Cherry MX Brown vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Brown and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular contenders are the Cherry MX Brown and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl, each catering to different typing preferences and styles. The Cherry MX Brown switch is widely celebrated for its subtlety, offering a light typing experience characterized by gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. Its textured feel and low-pitched, bassy sound make it an appealing choice for users who appreciate feedback without overwhelming noise, perfect for both typing and gaming scenarios. On the other hand, the WS Pearl switch stands out with its unique ball-bearing design, which significantly reduces friction, resulting in incredibly smooth keystrokes that feel almost ethereal. With a medium-high pitched sound signature, the WS Pearl can attract those who prioritize a silky typing experience and minimal resistance. Each switch has distinct advantages depending on your needs; 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
45g
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
Nylon
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
Both the Cherry MX Brown and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl utilize nylon for their top and bottom switch housings, making them similar in material composition. The use of nylon is significant in crafting their sound profiles, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience during typing. As nylon is a softer plastic, it effectively absorbs sound, contributing to the distinctive duller and rounder sound that users identify as characteristic of high-quality mechanical switches. This commonality between the two switches means that typing on either will yield similar sound results, emphasizing the richness and depth associated with nylon-based housings.
Despite the similarities in their materials, the experience of using each switch can still differ based on the unique designs and internal mechanics employed by the Cherry MX Brown and WS Pearl. For example, although both switches feature nylon in their construction, the internal components, such as the spring and stem design, can alter the tactile feedback and overall actuation force. This means that even with the same housing materials, the feel and sound produced can vary, giving each switch its own character. Users looking for a specific tactile response may prefer one over the other despite the similarities in sound profile due to the nuanced differences in their designs.
In summary, while the Cherry MX Brown and Wuque Studio WS Pearl share nylon as their housing material, their unique design characteristics may lead to different tactile experiences and sound output nuances. Nevertheless, the commonality in material ensures a baseline of deeper and fuller sound quality for both switches, appealing to users who prioritize acoustic performance. This alignment in housing materials translates into a similar auditory experience when typing, allowing enthusiasts to enjoy the benefits of nylon regardless of their choice between these two popular switches.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, notable differences in actuation force and bottom-out force impact the typing experience. The Cherry MX Brown features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom-out force of 55 grams, which gives it a medium-light feel. In contrast, the WS Pearl has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams, making it easier to press down initially, though its bottom-out force is slightly higher at 58 grams. This means that while users will experience a lighter keystroke with the WS Pearl, they will need to exert a bit more force when bottoming out compared to the MX Brown. For those who appreciate a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the WS Pearl may be the more appealing choice, while those who prefer a bit more resistance might lean towards the Cherry MX Brown for its balanced yet slightly firmer feel. Overall, the WS Pearl allows for a quicker actuation, while the MX Brown offers a more substantial typing experience overall.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, we observe that the MX Brown has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Pearl measures 3.5 mm. This makes the WS Pearl the shorter option, offering a more responsive feel that many gamers prefer for quicker actions. In contrast, the MX Brown’s 4 mm travel distance provides a deeper, more substantial experience, which some users may find more satisfying for typing and general use. Ultimately, if you are looking for a quicker response, the WS Pearl would be the better choice, but if you favor a more pronounced tactile feedback, the Cherry MX Brown is likely to be more appealing.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Cherry MX Brown 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 it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Brown switches are known for their bassy and low-pitched audio profile. This results in a deeper, richer sound during key presses that many find comforting and less jarring than higher-pitched alternatives. The audio feedback is subtle, aligning well with the gentle tactility of the switch, making it great for quieter environments or for those who prefer a more understated auditory experience. In contrast, the sound qualities of the WS Pearl linear switch are not extensively detailed, which leaves room for speculation; however, being a linear switch, one might expect a smoother and less pronounced audio profile compared to the tactility of the Browns.
In terms of feel, the MX Brown switches provide a textured experience with noticeable friction when pressed, thanks to their tactile bump. This tactile feedback is preferred by many typists who enjoy the slight resistance that informs them of a successful key press without the full bottoming out. The WS Pearl switches, on the other hand, utilize ball-bearings to drastically reduce friction, resulting in a particularly smooth keystroke experience. This unique feature creates a glide-like sensation, which may appeal to users who prioritize a seamless and friction-free typing experience over tactile feedback.
In summary, the Cherry MX Brown switches offer a classically tactile and subtle auditory experience, thanks to their bassy and low-pitched sound, coupled with a textured feel that provides feedback during typing. In contrast, the WS Pearl linear switches provide an exceptionally smooth keystroke experience, with medium-high pitched sound characteristics that likely differ from the Browns. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on whether one prefers the tactile input and sound signature of the MX Browns or the frictionless feel and unique sound of the WS Pearls.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Cherry MX Brown tactile switches and Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a balanced typing experience that combines medium-light actuation force with gentle tactile feedback, the MX Brown switches are an excellent choice. Their subtlety makes them ideal for both gaming and typing, especially in office settings where a quieter experience is appreciated. The tactile bump can also enhance typing accuracy by providing a physical cue when keys are actuated, which is beneficial for those who type extensively or prefer a bit more interaction with their keyboard. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth, uninterrupted keypress that minimizes friction, the WS Pearl switches are the way to go. With their innovative ball-bearing design, they deliver a unique sensation and a medium actuation force, making them ideal for fast-paced gaming or extensive typing marathons where glide and ease of movement matter. Their medium-high pitched sound signature adds a different auditory experience to your typing, catering to users who enjoy a distinct yet smooth acoustics. In the final analysis, your choice should reflect what you seek in terms of tactile feedback, sound profile, and overall typing comfort.
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