TTC Gold Brown vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch that suits your typing style, the TTC Gold Brown and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Gold Brown switches are celebrated for their balanced feel; they provide a slight tactile bump that enhances feedback without being overpowering, making them an excellent choice for those who enjoy a mix of typing comfort and subtle notifications with each keystroke. Their softer sound profile ensures they won't disrupt your workflow, while the moderate resistance lends a satisfying weightiness to your typing. On the other hand, the WS Pearl switches stand out with their innovative ball-bearing design, which significantly reduces friction, allowing for an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience. This feature not only enhances speed and fluidity but also yields a higher-pitched sound signature that some may find appealing. While both switches offer unique benefits—whether you're seeking the tactile feedback of the Gold Brown or the unparalleled smoothness of the WS Pearl—each has its own charm that may suit different use cases and preferences. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that’s right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
63g
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
Standard
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
Stainless steel
Spring
16mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housings of the TTC Gold Brown and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl, one notable distinction lies in the material of the top housing. The Gold Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper and more resonant sound profile. This characteristic allows for a crisper auditory experience, particularly beneficial for users who enjoy RGB lighting effects, as polycarbonate’s translucency enhances the visual presentation of the lighting. In contrast, the WS Pearl utilizes a nylon top housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon absorbs sound, resulting in a rounder auditory experience. This fundamental difference in materials means that while both switches may provide satisfying tactile feedback, the Gold Brown leans toward a brighter tonal quality, whereas the WS Pearl creates a more muted sound.
On the other hand, both switches share a commonality in their choice of bottom housing material—nylon. This similarity ensures that both switches exhibit a deeper, fuller sound profile during bottom-out presses, as nylon's softer plastic composition absorbs more sound. Thus, regardless of the differing characteristics presented by their top housings, users will experience consistent deep, resonant sound from both switches when it comes to how they feel and sound upon actuation. In essence, while the Gold Brown and WS Pearl diverge in terms of their top housing materials and the resultant sound profiles, they converge on their nylon bottom housing, providing a uniform auditory and tactile experience during key presses.
Overall, the differences between the two switches lie in the acoustic properties contributed by their respective top housings, while they harmonize through their identical bottom housing material. Those who prefer a lively auditory experience may gravitate towards the TTC Gold Brown due to its polycarbonate construction, which enhances clarity and brightness, particularly with RGB lighting. Conversely, users seeking a more subdued acoustic profile may find the WS Pearl’s nylon top housing more appealing. The combination of materials ultimately dictates each switch's character; however, the overlapping nylon bottom housing serves as a bridge that brings both switches together in terms of their fundamental sound characteristics.
Weight
The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch exhibit distinct actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences among users. The Gold Brown has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, while the WS Pearl features a much lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a slightly lower bottom out force of 58 grams. This makes the WS Pearl the lighter option, which can benefit users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience for prolonged periods, such as during long workdays or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Gold Brown provides a heavier and more substantial feel, appealing to those who enjoy a firmer push. While the actuation forces differ notably, both switches have close bottom out forces, suggesting that users may experience somewhat similar results in terms of typing feedback at the end of the keystroke, despite the varying actuation forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch measures 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference underscores a key distinction between the two switches: the Gold Brown offers a deeper press, which can provide a more robust tactile feedback for those who prefer a traditional feel under their fingers. In contrast, the WS Pearl’s shorter travel distance might appeal to gamers or users who prioritize quicker responses and a more snappy keypress. For individuals who find shorter travel distances too abrupt, the Gold Brown would likely be the better choice, allowing for a more measured typing experience. Therefore, if you're looking for a switch that feels more substantial, the Gold Brown is the longer option, while the WS Pearl, with its 3.5 mm travel distance, serves those who enjoy a more rapid actuation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown for $3.28.
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 TTC Gold Brown switches present a balanced and moderate auditory profile. They produce a rounded tone that is softer than many other mechanical switches, making them suitable for both home and office environments without being disruptive. Their neutral sound signature enhances their versatility, appealing to users regardless of their experience level. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches are characterized by a medium-high pitch, attributed to their unique ball-bearing design. This results in a distinct sound that may not be as universally appealing as the Gold Brown's more muted tone, but it still provides an engaging auditory experience. The overall sound produced by both switches can be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, so users should consider these components in their final setup to achieve the desired acoustic environment.
When examining the feel of these switches, the Gold Brown stands out for its mild and buttery characteristics, creating a gentle and seamless typing experience. Users will appreciate the smooth keystroke and the noticeable yet not overwhelming tactile bump, which strikes a harmonious balance between feedback and ease of use. The Gold Brown's polished nature further enhances this experience by minimizing friction and ensuring smooth key travel. In comparison, while the WS Pearl's specific tactile feedback has not been detailed, the ball-bearing mechanism is designed to reduce friction, leading to an exceptionally smooth keystroke without the additional tactile bump found in the Gold Brown. This results in a more linear feel, which may appeal to those who prefer an ultra-smooth typing experience.
In conclusion, both the TTC Gold Brown and Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches offer distinct qualities appealing to different types of users. The Gold Brown’s rounded sound and balanced tactile feedback make it a versatile choice for a wide range of applications. Alternatively, the WS Pearl excels in providing an extremely smooth actuation, which may be particularly attractive for users who prioritize a seamless keystroke experience. While they differ in tactile response and auditory signature, both can cater to specific preferences and, with the right setup, can provide a satisfying typing experience that meets various user needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a balanced typing experience with a mild tactile feedback and a softer sound profile, the Gold Brown switch is an excellent choice. Its medium weight of 63 grams offers enough resistance for comfortable typing without feeling exhausting, making it suitable for both gaming and everyday typing tasks. On the other hand, if you desire an exceptionally smooth keystroke experience with minimal friction, the WS Pearl linear switch is ideal for you. Featuring unique ball-bearing technology, these switches deliver a buttery, nearly effortless feel with a medium-high pitched sound signature, perfect for those who enjoy a fluid typing experience or want to achieve rapid key presses in gaming. Depending on whether you lean more towards a tactile response or a silky-smooth action, you can confidently choose either switch to enhance your typing game.
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