PH Studio Jacaranda vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl offer distinct experiences for different types of typists. The Jacaranda, manufactured by KTT, is celebrated for its light bottom-out force of 43.5g, which not only eases fatigue during long typing sessions but also provides a satisfying clacky sound with its 22mm extended spring design that enhances the bounciness of each keystroke. This makes the Jacaranda a fantastic choice for users who appreciate a tactile yet audible feedback when typing. Conversely, the WS Pearl stands out with its innovative use of ball-bearings, ensuring a remarkably smooth keystroke experience that minimizes friction and enhances fluidity. This gives the Pearl a medium-high pitched sound profile, appealing to those seeking a quieter, more refined typing experience. While both switches are linear and offer unique benefits catered to various preferences, the choice between them ultimately hinges on whether you prioritize the lively feedback of the Jacaranda or the silky smoothness of the WS Pearl. 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
39g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Spring
16mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The PH Studio Jacaranda and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl exhibit distinct differences in their top housing materials, fundamentally influencing the typing experience and sound profiles produced by each switch. The Jacaranda features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and translucency, resulting in a sharper and more resonant sound profile. This characteristic allows for a crisper auditory feedback when typing and is particularly beneficial for users who enjoy RGB lighting, as the clear housing enhances the visibility and brightness of the lights associated with the switches. In contrast, the WS Pearl utilizes a nylon top housing, providing a softer, more subdued sound profile that tends to absorb sound waves, leading to a deeper, rounder auditory experience. The choice of nylon gives the Pearl a warmer and more intimate sound, appealing to those who prefer a more muted typing sensation.
On the other hand, both the Jacaranda and the WS Pearl share similarities in their bottom housing materials, as both utilize nylon for this component. The nylon bottom housing in the Jacaranda produces a deeper and fuller sound, aligning it with the performance characteristics seen in the WS Pearl. This commonality means that both switches will deliver a consistent, rounded bottom-out sound and feel, as the bottom housing significantly influences the experience during keystroke completion. Regardless of the differences in the top housings, the shared nylon material in the bottom helps in crafting a familiar typing experience across both switches, fostering an environment where users can transition between them without straying too far from their usual preferences.
When examining the combined effects of each housing material, it becomes clear how the differences and similarities contribute to the overall functionality of each switch. The Jacaranda’s polycarbonate top complements the nylon bottom by ensuring a bright, crisp sound when releasing the keys while simultaneously providing a solid foundation of depth from the nylon. Meanwhile, the WS Pearl harmonizes the softer top with its nylon bottom to create a typist-friendly experience that resonates with a rich, mellow tone. Ultimately, despite their different top housing choices, both switches utilize nylon at the bottom to normalize the typing feedback, which bridges the gap in user expectations and enhances the versatility of each keyboard setup.
Weight
The PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch exhibit distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Jacaranda requires an actuation force of 39 grams and has a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a lighter switch overall. In contrast, the WS Pearl has a notably lighter actuation force of 30 grams but a heavier bottom out force of 58 grams. This means that while the Pearl activates with less effort, it requires more force to bottom out compared to the Jacaranda. For users who favor a lighter switch and want to type or game comfortably over long periods, the Jacaranda would be more suitable, while the WS Pearl may appeal to those who prefer a stronger feedback and a more substantial feel when reaching the bottom. Thus, the Jacaranda is the lighter option, while the WS Pearl is heavier, particularly at the bottom out stage.
Travel distance
Both the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch feature an identical travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that users can expect a similar tactile experience when pressing down on keys equipped with either switch, leading to consistent feedback during typing or gaming. Given that both switches share the same measurement, those seeking a uniform feel in their keyboard will find that each switch delivers comparable results in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The PH Studio Jacaranda has an MSRP of $3.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jacaranda for $3.30.
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
The PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch is noted for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, producing crisp and resonant auditory feedback with every keystroke. This sharp, bright sound is enhanced by the switch's overall design, contributing to a percussive typing experience. It is important to mention that the sound produced by any mechanical switch can also be influenced by the specific keyboard construction, the choice of keycaps, and even the typing surface, so while the Jacaranda has a distinctly lively character, users looking for a quieter experience may want to consider these variables. In contrast, the sound signature of the Wuque Studio WS Pearl is not explicitly detailed in the information provided, leaving its auditory qualities somewhat of a mystery.
When it comes to feel, the Jacaranda delivers a silky smooth experience, which enhances the ease of typing and minimizes resistance during key presses. This smoothness, combined with the gentle bottom-out force of 43.5g and the unique 22mm spring, creates a responsive and bouncy sensation that many users find pleasurable and fatigue-free. On the other hand, the feel of the WS Pearl is characterized by its innovative ball-bearing design, which significantly reduces friction, resulting in an exceptionally smooth keystroke that can elevate the experience further, though explicit descriptors of this feel have not been provided.
In conclusion, both switches offer distinct sensory experiences tailored to different preferences. The Jacaranda's lively and pronounced sound coupled with its silky feel provides an engaging typing experience, while the WS Pearl's smooth operation through ball-bearings suggests a focus on effortless keystrokes, although its sound characteristics remain unknown. Ultimately, those seeking similar auditory responses to the clack of the Jacaranda may find satisfaction in the sound profiles of their respective setups, yet the unique tactile feedback and sound of each switch is likely to cater to different user preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prioritize a lighter touch and enjoy an engaging, audio-rich typing experience, the Jacaranda is the way to go. Its lower actuation force of 45 grams makes it perfect for users who type for long periods and want to avoid finger fatigue, elevating your overall comfort while typing. Additionally, the clacky, high-pitched sound signature of the Jacaranda adds an enjoyable auditory feedback that can enhance your typing experience, especially if you appreciate that sort of tactile engagement.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feel with more resistance and a smoother action with reduced friction, the WS Pearl may be better suited for you. With a higher bottom-out force of 58 grams, it’s ideal for typists who appreciate a more deliberate keystroke and the sensation of stability during typing. The use of ball-bearings in the WS Pearl gives it an impressively smooth feel, while its medium-high sound profile offers a softer, less abrasive auditory experience compared to the Jacaranda. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you favor a lighter, more playful experience with rich sound (Jacaranda) or a firmer, smoother touch with a quieter profile (WS Pearl).
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