TTC Gold Red Pro vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl stand out as compelling options for users seeking a linear typing experience, albeit with distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The TTC Gold Red Pro is celebrated for its versatility, allowing for a seamless and accessible typing experience that suits a range of environments, from intense gaming sessions to professional office work. Its neutral sound profile ensures it won't disturb the surroundings, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a balanced auditory experience. Conversely, the WS Pearl offers a unique twist with its innovative ball-bearing mechanism, which significantly reduces friction, creating an incredibly smooth keystroke sensation. This switch is characterized by a medium-high pitched sound, which can add a distinctive flair to each press. Ultimately, both switches provide valuable traits that can enhance your typing or gaming experience, depending on what you value most. 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
43g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
NPI
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
18.5mm spring
Spring
16mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl, notable differences in sound profiles arise due to the contrasting materials used for their top housings. The Gold Red Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile owing to its stiffer structure. This quality allows for a more pronounced tonal clarity, particularly beneficial for those who appreciate a bright auditory experience combined with RGB lighting, as polycarbonate's translucency enhances visual effects. Conversely, the WS Pearl utilizes a nylon top housing that offers a deeper, fuller sound profile, capturing a mellower tonal quality. The softer nature of nylon means it effectively absorbs sound, leading to a richer and more rounded auditory experience for the user.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Gold Red Pro and the WS Pearl utilize nylon materials. This similarity creates a consistent sound character between the two switches at the bottom, as the nylon's inherent qualities contribute to a deeper and more substantial profile regardless of the top housing material. Consequently, both switches will resonate similarly when bottomed out due to the nylon's ability to dampen sound. However, due to the divergent top housing materials, the overall acoustic outcomes during key releases will be distinct, with the Gold Red Pro favoring a brighter sound and the WS Pearl leaning towards a more muted resonance.
Ultimately, the combination of different top housing materials leads to unique user experiences in terms of both sound and feel. While the nylon bottom housing in both switches creates a common auditory foundation, the polycarbonate's sharper articulation in the Gold Red Pro contrasts with the warmth of the WS Pearl's nylon top housing. Therefore, while both keyboards can produce satisfying results in terms of sound quality, users will notice unique auditory signatures based on their choice of switch, illustrating how the interplay between top and bottom housing materials shapes the overall performance of each switch.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, notable differences emerge in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Gold Red Pro features an actuation force of 43 grams, making it the heavier option, while the WS Pearl has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams. This difference suggests that typists or gamers using the WS Pearl might find it easier to type for extended periods, given the lower force needed for actuation. In terms of bottom out force, the WS Pearl has a defined bottom out force of 58 grams, whereas the bottom out force for the Gold Red Pro is not specified. Since the Gold Red Pro does not have a stated bottom out force, it's difficult to draw a direct comparison here. However, the heavier actuation of the Gold Red Pro indicates that it may provide a more substantial typing feel, which some users prefer. Overall, for those looking for a lighter touch, the WS Pearl would be more suitable, while the Gold Red Pro may appeal to those who favor a more substantial keystroke feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, there is a notable difference. The Gold Red Pro has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it the longer option, while the WS Pearl has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Gamers who favor faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the WS Pearl, as it can facilitate quicker key actuation. However, for those who appreciate a more substantial keystroke feel, the Gold Red Pro’s longer travel distance might be the more suitable choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on personal preference for responsiveness versus keystroke depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red Pro for $2.90.
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 Red Pro linear switch features a neutral sound signature, balancing the auditory experience with a low-pitched and thocky quality that produces a satisfying yet unobtrusive sound upon actuation. It's neither overly pronounced nor too muted, allowing it to blend seamlessly in various environments, be it a bustling office or a quiet home setting. On the other hand, the WS Pearl linear switch has a medium-high pitched sound signature, which likely provides a sharper auditory experience compared to the subdued tones of the Gold Red Pro. However, the exact characteristics of the WS Pearl's sound profile are not provided, making it difficult to detail how these two switches will compare sonically beyond their primary descriptions.
Regarding feel, the Gold Red Pro excels with a polished and silky finish that contributes to a smooth and refined typing experience. The mild and subtle characteristics of the switch allow for gentle resistance, catering to users who appreciate a more approachable and less aggressive typing sensation. In contrast, the WS Pearl's unique feature of using ball-bearings reduces friction, which suggests an exceptionally smooth feel during keystrokes. Though the WS Pearl's exact feel metrics remain unspecified, its design enhances the overall typing experience, potentially providing a different yet favorable option for those seeking an ultra-smooth keystroke.
In conclusion, while the TTC Gold Red Pro offers a balanced auditory experience with a refined and gentle typing feel, the WS Pearl switch stands out with its innovative ball-bearing mechanism aimed at reducing friction. Each switch brings its own qualities to the table, whether you're prioritizing sound or feel. Users looking for versatility may find the Gold Red Pro appealing, while those seeking a unique tactile experience may be drawn to the WS Pearl. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, and deciding between them will depend on your specific needs in a mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch ultimately hinges on your specific typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you're looking for a versatile switch that offers a seamless typing experience across various environments—be it gaming, office work, or casual use—the Gold Red Pro is an excellent choice. Its polished and silky feel, combined with a neutral, thocky sound signature, ensures a pleasant experience whether you’re typing or gaming. This switch is especially suited for those who want a smooth and light touch without the need for significant actuation force, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, if you seek a more unique tactile experience and don't mind a slightly higher actuation force, the WS Pearl's ball-bearing mechanism provides an exceptionally smooth keystroke that minimizes friction. Its medium-high pitched sound and distinctive feedback might appeal to enthusiasts looking for something different and engaging. In summary, choose the Gold Red Pro for an all-around, laid-back typing experience, while the WS Pearl caters to those craving a smooth and refined touch experience in their keystrokes.
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