TTC Gold Pink vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Pink and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Pink and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl both present enticing options for typists and gamers alike, each catering to distinct preferences. The Gold Pink, with its notably light 37g actuation force, offers a fast and effortless typing experience, making it ideal for those who prioritize speed, whether in gaming or rapid typing scenarios. Its clacky sound and buttery feel provide a satisfying auditory and tactile feedback, appealing to users who enjoy a lively interaction with their keyboard. In contrast, the WS Pearl stands out due to its innovative design featuring ball-bearings that significantly reduce friction, resulting in a remarkably smooth keystroke experience. This unique characteristic, along with a medium-high pitched sound signature, may attract those who appreciate a more refined and seamless typing feel. Both switches offer compelling reasons to choose them based on your typing needs and preferences; 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
37g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
16mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Pink and Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches differ significantly in their choice of top housing material, which has a direct impact on their acoustic profiles. The Gold Pink features a polycarbonate top housing that emphasizes a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Polycarbonate's stiffer properties enhance sound projection, making it a favorable option for users who seek a bright auditory experience, particularly when combined with RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the WS Pearl utilizes a nylon top housing, which provides a contrasting auditory experience characterized by a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound, leading to a rounder tone that many users may find pleasing if they prefer a more muted auditory feedback when typing.
When examining the bottom housings, both the Gold Pink and WS Pearl share the same material—nylon—indicating a similar attribute that affects bottom-out sounds and overall typing experience. The nylon bottom housing in the Gold Pink contributes to the switch's depth and fullness during usage, just as it does in the WS Pearl. This reflects a common quality between the two switches, where the softer nylon merely serves to create a warm, rounded sound profile, encapsulating the resonances and muffling sharper notes that may otherwise emerge from a harder housing material.
In summary, while the different top housing materials set the TTC Gold Pink and Wuque Studio WS Pearl apart in terms of audible feedback—crisper versus fuller—the usage of nylon in both bottom housings aligns the two in their tactile experience and durability. Users can expect a nuanced sound experience across both switches: a sharper note during key release from the Gold Pink's polycarbonate top, contrasted with softer, more cushioned feedback from the WS Pearl's nylon-encased upper. Despite these differences, the similar nylon bottom housing enhances the overall kinesthetic unity between the two switches, ensuring they share a complementary tactile foundation while still providing distinct auditory results depending on the top housing material.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Gold Pink requires a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and bottoms out at 45 grams, making it a suitable choice for users who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the WS Pearl has an actuation force of 30 grams, which is even lighter, but it features a heavier bottom out force of 58 grams. This means while the WS Pearl is easier to initially press, it offers a more substantial resistance when fully depressed. Consequently, those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback may lean towards the WS Pearl, as the heavier bottom out force provides a firmer feeling. Overall, the Gold Pink is the heavier option when considering the bottom out, while the WS Pearl is the lighter switch in terms of actuation.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, it is evident that the Gold Pink offers a travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Pearl provides a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference makes the Gold Pink switch better suited for those who appreciate a more substantial depth in each keystroke, which can enhance typing comfort and provide satisfying tactile feedback. On the other hand, the WS Pearl's shorter travel distance caters to users, particularly gamers, who prioritize responsiveness and quicker actuation for faster reaction times. Ultimately, if you prefer a more robust feel when typing, the Gold Pink would be the ideal choice, while the WS Pearl would be advantageous for those seeking speed and efficiency in their keypresses.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Pink has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Pink for $4.28.
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 Pink linear switch has a clacky signature that adds a satisfying auditory feedback to your typing experience, making it distinctively lively. This sound can enhance the overall tactile experience, particularly for those who enjoy a bit of acoustic feedback while typing. Conversely, the WS Pearl linear switch produces a medium-high pitched sound signature, which tends to be less pronounced than the Gold Pink's clack but offers a clear tone nonetheless. When considering sound, it’s important to note that various factors such as the keyboard construction and keycap material can influence the overall auditory output of both switches.
When analyzing the feel of the switches, the Gold Pink is characterized by a light and lively experience that combines buttery smoothness with a subtle resistance. The actuation force of 37g lends itself to a feathery typing action, reducing finger fatigue during extended use. Its mild and polished nature makes these switches approachable for various tasks, whether gaming or typing. On the other hand, the WS Pearl is designed with ball-bearings that virtually eliminate friction, resulting in a remarkably smooth and surreally effortless keystroke experience. This smoothness, combined with a well-refined design, contributes to a very comfortable typing feel, albeit without the slightly heavier or more tactile feedback provided by the Gold Pink.
In conclusion, while the TTC Gold Pink linear switch excels in providing a light and lively typing experience with a satisfying auditory profile, the WS Pearl offers an unparalleled smoothness through its unique ball-bearing design. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, you will find that both switches cater to different typing styles. If you prefer a bit of feedback and liveliness, the Gold Pink is an excellent pick, while the Pearls are perfect for those seeking a silky-smooth typing experience. Ultimately, both switches are aimed at enhancing your overall keyboard experience, whether through sound or tactile feedback, and can be enjoyed for different reasons based on personal preference.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, your personal preferences and the typing experience you seek will play a crucial role. If you value an exceptionally light and quick typing experience, especially for rapid gaming or typing sessions, the Gold Pink is an excellent choice. Its feather-light actuation force of 37 grams provides minimal resistance, coupled with its buttery and polished feel, making it comfortable for extended use while delivering a satisfying, mildly clacky sound. On the other hand, if you prefer a more balanced typing experience with a bit more resistance, the WS Pearl with its medium actuation force of 58 grams is worth considering. The unique ball-bearing design offers a remarkably smooth keystroke, ideal for users looking for a seamless and fluid typing experience, along with its medium-high pitched sound signature. In essence, choose the Gold Pink for a fast and lively feel, while the WS Pearl is perfect if you appreciate smoothness and a bit more tactile feedback in your typing sessions.
Mentioned in this article
