch offer unique experiences suited to different preferences in sound and feel. The Brother excels in delivering a satisfyingly crunchy sound and an easy-to-press key feel that is highly responsive, while the WS Pearl introduces an innovative smoothness that could appeal to those seeking effortless keystrokes. Choosing between them ultimately depends on whether you favor the tactile clickiness of the Brother or the smooth, frictionless action of the WS Pearl. Regardless, each switch brings something distinctive to the table, ensuring that typists can find a switch that aligns with their individual typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you value a tactile and engaging typing experience, the Brother's lightweight actuation and satisfying crunch will provide the feedback and auditory satisfaction that many clicky switch enthusiasts cherish. Its easy-to-press nature can make long typing sessions feel less taxing, ensuring comfort throughout your day. However, if you prefer a smoother keystroke that minimizes friction, the WS Pearl's unique ball-bearing design delivers a tranquil typing experience rich with fluidity. The medium actuation force offers a balanced feel that strikes an appealing compromise between resistance and responsiveness, making it ideal for gamers and typists who appreciate a seamless glide without distraction. In summary, choose the Brother for a lively and spirited input experience, while the WS Pearl is your go-to if you're seeking smooth precision and understated performance.
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