PH Studio Milk Tea vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your typing experience, the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl both present exceptional options, each with their own unique characteristics. The Milk Tea switch, crafted by BSUN, offers a delightful auditory blend, featuring a high-pitched yet muted sound that strikes a balance between presence and subtlety, appealing to those who appreciate a more nuanced audio experience. Its Ly stem material ensures a silky and polished touch, perfect for users who value effortless keystrokes with a hint of clackiness. On the other hand, the WS Pearl switches stand out with their innovative ball-bearing design, which significantly reduces friction, delivering an incredibly smooth typing experience. With a medium-high pitched sound signature, the WS Pearls cater to users who prioritize a seamless feel and whisper-soft feedback. Both switches offer distinct qualities, whether you're drawn to the Milk Tea’s clacky yet refined sound or the Pearl’s uniquely smooth operation. 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
37.5g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
43.5g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Spring
16mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl, one notable aspect lies in the choice of top housings. The Milk Tea uses POM (Polyoxymethylene), which is noted for creating a unique and deep sound profile that is somewhat muted. In contrast, the WS Pearl features a nylon top housing, a classic material that produces a similarly deep and fuller sound, albeit with a slightly different tonal quality due to the nylon's softness. Both materials provide a pleasant auditory experience; however, the POM may offer a more distinctly nuanced sound, while the nylon tends to absorb sound waves, resulting in a somewhat rounder tone. As a result, users of both switches can expect a satisfying auditory response, albeit with nuanced differences in crispness and fullness.
The bottom housings of both switches showcase another layer of comparison, with both utilizing POM and nylon, respectively. Like the top housings, the Milk Tea's POM bottom housing is designed to deliver a pleasing and muted sound, while the WS Pearl’s nylon bottom allows for deeper sound absorption and a fuller sound profile. The softness of the nylon in the WS Pearl translates to a more rounded bottom-out sound, providing users with a distinctive tactile experience. The Milk Tea’s POM, on the other hand, likely contributes to a more defined bottom-out sensation. Even though both types of housing materials are different, their shared characteristics of producing deep sounds mean that users can anticipate a solid auditory performance and feel from both switches when typing.
Ultimately, the differences in materials do not detract from the shared qualities of both the Milk Tea and WS Pearl switches. While POM tends to provide a more unique sound profile with sharper nuances, nylon contributes to a classic, plush feel that enhances sound absorption for a muted auditory experience. This means that, regardless of the differing properties, both switches are crafted to yield satisfying results when pressed. The split between top and bottom housing materials plays into how each switch feels and sounds during use, allowing enthusiasts to appreciate the subtleties offered by each option while enjoying a richly immersive typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Milk Tea switch boasts a lighter actuation force of 37.5 grams and a bottom out force of 43.5 grams, making it a suitable choice for users who prefer a smoother typing experience, ideal for extended use such as long work sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the WS Pearl switch has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams, but features a significantly heavier bottom out force of 58 grams. This substantial bottom out force can provide a more tactile feedback, appealing to those who enjoy a firmer feel when bottoming out. Therefore, while both switches offer a relatively light actuation force, the Milk Tea offers a more consistent lightweight experience throughout its range, whereas the WS Pearl's heavier bottom out force indicates a more pronounced tactile experience at the key's end.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, we find that the Milk Tea has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the WS Pearl measures at 3.5 mm. This makes the Milk Tea the longer option by 0.1 mm, which may appeal to users who prefer a deeper keystroke for a more tactile experience. Conversely, the WS Pearl, with its slightly shorter travel distance, aligns with the trend of offering quicker response times, making it suitable for gamers who favor rapid key presses. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences; those who enjoy a more pronounced travel might lean toward the Milk Tea, while those seeking a swifter, more responsive experience may opt for the WS Pearl.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The PH Studio Milk Tea has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milk Tea for $4.00.
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 PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch presents a fairly high-pitched auditory profile that strikes a delicate balance between being pronounced yet muted. The clacky and resonant qualities contribute to a crisp and bright keystroke sound, reminiscent of marbly characteristics, which provide an enjoyable auditory experience without being overwhelming. In contrast, while the WS Pearl switch is also medium-high pitched, specific descriptors of its sound quality are not detailed. However, the combination of its ball-bearing design may suggest a smoother auditory delivery compared to traditional linear switches.
In terms of feel, the Milk Tea linear switch excels with descriptors such as polished and silky. This suggests that the switch has a refined finish, resulting in minimal friction and enhanced smoothness during typing. Such qualities promise a seamless typing experience, making each keystroke feel effortless and fluid. Unfortunately, the internal qualities of the WS Pearl's feel are not mentioned, leaving a gap in direct comparison. However, its ball-bearing mechanism does imply a reduction in friction, which likely contributes to a superiority of smoothness as well.
In conclusion, while the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch is well-documented in both sound and feel, offering a unique auditory profile and a refined, smooth typing experience, the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch remains somewhat of a mystery concerning its auditory and tactile specifics. Nevertheless, its use of ball-bearings suggests that users could expect a notably smooth experience, aligning it somewhat with the Milk Tea’s feel. Sound-wise, any potential similarities may be obscured without further specifics on the WS Pearl; however, both switches cater to preferences for a refined and smooth typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switches and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switches, your choice greatly depends on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you favor a lighter actuation with a smooth, effortless feel, the Milk Tea switch is an excellent choice. Its lower bottom-out force of 43.5 grams makes it ideal for long typing sessions, gaming, or scenarios where quick key presses are beneficial. Moreover, the Milk Tea’s high-pitched, clacky sound offers an engaging auditory experience, which can be particularly satisfying for users who enjoy a bit more audio feedback from their keystrokes. On the other hand, if you prefer a bit more resistance and a rich, buttery smoothness to your typing experience, the WS Pearl with its medium bottom-out force of 58 grams and unique ball-bearing design would be more suitable for you. This switch provides a more substantial tactile response and an ultra-smooth keystroke, making it great for precision typing and extended usage without fatigue. Ultimately, your ideal switch will hinge on whether you prioritize a light, airy feel with engaging sound from the Milk Tea or a robust, velvety experience from the WS Pearl. Choosing the right switch can significantly enhance your overall typing experience, so consider what matters most to you in your mechanical keyboard journey.
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