Dareu Dream vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often grapple with the choice between different options that can greatly influence their typing experience. The Dareu Dream is a light linear switch celebrated for its affordability and ease of use, making it a popular pick for those who seek quality without breaking the bank. Characterized by its clacky sound profile and mild feedback, the Dream caters well to users who appreciate a responsive yet comfortable keystroke. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Pearl introduces an innovative design that incorporates ball bearings to minimize friction, resulting in an exceptionally smooth typing experience. With a medium-high pitched sound signature, the WS Pearl appeals to those who prioritize smoothness and a unique auditory feedback. Ultimately, while the Dareu Dream stands out for its balance of performance and price, the WS Pearl is distinguished by its unparalleled smoothness in keyactuation. 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
40g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
16mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Dream and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl both utilize nylon for their bottom housing, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile characteristic of switches designed with this material. Nylon's relatively softer nature allows it to absorb sound, resulting in a sound experience that is rounder and less harsh. This similarity in bottom housing material suggests that both switches will deliver a satisfying acoustic response during key presses, making them appealing choices for typists looking for a smooth and rich auditory experience. Additionally, the uniformity in bottom housing design means that when comparing the two switches, users can expect similar bottom-out feel and sound characteristics when typing.
However, the top housing materials of the Dareu Dream and the WS Pearl differ significantly. The Dream employs polycarbonate for its top housing, which is a stiffer, clearer material that tends to enhance the sharpness and resonance of sound. This choice means that the Dareu Dream will produce a higher-pitched, crisp sound profile when keys are released, particularly beneficial for users who appreciate an audible tactile feedback. In contrast, the WS Pearl opts for a nylon top housing as well, which aligns more closely with its bottom housing material. The use of nylon in both the top and bottom housings suggests a more uniform sound experience, leading to a sound profile that is fuller and warmer compared to the sharper characteristics of the Dream.
Ultimately, while the Dareu Dream and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl share a common bottom housing material, it is their top housing materials that create distinct auditory experiences. The polycarbonate top of the Dream can create a bright, resonant sound when keys are released, while the nylon top of the WS Pearl contributes to a warmer, more cohesive sound overall. For users interested in achieving specific sound profiles, understanding these material differences is crucial. If one desires the combined qualities of the Dareu Dream's clarity with the fuller tones of the WS Pearl, a switch with a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing would achieve a unique mix of sound characteristics that incorporates the strengths of both materials.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Dareu Dream requires an actuation force of 40 grams, making it heavier compared to the WS Pearl, which has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams. This difference indicates that the Dream switch may provide a more substantial feel, suitable for typists who prefer a firmer resistance, while the WS Pearl caters to those who enjoy a lighter touch, ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. Additionally, the bottom out force for the Dream switch is unspecified, whereas the WS Pearl has a bottom out force of 58 grams, categorized as medium. This weight might contribute to a more tactile feedback experience for users of the WS Pearl. Therefore, if you prefer a heavier actuation with a soft bottom out, the Dream could be more suitable, whereas the WS Pearl offers a lighter actuation with a definitive medium bottom-out experience, appealing to those who prioritize long typing comfort.
Travel distance
The Dareu Dream linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch features a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when you press down on the keys, the Dream switch provides a more substantial feeling due to its longer travel distance, making it potentially more appealing for those who prefer a hearty depth in their key presses. In contrast, the WS Pearl’s shorter travel distance may be more suitable for gamers or users looking for quicker response times, as it allows for faster key actuation. Ultimately, while both switches serve their purposes well, the choice between them depends on personal preference—whether one favors the deeper engagement of the Dream or the snappier feel of the WS Pearl.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Dream has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Dream for $3.76.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Dareu Dream switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switch, the differences are notable. The Dream switch is characterized by a clacky sound, producing a sharp and snappy auditory response when pressed, which can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. This lively sound signature tends to enhance the overall typing experience, especially for those who enjoy acoustic feedback. In contrast, although the WS Pearl's sound profile is not explicitly described, its unique use of ball-bearings is likely to affect the sound quality. The minimal friction may lead to a smoother, possibly quieter keystroke when compared to the Dream, but the specific auditory characteristics remain undefined.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Dream switch offers an easy-to-press and mild typing experience. With a gentle resistance, these switches require minimal force for actuation, resulting in a typing feel that is both effortless and comfortable. This is especially beneficial during lengthy typing sessions as it reduces finger fatigue. The mild characteristics of the Dream switch make it accessible and appealing to a wide audience, providing a balanced experience without overwhelming the user. The WS Pearl switch, however, does not provide a detailed description of its feel, leaving its tactile feedback and actuation experience open to interpretation. However, the implementation of ball-bearings suggests a smooth typing experience that could match or enhance the effortless feel offered by the Dream.
In conclusion, while the Dareu Dream and Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches both prioritize a smooth typing experience, they approach sound and feel differently. The Dream's distinct clacky sound and mild, easy-to-press action make it a versatile choice for those seeking a satisfying auditory and tactile experience at an affordable price point. Meanwhile, the WS Pearl’s innovative ball-bearing mechanism may provide a unique smoothness, though its sound signature remains open to exploration. For individuals looking to balance sound and feel, both switches offer appealing qualities, allowing for a potentially similar typing experience, particularly in terms of smoothness.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and requirements. If you prefer a lighter touch and an easier typing experience, the Dareu Dream switch is an excellent choice. Its low actuation force means you can type for long periods with minimal effort, making it ideal for prolonged writing or gaming sessions. Additionally, its clacky sound profile delivers a crisp auditory feedback that many users find satisfying. On the other hand, if you’re looking for smoother keystrokes and a slightly more substantial feel, the WS Pearl switch might be more suitable for you. With its unique ball-bearing design, it reduces friction, resulting in a luxurious typing experience that many enthusiasts rave about. The medium-high sound signature of the WS Pearls also adds a distinct touch to your typing rhythm. Thus, your decision should be guided by whether you value lightness and affordability or if you seek an elevated smoothness and a distinctive auditory experience in your mechanical keyboard.
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