Gazzew LT vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the Gazzew LT and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gazzew LT and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl stand out as compelling options for linear switch enthusiasts, each offering a unique typing experience tailored to different preferences. The Gazzew LT, with its captivating lilac hue, is celebrated for its rich auditory feedback, characterized by a deep, resonant "thock" sound that enhances the tactile satisfaction of each keystroke. Users are often drawn to the LT switches for their seamless glide, which delivers a fluid typing experience ideal for both gaming and long typing sessions. In contrast, the WS Pearl distinguishes itself with its innovative ball-bearing design, significantly reducing friction and resulting in an exceptionally smooth keystroke feel. The medium-high pitch sound signature of the WS Pearl provides a different acoustic experience that may appeal to those who prefer a cleaner, more refined auditory feedback. Both switches cater to distinct preferences, making the choice between them a matter of personal taste and typing style; 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
N/A
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Spring
16mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gazzew LT and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl, there are notable similarities and differences that impact the overall typing experience. The Gazzew LT utilizes a proprietary blend often referred to as "boba plastic" for both its top and bottom housings. This material is engineered for softness, which contributes to a rich and deep sound profile. In contrast, the WS Pearl features nylon for both its top and bottom housing, a classic material known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature. While both materials prioritize softness, the specific compositions result in distinct sound characteristics.
Despite the differences in materials—boba plastic versus nylon—both switches ultimately deliver a similar auditory experience due to their inherent softness and sound absorption properties. For instance, both the Gazzew blend and nylon contribute to sound dampening, resulting in subdued and rounded acoustics, particularly in the lower frequencies. Typing on either switch reveals how the unique properties of the materials interact to enhance the overall sound profile. As the Gazzew blend and nylon function similarly in terms of softness, users can expect comparable results in sound quality, making both switches desirable among enthusiasts seeking a rich typing experience.
While the construction materials of the LT and WS Pearl differ, the way in which these materials influence the feel and sound of the switches remains consistent. The bottom housing, whether it be the Gazzew blend or nylon, predominantly affects the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing plays a significant role in the sound produced as the key is released. This division of influence means that despite the varied terminologies of their materials, users can enjoy a rich auditory output and tactile feedback in each switch, making both the LT and WS Pearl attractive options for different preferences in keyboard dynamics.
Weight
When comparing the Gazzew LT linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces are quite striking. The LT switch has an unknown actuation force but features a bottom out force of 65 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. In contrast, the WS Pearl boasts a much lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a lower bottom out force of 58 grams, categorized as medium. This means that the WS Pearl is the lighter option, making it more suitable for users who favor a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming, while the LT switch provides a heavier push feel, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. As such, if you prefer a lighter switch, the WS Pearl would be the better choice, while the LT would cater to those who lean towards a heavier actuation feel. Overall, these differences highlight the importance of personal preference when selecting a keyboard switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gazzew LT linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, there is a clear distinction. The Gazzew LT features a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the WS Pearl has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the LT the shorter option, appealing to gamers and those who favor quicker response times. In contrast, the longer travel distance of the WS Pearl may offer a more satisfying tactile experience for those who appreciate a deeper press, though it might feel less immediate compared to the LT. Ultimately, if you prioritize rapid actuation, the Gazzew LT would be the preferable choice, whereas the WS Pearl caters to users who enjoy a more substantial key press.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gazzew LT comes in at $6.50, 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
When it comes to sound, the Gazzew LT switches are celebrated for their bassy, thocky qualities. Typing on these switches delivers a deep and resonant auditory experience, characterized by a rich "thud" or soft "knock" upon each key press. This creates a satisfying acoustical feedback that many users find pleasurable, particularly in a more ambient or relaxed setting. On the other hand, the WS Pearl switches offer a unique auditory profile. While they lack the thocky profundity of the LTs, they produce a medium-high pitched sound signature that can be described as crisper and brighter. This makes for a distinct typing experience, though it does not deliver the same deep richness as the Gazzew LT switches. Users should also consider that the overall sound experience can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard frame and keycap material.
In terms of feel, the Gazzew LT switches are known for their seamless glide during keystrokes, promoting a smooth typing experience that allows for effortless transitions between each key—perfect for long typing sessions or fast-paced gaming. The linear action provides a consistent force throughout the keypress without any tactile bumps or audible clicks. Meanwhile, the WS Pearl switches boast innovative ball-bearing technology that significantly reduces friction during typing, resulting in a feel that is described as surreally smooth. The combination of these bearings with a linear switch design ensures that users will experience a high level of fluidity with every key press, although the real-world feeling may vary from that of the LT.
In summary, while both the Gazzew LT and Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches are linear switches designed to provide smooth keypress experiences, they diverge notably in their acoustical and tactile outputs. The LTs excel with their deep, rich sound profile and seamless keystrokes, while the WS Pearls offer a lighter, crisper sound and an incredibly smooth typing experience, thanks to their unique mechanism. For users prioritizing either depth of sound or a lighter touch, choosing the right switch would depend on their specific preferences and how these factors interact with their keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gazzew LT linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences for feel, sound, and typing experience. If you're looking for a more tactile auditory experience with a deeper sound signature, the Gazzew LT is the way to go. The LT’s 65-gram actuation force provides a medium-heavy resistance that some users find satisfying, especially if you enjoy the thocky and bassy feedback with every keystroke. On the other hand, if you prioritize smoothness and an incredibly light touch, the WS Pearl, with its lower 58-gram actuation force and unique ball-bearing design, will offer a surreal gliding experience with every press. While the LT creates a rich, low-pitched audio profile, the WS Pearl delivers distinctively smooth keystrokes that are less audible but incredibly fluid. Ultimately, choose the Gazzew LT for a robust sound and a slightly firmer feel, or go for the WS Pearl for a remarkably smooth typing sensation that feels almost frictionless.
Mentioned in this article
