KTT Matcha vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the KTT Matcha and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, personal preferences play a key role in determining the best fit for your typing style. The KTT Matcha switch offers a delightful tactile experience, characterized by a snappy feel and a clean bottom-out sound, making it ideal for those who appreciate feedback during key presses. Its subtle clackiness and the stepped design enhance the typing rhythm, making it a fantastic choice for typists and gamers alike who value a more engaged interaction. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switch takes a different approach with its innovative use of ball bearings, resulting in an incredibly smooth keystroke with minimal friction. The medium-high pitched sound profile complements its linear nature, catering to users who prefer a quieter and seamless typing experience. Both switches have compelling attributes, whether you prioritize tactile feedback or silky smoothness in your keystrokes. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
16mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The KTT Matcha and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl showcase distinctly different housing materials that significantly influence their sound profiles and user experience. The Matcha employs polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a sharp, crisp sound that is characterized by its stiffness and clarity. This choice of material enhances the resonance of the switch, making each keystroke feel precise and revealing. In contrast, the WS Pearl utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, which creates a comparatively deeper and fuller sound profile. The inherent softness of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, leading to a duller and rounder auditory feedback that can appeal to typists who prefer a more muted, warm experience. Such fundamental differences in materials set the stage for varying auditory experiences when interacting with both switches.
When comparing the top housings of the Matcha and the WS Pearl, the differences in material choice further highlight their unique sound characteristics. The translucent nature of the polycarbonate used in the Matcha's top housing not only allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects but also contributes to its high-pitched sound when keys are released. Conversely, the nylon top housing of the WS Pearl, while less visually striking in terms of light transmission, embodies a more subdued acoustic quality. This fundamental comparison demonstrates how the selection of housing material for the top influences the auditory results during key release, which is crucial for typists who prioritize specific sound signatures in their typing experience.
On a holistic level, the combination of the top and bottom housing materials greatly impacts the overall auditory profile of each switch. With the Matcha's polycarbonate top and bottom, users can expect a consistent sharpness throughout, where the sound when letting go of a key mirrors the crispness felt during the bottom of the keystroke. Comparatively, the WS Pearl’s combination of nylon top and bottom results in a cohesive, warm auditory experience characterized by its fuller sound regardless of whether the key is pressed down or released. Thus, while the KTT Matcha and Wuque Studio WS Pearl differ in material choices that refine their sound and aesthetic properties, they both deliver a unique yet complete typing experience that caters to distinct preferences.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Matcha switch features a light actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for extended typing sessions where a lighter touch is preferred. In contrast, the WS Pearl boasts an even lighter actuation force of 30 grams, but it has a heavier bottom out force of 58 grams, providing a more substantial feel upon pressing down completely. Therefore, while the Matcha is the lightest option for actuation, the WS Pearl offers a feeling of stability at the bottom due to its heavier bottom out force. Users seeking a lighter typing experience may gravitate towards the Matcha, whereas those who appreciate a more pronounced feedback at the key's end may prefer the WS Pearl. Overall, the Matcha is recommended for those who favor ease during long typing or gaming sessions, while the WS Pearl caters to those who appreciate added weight in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, there is a noticeable difference in their measurements. The Matcha switch offers a travel distance of 4 mm, making it suitable for those who appreciate a more substantial press that provides a hearty depth. In contrast, the WS Pearl has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, appealing to gamers and users seeking quicker response times. While both switches serve different preferences, the Matcha's longer travel distance may be favored by those who enjoy a more traditional feel, whereas the Pearl caters to those who prefer a snappier sensation in their typing experience. Thus, if you're looking for a deeper key press, the Matcha is your go-to, whereas the WS Pearl offers the advantage of quicker responsiveness due to its shorter travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Matcha has an MSRP of $5.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Matcha for $4.88.
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 Matcha tactile switch offers a distinctly clacky auditory profile. Its sharp and snappy nature creates a crisp, bright, and percussive sound that is often favored by those who enjoy an audible feedback while typing. On the other hand, the WS Pearl linear switch produces a medium-high pitched sound signature. Although the exact descriptors of the WS Pearl's sound aren’t available, the tonal quality is generally pleasant and smooth, fitting well in environments where minimal disruption is key.
In terms of feel, the KTT Matcha provides a multi-faceted tactile experience. Its stepped design ensures that typists encounter a noticeable tactile bump that makes each keystroke feel deliberate and responsive. This is complemented by its snappy nature, which enhances the overall liveliness of the typing experience. The switch is also accentuated, striking a balance between pronounced tactility and a comfortable typing pressure, making it suitable for both extended typing sessions and rapid gaming action. The Matcha is also characterized by its feathery quality, requiring minimal effort to actuate, reducing finger fatigue over time. In contrast, the feel profile of the WS Pearl remains unknown, but the incorporation of ball bearings hints at its smoothness during keystrokes, suggesting a different tactile experience that prioritizes effortless gliding over tactile feedback.
Overall, the KTT Matcha tactile switch is an excellent choice for those who appreciate a crisp, energetic sound combined with a satisfying tactile feedback, making it ideal for both typing and gaming. The WS Pearl linear switch, while offering a unique smooth experience, appears to attract users looking for a quieter typing environment and effortless keystrokes. Both switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel, allowing users to select a switch that best aligns with their typing style and environment.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended usage. If you enjoy a light, snappy response with a distinct tactile bump, perfect for both typing and gaming, the KTT Matcha is an excellent option. Its 45-gram bottom-out force ensures a comfortable experience that reduces finger fatigue, making it suitable for long work or gaming sessions. The crisp, clacky sound adds an engaging auditory feedback, which many find satisfying. On the other hand, if you seek a smoother and more refined typing experience, the WS Pearl with its medium-bottom-out force of 58 grams and innovative ball-bearing design might be the better choice. This switch allows for surreal smoothness during keystrokes and a pleasant medium-high-pitched sound signature, suited for those who prefer a quieter yet satisfying linear feel. Ultimately, consider your priorities—whether you crave the tactile feedback of the Matcha or the silky smoothness of the WS Pearl—when choosing your mechanical keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
