TTC Flaming Purple vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Flaming Purple and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences among typists and gamers. The TTC Flaming Purple stands out with its resonant, bassy sound profile and a lightweight actuation force of just 47g, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a tactile pop with every keystroke while enjoying effortless typing. In contrast, the WS Pearl utilizes innovative ball-bearing technology to reduce friction, delivering an ultra-smooth keystroke experience that many users find surreal. Its medium-high pitch sound adds a unique auditory element, setting it apart in both feel and acoustics. Whether you prefer the engaging resonance of the Flaming Purple or the silky smoothness of the WS Pearl, each switch presents compelling benefits to enhance your typing experience. 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
42g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
47g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.60 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
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
16mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Flaming Purple and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl, the most notable distinction lies in the top housings, where the Flaming Purple utilizes polycarbonate while the WS Pearl employs nylon. The polycarbonate top housing of the Flaming Purple contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, owing to its stiffer properties. This results in a more pronounced acoustic resonance, making it ideal for those seeking an assertive auditory experience, particularly when RGB lighting is involved due to its translucency. In contrast, the WS Pearl's nylon top housing delivers a softer sound quality characterized by its deeper and fuller audio profile. This difference arises from nylon's ability to absorb sound waves, creating a more muted auditory output that emphasizes a rounded sound.
However, it's noteworthy that both switches share nylon as their bottom housing material, which further influences their overall sound profiles. Both the Flaming Purple and WS Pearl exhibit deeper and fuller sound characteristics due to the nylon's sound-absorbing qualities, contributing to a rounder auditory experience. Since the bottom housing significantly impacts the bottom-out feel and sound when a key is pressed, both switches will deliver a similar tactile response and deeper resonance at the actuation point. This commonality in bottom housing material suggests that regardless of the varying top housings, users can expect a consistent and rich sound experience from both switches.
Ultimately, the key difference between the TTC Flaming Purple and the WS Pearl is encapsulated in their contrasting top housing materials, which dictate their unique sound profiles during keystrokes. Users who prefer a brighter and more resonant experience will likely gravitate towards the polycarbonate option, while those who favor the warmer and fuller tones may find the nylon top housing of the WS Pearl more appealing. Despite these differences, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures both switches excel in providing a pleasant typing experience grounded in rich acoustics. In conclusion, regardless of the variances in materials, users seeking high-quality switches can achieve satisfying results from either option, depending on their personal sound preference.
Weight
The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Flaming Purple has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 47 grams, categorizing it as a lighter switch, desirable for those who seek a more effortless typing experience during long sessions. In contrast, the WS Pearl features a softer actuation force of 30 grams but has a significantly heavier bottom out force of 58 grams, providing a distinct feeling when pressed all the way down. This contrasting profile makes the WS Pearl more suited for users who prefer a firmer key press that offers a more substantial engagement. Therefore, while the Flaming Purple is the lighter option for typing, the WS Pearl’s heavier bottom out force caters to those who favor a more tactile response, highlighting the varying preferences in keyboard feel among users.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, we find that the Flaming Purple has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the WS Pearl measures slightly shorter at 3.5 mm. This makes the Flaming Purple the longer of the two switches, offering a more noticeable depth when pressing down, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the WS Pearl, with its shorter travel distance, may provide the responsiveness that many gamers seek for quicker key presses. This slight difference in travel distances illustrates a trend in mechanical switches where shorter distances are favored for faster responses, though a more profound depth might be preferred by those who enjoy a traditional feel. By selecting the Flaming Purple, you'll experience that extra 0.1 mm in travel, contributing to a more pronounced feedback, while the WS Pearl will deliver a more immediate response time, ideal for rapid typing or gaming scenarios.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flaming Purple has an MSRP of $8.30 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Purple for $4.30.
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 Flaming Purple linear switch features a uniquely resonant character that leans towards a bassy and low-pitched profile. This creates a depth and richness in its auditory experience, which results in an engaging and poppy undertone with each keystroke. On the other hand, while the specific sound characteristics of the Wuque Studio WS Pearl are not explicitly detailed here, it is known that these switches have a medium-high pitched sound signature. Consequently, while the Flaming Purple provides a deeper soundscape, the WS Pearl might offer a sharper tonal clarity, creating distinct auditory experiences between the two despite their common linear characteristics.
In terms of tactile feel, the TTC Flaming Purple shines with its feathery and silky qualities, making typing an effortless exercise. The switch requires a bottom-out force of just 47g, contributing to an easy-to-press experience that minimizes finger fatigue, effectively accommodating long typing sessions. In contrast, the tactile and smooth qualities of the WS Pearl, particularly with its unique ball-bearing mechanism aimed at reducing friction, suggest a similarly high level of smoothness. However, specific descriptors for the WS Pearl's feel are not provided, which calls into question the precise nature of the experience compared to the Flaming Purple. Nevertheless, both switches are designed to enhance comfort and responsiveness, which would likely yield a pleasant typing experience.
In conclusion, both the TTC Flaming Purple and Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switches cater to enthusiasts seeking smooth and engaging tactile experiences, though they each bring unique attributes to the table. The Flaming Purple leans towards a bassy and resonant sound, offering a richer auditory profile, while the WS Pearl is characterized by its medium-high pitch, potentially providing sharper notes. As for feel, the Flaming Purple excels in delivering a feathery touch that minimizes fatigue during extended use, while the Pearl’s unique ball-bearing mechanism promises an exceptionally smooth experience, though more specific details would be needed for a complete comparison. Users can expect an enjoyable performance from both switches, each appealing to different auditory preferences and tactile experiences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, consider your typing preferences and how you plan to use your keyboard. If you prioritize a light, effortless typing experience, especially for long hours of typing or gaming, the Flaming Purple is an excellent choice with its 47g bottom-out force and feathery feel. Its unique sound profile adds an engaging auditory touch to your keystrokes which can enhance the enjoyment of your typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a more robust feel and a smoother typing experience with a bit more resistance, the WS Pearl is ideal with its medium bottom-out force of 58g. Its ball-bearing mechanism minimizes friction, offering an exceptionally smooth and consistent feel while typing, which can enhance your overall typing accuracy and comfort. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your personal preferences regarding typing force, sound characteristics, and tactile feedback to ensure you choose the switch that best suits your style.