Gateron CM vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the Gateron CM and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, finding the right one can significantly influence your typing experience, and two intriguing options are the Gateron CM and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl, both linear switches renowned for their unique characteristics. The Gateron CM stands out with its full nylon housing, creating a rich, deep sound signature that many users find appealing. Thanks to its impressive factory lube job and a specially designed dual-staged spring, the CM promises a buttery, polished feel with a delightful bounce, making it perfect for those who prioritize a satisfying tactile experience. On the other hand, the WS Pearl distinguishes itself through its innovative use of ball-bearings, which drastically reduces friction and results in an exceptionally smooth keystroke. This switch offers a medium-high pitched sound signature, catering to users who enjoy a more subtle auditory feedback while typing. Both switches have their own distinct advantages that could align with varying preferences, whether you seek a richer acoustic experience or an ultra-smooth typing journey. 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
55g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
58g
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
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Dual-staged 20mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
16mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron CM and Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches utilize nylon for both their top and bottom housings, which is a notable commonality between the two models. The use of nylon as a housing material is significantly advantageous, as it contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile during typing. This characteristic is attributed to nylon's softer nature compared to harder plastics; its ability to absorb sound effectively results in a duller and rounder auditory experience. This similarity in housing material suggests that users of both switches can expect a comparable acoustic performance, where the sound produced feels rich and less pingy, creating a more satisfying typing experience.
Beyond the acoustic qualities, the housing materials also affect the tactile feedback of the switches. Both the Gateron CM and the WS Pearl's nylon housings are designed to provide a smooth keypress sensation. However, the differentiation in their manufacturing processes or design features might lead to nuanced differences in the feel of typing. While the overall sound signature remains consistent due to the identical nylon composition, the individual experience of bottoming out might vary if one switch has a different spring mechanism or stem design. Nonetheless, the sonic properties should predominantly align, assuming the design intentions for both products aim for a similar typing experience.
In conclusion, although the Gateron CM and Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches both feature nylon top and bottom housings that provide analogous sound profiles, subtle design distinctions may yield different tactile sensations. Given this shared material foundation, both switches should deliver a similarly enjoyable auditory experience; however, variations in other components could lead to user preference based on tactile feedback. Ultimately, enthusiasts can anticipate a productive typing atmosphere with either switch, as the nylon housings lay a robust groundwork for sound and feel while typing.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron CM linear switch with the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, there is a notable difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gateron CM requires a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the WS Pearl features a much lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, falling into the medium category. This means that users who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing sessions or gaming will likely favor the WS Pearl, as it reduces fatigue during prolonged use. Conversely, those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may find the Gateron CM more satisfying due to its heavier force requirements, providing a tactile sensation with each keystroke. Ultimately, while the WS Pearl allows for easier actuation, the Gateron CM delivers a more resistant push, catering to different preferences in switch weight and feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron CM linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, the Gateron CM stands at 3.6 mm, while the WS Pearl has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This indicates that the CM switch provides a marginally deeper feel, which might appeal to those who prefer a more substantial keystroke. On the other hand, the WS Pearl's shorter travel distance may be more advantageous for gamers seeking quicker response times. Overall, if you value a more pronounced feedback while typing, the Gateron CM may be the better choice, whereas the WS Pearl could be ideal for those who prioritize speed and rapid actuation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CM has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CM for $4.25.
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 Gateron CM linear switch stands out with its bassy, thocky, and low-pitched characteristics, contributing to a richer and deeper audio experience during typing. This unique sound profile, reminiscent of a deep thud, adds a satisfying auditory feedback that many typists and gamers appreciate. The quality of the sound is also heightened by the switch's nylon housing and impeccable factory lubrication, which work together to minimize vibrations and enhance acoustics. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, while noted for its incredibly smooth keystrokes due to its unique ball-bearing design, does not have a specified sound profile described in the data provided. Thus, the audio feedback from the WS Pearl remains an unknown quantity, yet one could expect it to be comparatively softer or less resonant, depending on the board and keycaps used.
Regarding feel, the Gateron CM switch is celebrated for its buttery, polished, creamy, and frictionless typing experience. Each keystroke is designed to glide with ease, thanks to the factory lubrication and the switch’s materials, resulting in a seamless and silky sensation often sought by typists. This fluidity minimizes any feelings of resistance, making typing almost effortless. On the other hand, the unique ball-bearing mechanism of the WS Pearl is heralded for its friction-reducing properties, lending to an extraordinarily smooth feel as well. While specific descriptors of its tactile feel are not provided, it can be inferred that the WS Pearl offers a delightful experience in terms of ease of use, paralleling the Gateron CM in this regard, although the exact nuances may vary.
In summary, both the Gateron CM and WS Pearl linear switches offer distinct experiences for keyboard enthusiasts. The CM is particularly noteworthy for its rich, deep sound and exceptionally smooth typing feel, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate auditory feedback alongside tactile pleasure. Meanwhile, while the WS Pearl’s sound quality remains uncertain, the use of ball-bearings promises a remarkably smooth feel, likely providing a comparably enjoyable typing experience. For newcomers, these switches represent excellent options based on their user-centric designs, catering to different preferences in sound and feel within the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron CM linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, your personal preferences and intended usage will play crucial roles. If you enjoy a heavier typing feel combined with a richer, deeper sound signature that delivers an engaging auditory feedback, the Gateron CM is an excellent choice. Its full nylon housing and impeccable factory lube job provide a buttery, polished typing experience that glides seamlessly with each keystroke, making it suitable for both casual typing and gaming sessions that require a bit more force. Conversely, if you prefer a lighter touch with a focus on unique smoothness, the WS Pearl, with its reduced friction thanks to the ball-bearing design, will likely resonate more with you. This switch offers a surreal typing experience characterized by a medium sound profile, perfect for those who appreciate a more refined and frictionless keypress. Overall, determining which switch to choose will ultimately hinge on whether you prioritize a heavier tactile feedback and more substantial sound (Gateron CM) or a lighter, smoother typing experience with minimal resistance (WS Pearl).
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