Bsun Cliff vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Cliff and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl offer distinct typing experiences tailored to different preferences. The Cliff tactile switch is renowned for its medium tactility and crisp sound signature, making it an excellent choice for users who enjoy feedback and a subtle auditory experience while typing. This switch is often favored by those who appreciate the tactile sensation of each keypress, enhancing precision and typing speed. On the other hand, the WS Pearl is celebrated for its innovative design that incorporates ball bearings to minimize friction, resulting in an incredibly smooth keystroke experience. With a medium-high pitched sound signature, the WS Pearl appeals to users seeking a clean and quiet typing environment, making it ideal for both gaming and office use. While both switches have their strengths—tactility and sound from the Cliff versus smoothness and silence from the WS Pearl—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Cliff and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl, a distinct difference emerges in their choice of top housing, which significantly influences the overall sound profile of each switch. The Bsun Cliff utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that is characterized by its stiffness, leading to a sharper, more resonant sound. This clarity makes it particularly suited for RGB lighting applications due to the material's translucency. In contrast, the WS Pearl opts for a nylon top housing, which, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and thus offers a deeper and fuller auditory experience. The variation in material not only affects sound quality but also the aesthetic appeal of the switches when illuminated, with polycarbonate typically exhibiting brighter lighting effects compared to the more muted tones of nylon.
Both the Bsun Cliff and WS Pearl switches feature nylon as their bottom housing material, creating a similarity in their deeper and rounder sound profiles from that component. Nylon, as a classic choice for bottom housings, tends to generate a warmer auditory experience by dampening sound rather than amplifying it. This shared characteristic means that while the upper housing influences certain tonal qualities during key release, the lower nylon housing contributes significantly to the feel of the key bottoming out. Since both switches share nylon for their bottom housing, users can expect a consistent tactile response upon actuation, regardless of the differing top materials.
Ultimately, the distinct materials chosen for the top housings equip the Bsun Cliff and WS Pearl with unique sound profiles, while their shared nylon bottom housing fosters a sense of familiarity in tactile feedback. Users of the Cliff will appreciate the crisp clarity and sharpness of the polycarbonate top, particularly when RGB lighting is in play; conversely, fans of the WS Pearl will revel in a softer, more resonant typing experience characterized by the deeper tones produced by its nylon top. Thus, while the switches diverge in their top housing choices, the consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that the tactile experience provides a common ground, highlighting the impact of material selection on both sound and feel in mechanical switches.
Weight
The Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch present a noteworthy contrast in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Cliff switch features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, making it feel easier to press, which is beneficial for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons. In contrast, the WS Pearl has a slightly lighter actuation force of 30 grams, allowing for a similarly effortless typing experience, but its bottom out force is significantly heavier at 58 grams compared to the Cliff's 45 grams. This means that while both switches have relatively light actuation forces, the WS Pearl requires more effort when fully pressed down, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. Therefore, for users looking for lighter overall feedback, the Bsun Cliff would be the better option, while those who enjoy a heavier bottoming out experience may gravitate toward the WS Pearl.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, the Cliff offers a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the WS Pearl features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference, though minimal, highlights the preferences of different users; the Cliff provides a more pronounced depth, appealing to those who enjoy a fuller tactile experience, while the Pearl caters to gamers seeking quicker response times due to its shorter actuation distance. For those who prioritize responsive and swift keystrokes, the WS Pearl may be the ideal choice, whereas users who appreciate a more robust feel might prefer the Cliff. Ultimately, the distinction between the two switches underscores the varying needs of users based on their gaming or typing styles.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Cliff has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cliff for $2.19.
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 Bsun Cliff tactile switch is known for its crisp sound signature that accompanies the keystroke, making it an excellent choice for users who appreciate auditory feedback while typing. The WS Pearl linear switch, on the other hand, offers a medium-high pitched sound that is quite distinct, although the overall noise level can be influenced by the choice of board and keycaps. Despite their different auditory profiles, both switches deliver a satisfying sound experience that can enhance typing enjoyment.
When it comes to feel, the Cliff tactile switch provides a medium level of tactility, allowing users to experience a noticeable bump during each key press. This tactile feedback can enhance typing accuracy and foster a more engaged typing experience. In contrast, the WS Pearl switch excels in smoothness due to its unique ball-bearing design, which reduces friction and results in effortlessly gliding keystrokes. While the Cliff provides a tactile sensation, the WS Pearl offers a fluid and smooth feel that users often find surreally enjoyable.
In summary, while the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch cater to different preferences with their unique sound profiles and tactile sensations, both can offer a rewarding typing experience. Users who appreciate a tactile bump and crisp sound will lean towards the Cliff, whereas those who prioritize fluidity and a smooth typing action will favor the WS Pearl. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you seek tactile feedback or a seamless, smooth touch. Each switch provides its own distinct qualities, making personal preference a key determinant in your decision.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, your preferences and typing habits will play a crucial role. If you appreciate a tactile feedback that provides a satisfying bump with each keystroke, and prefer a lighter actuation force of 45 grams for a more effortless typing experience, then the Bsun Cliff is an excellent choice. Its medium tactility accompanied by a crisp sound signature makes it ideal for typists who enjoy a bit of audible feedback without overwhelming noise. In contrast, the WS Pearl linear switch is perfect if you prioritize a smoother, frictionless feel while typing; its unique ball-bearing design aims for a seamless keystroke experience, requiring a slightly firmer force of 58 grams. The medium-high pitched sound signature adds character but remains subdued, making it suitable for quieter environments or if you're looking to enhance gaming performance without distraction. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you lean towards tactile sensation and lightness with the Cliff or smoothness and a more substantial feel with the WS Pearl.
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