Gateron Jupiter Brown vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing needs, both the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl offer unique benefits tailored to different preferences. The Jupiter Brown switches present a tactile experience that merges traditional keystroke feedback with innovative design; their medium-heavy weight and single-stage spring cater to users who enjoy a classic, responsive feel while typing. Additionally, their polished finish and softer backlighting enhance both performance and visual appeal. On the other hand, the WS Pearl switches take a distinctive approach to keystrokes by incorporating ball-bearings, which significantly reduce friction and result in an exceptionally smooth typing experience. This smoothness, paired with a medium-high sound profile, may attract those who prefer a quieter and more fluid typing sensation. Each switch has compelling attributes that could cater to different styles and requirements in a keyboard. 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
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Spring steel
Spring
16mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl, one of the most significant differences lies in their top housing compositions. The Jupiter Brown utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This is largely due to polycarbonate’s stiffer nature, allowing for a more resonant sound when a key is pressed. In contrast, the WS Pearl features a nylon top housing, known for producing a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. Thus, the top housings of these two switches create distinct sound characteristics during typing, directly affecting the user’s tactile experience.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Jupiter Brown and WS Pearl utilize nylon, a classic switch housing material celebrated for its sound absorption properties. Since both switches feature nylon on the bottom, they will deliver a similar depth and fullness to the sound profile when bottoming out. This material effectively dampens the sound, leading to a muted and warm auditory experience. Given that the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel, users of both switches can expect a comparable experience in this regard, with a focus on a rounded sound profile regardless of what the top housing material might contribute.
Ultimately, the housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl illustrate how different compositions can modulate a switch's auditory output. While the Jupiter Brown offers a clear sound profile via its polycarbonate top housing, the WS Pearl provides a fuller sound with its nylon top housing. Nevertheless, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing composition, which anchors their performance in terms of sound absorption. Users would experience a melding of high-pitched clarity and warm depth based on the interaction of these materials, making for a unique but distinct typing experience in each switch.
Weight
The Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different user preferences. The Jupiter Brown features a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it suitable for those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the WS Pearl offers a significantly lighter actuation force of just 30 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, appealing to users who prefer easier keystrokes and longer typing sessions without fatigue. As a result, the Jupiter Brown is the heavier option, while the WS Pearl is the lighter choice. If users prioritize an effortless typing experience, the WS Pearl will provide a quicker response, while the Jupiter Brown offers a more tactile feedback that can enhance the typing experience for those who favor a firmer press.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, the Jupiter Brown features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option between the two. In contrast, the WS Pearl has a shorter travel distance at 3.5 mm. The Jupiter Brown's 4 mm travel distance offers a deeper sensation that some users may find more satisfying and tactile, while the 3.5 mm travel distance of the WS Pearl appeals to gamers seeking quicker response times and a snappier feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches hinges on personal preference, as those who enjoy a more responsive experience may favor the shorter WS Pearl, whereas users looking for a fuller depth might opt for the Jupiter Brown.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gateron Jupiter Brown comes in at $2.80, whereas the Wuque Studio WS Pearl comes in at $6.00.
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 Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch emits a pleasant, subdued sound that aligns with its mild characteristics, making it suitable for a variety of environments without being excessively noisy. Its sound is crafted to maintain a balanced audio profile, providing a comfortable auditory experience with each keystroke. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch produces a medium-high pitched sound signature, which often creates a more vibrant acoustic atmosphere. While both switches have distinct sound profiles, the end result can vary based on the keyboard design and choice of keycaps, allowing for individual customization.
When assessing the feel, the Gateron Jupiter Brown switches offer a mild and polished experience, striking a middle ground that caters to a broad audience. The tactile bump is pronounced enough to provide feedback without being overwhelming, further enhanced by a polished finish that allows for smooth key travel and reduced friction. The stepped nature of the Jupiter Brown provides a subtle dual-stage sensation that encourages a comfortable typing experience. Meanwhile, the WS Pearl linear switch distinguishes itself with a remarkably smooth feel facilitated by the innovative use of ball-bearings, minimizing friction significantly. This results in an almost effortless keystroke with a seamless transition, appealing to those who prefer a fluid typing experience devoid of tactile feedback.
In summary, both the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches provide unique qualities that can cater to different preferences in typing experience. The Jupiter Brown excels in providing a mild, tactile response with pleasing acoustics that fit well in various settings, while the WS Pearl is all about that smooth linear feel complemented by a higher-pitched sound. Although they target different typing sensations, both can be tailored via keycap choices and board enhancements to achieve a customized performance, making them excellent choices in their respective categories.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, your choice should depend on your personal preferences regarding tactile feedback and typing experience. If you lean towards a classic typing feel that provides a mild tactile bump without overwhelming resistance, the Jupiter Brown is an excellent choice. Its medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams ensures that you will encounter a bit of resistance, which can enhance your typing experience, especially for those who enjoy a more traditional feel. This switch's polished and stepped design can offer a gentle, yet insightful feedback with every keystroke, making it suitable for both typing and casual gaming sessions. On the other hand, if you prioritize smoothness and speed in your keystrokes, the WS Pearl would be ideal. With a lighter 58-gram actuation force and remarkable ball-bearing mechanism, this switch delivers a silky-smooth feel that minimizes friction, perfect for fast-paced gaming or rapid typing sessions. The medium-high pitched sound signature can also engage your auditory senses without being overwhelming, making it a great fit for a noise-sensitive environment. Therefore, your ultimate choice hinges on whether you prefer a more tactile, resistant feel with the Jupiter Brown or the ultra-smooth linear experience offered by the WS Pearl.
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