Dareu Mahjong vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the Dareu Mahjong 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, the Dareu Mahjong and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl both offer distinctive features that cater to different typing preferences while maintaining the characteristics of linear switches. The Mahjong switches stand out with their vibrant green and white color scheme, delivering a lively, poppy sound that enhances the overall typing experience. Described as "bouncy" and "polished," they provide a mild resistance that many users appreciate for their balance of feedback and smoothness. On the other hand, the WS Pearl switches utilize a unique ball-bearing mechanism that drastically reduces friction during keystrokes, resulting in an exceptionally smooth typing feel complemented by a medium-high pitched sound signature. While the Mahjong may appeal to those who enjoy a more dynamic auditory experience, the WS Pearl could be the ideal choice for users seeking frictionless keystrokes. 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
45g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
16mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Mahjong and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl feature distinct top housing materials that contribute differently to their overall performance. The Mahjong uses POK (polyketone) for its top housing, a material noted for its exceptionally low coefficient of friction at 0.04, making it one of the smoothest switch housings available. This material also boasts remarkable durability, with wear resistance that surpasses POM by a staggering 14 times and shock resistance that outclasses Nylon by 2.3 times. In contrast, the WS Pearl utilizes traditional Nylon for its top housing. While Nylon contributes to a noticeably deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer, more absorbent nature, it lacks the advanced durability and smoothness characteristics of POK. Thus, while both provide quality experiences, the Mahjong leans towards a focus on smoothness and resilience, whereas the WS Pearl emphasizes rich acoustic feedback.
When considering the bottom housing materials, both the Dareu Mahjong and WS Pearl have a shared choice in Nylon, leading to similar sound profiles when typing. The deep and full sound that Nylon brings to both switches enhances the tactile experience by absorbing more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller, rounder acoustic feedback that players have come to appreciate in mechanical switches. The shared use of Nylon in the bottom housing underscores a common ground between the two models, indicating that despite the variance in their top housings, they will deliver similar auditory experiences when key presses bottom out.
Overall, the combination of switch materials in both the Dareu Mahjong and Wuque Studio WS Pearl influences their unique typing and auditory characteristics. With the Mahjong's POK top housing emphasizing smoothness and durability, and the WS Pearl’s Nylon top prioritizing rich sound, users will notice different experiences with each switch despite the shared Nylon composition in the bottom housing. Consequently, players might find that while the bottom housing contributes to the general sound profile between the two switches, the top housing’s material will lead to distinct tactile and auditory differences when typing, fulfilling varied preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Mahjong switch features an actuation force of 45 grams, whereas the WS Pearl has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams, making the WS Pearl the preferable choice for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In terms of bottom out force, the Mahjong switch does not have this specification available, while the WS Pearl has a bottom out force of 58 grams, categorized as medium, which provides a more substantial feel when bottoming out. Therefore, those seeking a lighter typing experience should lean towards the WS Pearl, while the heavier actuation force of the Mahjong would cater to users who enjoy a stronger push feel, although the absence of its bottom out measurement leaves some uncertainty in the overall comparison.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, the Mahjong has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the WS Pearl measures slightly longer at 3.5 mm. This means that the Mahjong switch offers a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times. On the other hand, the WS Pearl's 3.5 mm travel distance provides a more substantial feel, potentially appealing to those who prefer a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes. Ultimately, if you aim for responsiveness, the Mahjong would be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance, whereas the WS Pearl would suit those who favor a more tactile experience with its longer distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Mahjong has an MSRP of $8.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mahjong for $5.79.
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 profiles, the Dareu Mahjong switch has a lively, poppy sound that stands out in its class. This distinctive tone is complemented by a neutral sound signature, making it versatile enough for various environments, from office settings to casual gaming. The WS Pearl, while not explicitly defined, is known for its medium-high pitched sound signature, which suggests it may carry a sharper tone than the Mahjong. Both switches, however, will have their sound quality influenced by factors such as the keyboard frame and keycap material, meaning that while they differ in character, users can achieve a tailored audio experience with either.
In terms of tactile feel, the Mahjong switches shine with their bouncy and polished characteristics. The spring-like feedback provides an engaging typing experience, while the mild sensation makes for a welcoming entry point for beginners. Each keystroke results in a lively rebound, which can be quite enjoyable for extended typing sessions. The WS Pearl's defining feature is its use of ball-bearings, which dramatically reduces friction and results in an exceptionally smooth keystroke. However, the exact description of its feel is unknown, making direct comparisons somewhat challenging. That said, the ease of actuation and lightness is likely to be a common thread for both, ensuring a satisfying typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Dareu Mahjong and Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches offer unique attributes that cater to different preferences. The Mahjong excels with its lively sound and bouncy, polished feel, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a responsive typing experience. The WS Pearl stands out with its frictionless keystrokes, providing a smooth typing journey, though specifics about its tactile feedback remain unclear. Ultimately, while both switches have their strengths, newcomers can expect to find enjoyable and engaging keystrokes with either, depending on their sound and feel preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, your decision should primarily hinge on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you appreciate a lively and bouncy typing experience, the Mahjong switch is likely the better choice for you. Its unique sound signature and gentle feedback create an inviting environment for both casual typing and gaming, making it ideal for users who enjoy a poppy acoustics and pleasing tactile sensation. However, if you prioritize an ultra-smooth keystroke and a more refined, polished feel, the WS Pearl would be the way to go. The ball-bearing mechanism significantly reduces friction, resulting in an exceptionally fluid typing experience, perfect for extended typing sessions or professional environments where tactile precision is paramount. Ultimately, consider your personal typing style and the context in which you’ll be using your keyboard, as this will lead you to the switch that best enhances your mechanical keyboard experience.
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