TTC Gold Red vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often hinges on individual preference, especially between popular linear options like the TTC Gold Red and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl. The Gold Red switches are renowned for their buttery smooth typing experience, characterized by a light to medium resistance that strikes a balance between comfort and responsiveness. Their understated sound profile also adds a subtle charm to typing without overwhelming noise, making them an excellent choice for those who appreciate a more refined auditory experience. In contrast, the WS Pearl switches differentiate themselves with the innovative use of ball-bearings, which significantly reduce friction and yield a remarkably smooth keystroke. This design results in a medium-high pitched sound that provides a distinctive auditory feedback that some users may prefer. Both switches cater to different preferences: the Gold Red for a polished and refined feel, and the WS Pearl for an ultra-smooth and unique typing sensation. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
The TTC Gold Red and Wuque Studio WS Pearl both employ unique housing materials that profoundly influence the typing experience, sound profile, and overall aesthetics of their switches. The Gold Red switch utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and translucence, significantly contributing to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material enhances the acoustic clarity of the switch, making it particularly appealing for enthusiasts who appreciate vibrant RGB lighting, as the transparency allows the colors to shine through brilliantly. In contrast, the WS Pearl features a nylon top housing, a material acclaimed for its softer qualities, which tend to absorb sound and produce a deeper, fuller auditory experience. This differentiation results in distinct sound profiles for each switch—while the Gold Red offers a brighter, more resonant sound, the WS Pearl provides a more subdued and rounded tonal quality.
Examining the bottom housings, both the Gold Red and WS Pearl utilize nylon, which creates a consistent deeper sound profile for both switches when bottomed out. Nylon’s ability to absorb sound leads to a muted and rich auditory experience, regardless of the top housing used. This aspect is particularly significant since the bottom housing defines the key feeling when pressed down, thereby influencing how a user experiences the final tactile feedback and overall typing sensation. The shared nylon bottom across both switches allows for a familiar foundation in how each switch responds during use, making their bottom-out experience somewhat similar despite the dissimilar top housings affecting the sound during the release of each key.
In summary, while both the TTC Gold Red and Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches share nylon as their bottom housing material—providing a full-bodied sound profile—their top housing materials create contrasting acoustic characteristics that cater to different preferences. The polycarbonate top of the Gold Red delivers a clearer and more vibrant sound, complemented by its compatibility with RGB lighting, while the nylon top of the WS Pearl produces a softer, more muted auditory experience. Therefore, users can expect varied auditory results between these two switches, driven by the distinct interplay of their top and bottom materials.
Weight
The TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch exhibit distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The TTC Gold Red has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the WS Pearl's 30 grams, making the latter a more effortless option for triggering keystrokes. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Gold Red has a lower threshold of 50 grams versus the WS Pearl's 58 grams, indicating that the WS Pearl provides a greater resistance when fully pressed down. This difference in bottom out force contributes to the WS Pearl’s medium feel, which may appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced tactile experience. As such, for longer typing sessions or gaming, the Gold Red may be favored for its lighter overall feel, while the WS Pearl may suit users looking for a more substantial feedback when bottoming out. Ultimately, while both switches provide unique experiences, they cater to different preferences regarding weight and tactile feedback.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Red linear switch boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference indicates that the Gold Red switch offers a more traditional feel with its greater depth, which some users might find more satisfying and substantial when typing or gaming. In contrast, the WS Pearl's 3.5 mm travel distance caters to those who prioritize responsiveness and quicker actuation, making it a favorable choice for gamers seeking faster response times. Thus, if you're looking for a switch that provides a deeper engagement with a key press, the Gold Red would be the better option, whereas if you prefer a snappier and more immediate feel, the WS Pearl would suit you best.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red 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 Red 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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Gold Red linear switches present a thocky, low-pitched profile, known for offering a satisfying, bass-heavy tone that resonates well without overwhelming the ears. This sound signature strikes a balance, making the switches versatile for both home and office environments. In contrast, the WS Pearl linear switches produce a medium-high pitched sound signature, which is notably different. However, specific descriptors for the WS Pearl's sound are not available, leaving a gap in the comparison of how they might contrast in this area. Sound experience can greatly depend on factors like the keyboard build and keycap choice, but generally, the Gold Red is likely to provide a deeper audio cue during use.
In terms of feel, the Gold Red switches shine with their mild, silky, and polished sensations, creating an overall typing experience that feels smooth and refined. The resistance is gentle, appealing to both novice and experienced typists looking for comfort and ease. The subtle nature of the Gold Red ensures that while the typing is enjoyable, it doesn’t distract or overwhelm. On the other hand, the WS Pearl’s unique incorporation of ball-bearings aims to dramatically reduce friction, leading to an exceptionally smooth keystroke that is described as surreal. While specific qualities of the WS Pearl switches are unknown, one can speculate that they may offer a delightful typing experience that can rival the Gold Red’s smoothness.
In summary, the TTC Gold Red linear switches offer a well-rounded typing experience with their thocky sound and polished feel, making them approachable for users across various settings. Meanwhile, the WS Pearl's innovative use of ball-bearings suggests a potentially unparalleled smoothness, though their sound profile remains unspecified. While both switches aim to deliver a satisfying linear experience, the Gold Red leans towards a deeper sound with a mild feel, whereas the WS Pearl may provide an unmatched smoothness, albeit with a different auditory experience. Both switches cater to enthusiasts looking for performance, but your individual preference for sound and feel will ultimately guide your choice.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the TTC Gold Red and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switches, your choice will largely depend on your typing preferences and the environments in which you plan to use your keyboard. If you’re someone who prefers a light switch that is incredibly smooth with a softer typing experience, the Gold Red is an excellent choice, particularly for long typing sessions or shared spaces. Its 50-gram actuation force provides a balanced touch and a thocky, low-pitched sound that keeps your typing quiet and approachable. On the other hand, if you favor a slightly heavier switch that still delivers exceptional smoothness, the WS Pearl holds its own with a 58-gram bottom out force. Its unique use of ball-bearings to minimize friction creates a surreal feeling during keystrokes, and the medium-high pitched sound signature adds a distinctive auditory element that can bring a lively flair to your typing. Ultimately, consider the context in which you'll be using the keyboard and whether you prioritize a lighter sensation or a more pronounced sound and feel; either switch can enhance your typing experience, depending on your personal requirements.
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