Cherry MX Black vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Black and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Black and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl serve as excellent but distinct choices for enthusiasts and casual users alike. The Cherry MX Black switch is widely celebrated for its robust construction and classic typing experience, featuring a low-pitched sound profile and a textured, yet stiff feel that lends itself to accurate keystrokes. Its Hyperglide tooling further enhances the smoothness, making it an appealing option for those who prefer tactile feedback and durability in their typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Pearl switch stands out with its innovative design that incorporates ball-bearings to minimize friction, resulting in an exceptionally smooth keystroke experience. With a medium-high pitched sound signature, the WS Pearl caters to users who prioritize a silky typing feel and responsiveness. While both switches offer unique advantages, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
16mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
Both the Cherry MX Black and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl utilize nylon for their switch housings, which brings about similar auditory characteristics in their performance. The nylon material, recognized for its softer plastic qualities, tends to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. This absorption results in a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing, characterized by a duller and rounder resonance. Because both switches use nylon for their top and bottom housings, users can expect a comparable auditory experience, making each typing sound smooth and well-rounded, regardless of which switch is being used.
While both the MX Black and WS Pearl feature nylon for their switch housing, the nuances in feel and sound can still be subtly affected by their respective bottom and top configurations. In general, the bottom housing plays a more pronounced role in the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback because it is the first point of contact when the key is pressed down. Similarly, the top housing carries more influence over the sound as you release a key. Despite the use of the same material, the design and engineering behind each switch can cause slight differences in feel and feedback when typing, which can lead to a variation in the overall user experience.
Ultimately, the shared use of nylon in both the Cherry MX Black and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl leads to a foundation of sound characteristics that can produce similar results. However, individual design elements that dictate the switches' responsiveness and sound dynamics might set them apart. These differentiations allow each switch to offer its unique touch and auditory feedback, even with the same material component at play. Thus, while users can anticipate a comparable sound profile due to the nylon composition, personal preferences in feel and performance will determine which switch they resonate with more.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Black and Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switches, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Cherry MX Black features a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, making it a solid choice for users who appreciate a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the WS Pearl has a significantly lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, catering to those who favor a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. As a result, while the MX Black provides a more robust feel, the WS Pearl is easier to press, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. Consequently, if you are looking for a switch that offers a gentler keystroke, the WS Pearl would be the superior option, while the Cherry MX Black would be better suited for individuals who enjoy a firmer push.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Black linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference indicates that the WS Pearl will provide a quicker response, appealing to users who favor faster actuation, which is often preferred by gamers. In contrast, the MX Black, with its longer travel distance, offers a deeper feel that some users may find more satisfying and less abrupt. Therefore, if you lean towards a quicker and more responsive typing experience, the WS Pearl would be the preferable choice, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress might opt for the Cherry MX Black.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00, 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 comparing the sound of the Cherry MX Black and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches, notable differences emerge. The MX Black produces a deep, low-pitched sound profile, which contributes to a bass-heavy and mellow auditory experience when typing. This characteristic is particularly appreciated by those who prefer a quieter and more refined soundscape. In contrast, the WS Pearl features a medium-high pitched sound signature, which can make each keystroke feel a bit more pronounced and lively. While both switches can sound great, the MX Black may resonate more with users who enjoy a subdued auditory experience, while the WS Pearl might appeal to those who appreciate a slightly brighter sound. However, remember that the overall sound will also be influenced by your choice of keyboard and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Black switches are textured and stiff. The textured nature means there is noticeable friction during keystrokes, which can be preferred by some typists for the feedback it provides. This tactile surface adds to the overall experience, allowing the user to gauge their keystrokes more effectively. The stiffness of the MX Black requires a greater amount of force to actuate and bottom out, which some may find beneficial for typing accuracy but can be tiring over extended usage. On the other hand, the WS Pearl is designed to be exceedingly smooth due to the incorporation of ball bearings that reduce friction during key presses, resulting in an almost friction-free typing experience. This smoothness would likely appeal to users who prefer a gliding sensation with minimal resistance, contrasting sharply with the MX Black’s more textured and resistive feel.
In conclusion, while the Cherry MX Black and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches offer unique characteristics in sound and feel, they cater to different preferences. The MX Black delivers a low-pitched, textured, and stiff experience that lends itself well to a more traditional mechanical keyboard feel, whereas the WS Pearl's medium-high pitched sound and exceptionally smooth actuation create a distinctively modern typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preference regarding sound and tactile feedback, and both switches promise to deliver satisfying results in their own right.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Cherry MX Black and Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switches ultimately boils down to your personal preferences regarding typing feel, sound, and actuation force. If you prefer a heavier switch that requires more force—80 grams to bottom out—and enjoy a traditional typing experience with a low-pitched, textured feel, the Cherry MX Black is an excellent option for you. Its profound sound and satisfying stiffness can provide a distinctly robust typing experience for those who like a more tactile presence in their keystrokes, making it suitable for gaming or intense typists who appreciate that feedback. On the other hand, if you are seeking a lighter, more fluid typing experience with a bottom-out force of just 58 grams, the WS Pearl is likely the better choice for you. Its innovative ball-bearing mechanism delivers an impressively smooth actuation, reducing friction during keystrokes and providing a more effortless typing experience. The medium-high pitched sound profile might also appeal to users who prefer a slightly brighter auditory feedback. In the end, your choice between these two switches should reflect your typing style, the force you prefer to exert, and the sound characteristics that resonate with you most reliably.
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