KTT Mallo vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the KTT Mallo 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 KTT Mallo and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl present two distinctive yet compelling options tailored to different typing experiences. The KTT Mallo switches are celebrated for their subtlety and finesse, offering a gently tactile feedback that enhances typing precision without being intrusive. Their medium-light feel and neutral sound signature create an adaptable environment, making them suitable for both casual typists and professionals alike. Conversely, the WS Pearl switches introduce a novel design feature: ball-bearings that drastically reduce friction during keystrokes. This leads to an exceptionally smooth typing experience coupled with a medium-high pitch sound, appealing to users who prioritize a seamless feel and auditory feedback. With these contrasting characteristics, each switch caters to unique preferences—whether you desire the soft tactile sensation of the Mallo or the silky glide of the 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
N/A
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
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
Stainless steel
Spring
16mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The KTT Mallo and Wuque Studio WS Pearl exhibit contrasting materials for their top housings, which significantly influences the overall sound profiles of each switch. The Mallo utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, a stiffer plastic known for producing a sharper and more resonant sound. This characteristic is particularly advantageous for users who prefer a higher-pitched and crisper auditory response, complemented by the option for RGB lighting through its translucency. In contrast, the WS Pearl features a nylon top housing, which is traditionally associated with a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer material that tends to absorb more sound. Consequently, while the Mallo's polycarbonate top provides a clear and bright sound quality, the WS Pearl's nylon top lends a muted depth, showcasing two distinct auditory experiences brought about by their respective materials.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, an interesting parallel emerges as both the KTT Mallo and WS Pearl utilize nylon. This similarity in material ensures that the typing experience across both switches is characterized by a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon's ability to absorb sound contributes to a duller and rounder auditory output when typing, which is maintained in both models. Since the bottom housing plays a critical role in the bottom-out feel and sound, the commonality of nylon across both switches aligns them in terms of tactile feedback and resonance upon key activation. Thus, in terms of the typing experience and acoustic characteristics from the bottom housing, both switches share a foundational similarity.
Overall, while the top housing materials diverge—polycarbonate for the Mallo, which promotes a brighter tone, versus nylon for the WS Pearl, which offers a fuller sound—the bottom housing of both switches ensures a consistent auditory experience when pressed. This unique difference in top housing contributes to a varied sound signature for each switch, whereas the shared nylon bottom housing mitigates any stark variations when typing. As a result, users can choose between the KTT Mallo and the WS Pearl based on their desired sound preferences while enjoying a comparable experience in terms of bottoming out due to the common use of nylon in the lower housing.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Mallo tactile switch with the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, there are noteworthy differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Mallo's actuation force remains unspecified, but it has a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorized as medium-light. In contrast, the WS Pearl features a defined actuation force of 30 grams, which may appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch, while its bottom out force is slightly higher at 58 grams, placing it in the medium category. Consequently, the WS Pearl can be considered the lighter option due to its lower actuation force, making it potentially more suitable for prolonged typing sessions or intense gaming. In comparison, the Mallo's heavier bottom out force and unspecified actuation suggest that it may provide a more substantial typing experience, appealing to users who favor a firmer feel. Thus, while the Mallo may offer a more solid bottoming out sensation, the WS Pearl allows for a gentler key actuation, catering to different preferences in typing dynamics.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Mallo tactile switch is 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the KTT Mallo the longer option, providing a deeper engagement than the WS Pearl. The Mallo's travel distance aligns with the traditional 4.0 mm standard, which some users may prefer for a more tactile experience. In contrast, the WS Pearl's shorter 3.5 mm travel distance caters to those seeking quicker response times, which can be advantageous for gamers. Ultimately, while both switches offer unique benefits, the choice between them largely depends on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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 KTT Mallo switch stands out with its neutral and subdued profile. It offers a well-rounded auditory experience that doesn't overpower its surroundings, making it suitable for both home and office environments. The sound is not completely silent, but it is dampened enough to fit into quiet settings without creating noticeable distractions during typing. On the other hand, the WS Pearl switch produces a medium-high pitched sound signature, which can contribute a different timbre to the typing experience. However, since the specific qualities of the Pearl's sound have not been detailed in the provided information, it's challenging to make a direct comparison in terms of loudness or tone beyond noting its higher pitch.
As for feel, the KTT Mallo is characterized by its light, feathery touch, making it remarkably comfortable for extended typing sessions. The gentle, mild, and subtle feedback of the Mallo provides just enough tactility to engage typists without causing fatigue. The stepped nature of its tactile feedback creates a smooth transition in keystrokes, allowing users to feel the actuation without an aggressive bump. Unfortunately, the specific feel of the WS Pearl switch is unknown, which means one would have to experiment directly to assess how its ball-bearing mechanism impacts the overall typing experience. It is likely that the smoothness provided by the ball-bearings would yield a different sensation compared to the more tactile nature of the Mallo.
In summary, both the KTT Mallo and the WS Pearl offer unique qualities suited to different preferences. The Mallo excels in providing a gentle tactile experience coupled with a subdued sound profile, making it well-suited for typing in various environments. Meanwhile, the WS Pearl promises an extraordinarily smooth typing feel thanks to its unique ball-bearing design, but its auditory characteristics and overall sensation remain less defined. While the two switches cater to different tastes—one prioritizing tactility and the other smoothness—both can be excellent choices depending on what you value in a mechanical keyboard switch. For a newcomer, experimenting with both will help determine personal preferences, especially given the potential for different sound and feel from various boards and keycaps used.
Conclusion
To wrap up, your choice between the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard. If you value a balanced typing experience that combines gentle tactile feedback with a medium-light actuation force, the KTT Mallo is an excellent choice. Its subdued sound and feathery feel make it particularly suitable for environments where noise is a consideration, such as offices or libraries. You’ll appreciate the Mallo's versatility for both typing and casual gaming, especially during those long sessions where comfort is key. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth, frictionless keystroke that offers a slightly firmer feel, the WS Pearl linear switch may be more to your liking. It’s designed with ball-bearings to enhance smoothness during typing and has a medium actuation force that provides a more substantial tactile experience as you type. This switch is ideal if you're focused on gaming or tasks requiring rapid keystrokes, and its higher-pitched sound signature can add a unique auditory element to your setup. In the end, consider what aspects of feel and sound matter most to you, and you'll find the perfect switch to enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
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