Cherry MX Speed Silver vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, both the Cherry MX Speed Silver and Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switches offer distinct advantages tailored to different preferences and use cases. The Cherry MX Speed Silver is celebrated for its rapid response, featuring a full-height design that facilitates maximum speed without any tactile bump, making it a preferred choice among gamers where every millisecond counts. Its low spring resistance allows for instant activation, combining a textured and thocky feel with a low-pitched sound signature that enhances the typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Pearl stands out with its innovative use of ball-bearings, significantly reducing friction during keystrokes for a supremely smooth typing experience. This unique design results in a medium-high pitched sound signature, making it an appealing option for those who appreciate fluidity and a satisfying auditory feedback while typing. Ultimately, your choice may depend on whether you prioritize speed and responsiveness or a uniquely smooth and enjoyable keystroke. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
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
The Cherry MX Speed Silver and Wuque Studio WS Pearl keyboards both utilize nylon as their primary housing material, a choice that contributes significantly to the acoustic and tactile characteristics of the switches. Since both switches incorporate nylon for their top and bottom housings, users can expect a similar auditory experience. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile for both models. This softer plastic material allows both switches to produce a duller and rounder sound, which is appealing to users seeking a more muted typing experience.
While both the MX Speed Silver and the WS Pearl employ nylon for their housing, the effects of this material will manifest differently in terms of overall feel when the switches are engaged. The bottom housing, which greatly influences the bottom-out sound and feel, plays an essential role in tactile feedback during use. Given that both switches have nylon bottom housings, they are likely to possess similar qualities regarding responsiveness and sound when pressed down, enhancing the user experience by maintaining consistency in keystroke feedback across both models.
In contrast, the top housings of the MX Speed Silver and WS Pearl will primarily affect the sound produced when the key is released. As both switches utilize nylon in this section as well, the release sound will also exhibit analogous characteristics. Hence, both the Cherry MX Speed Silver and Wuque Studio WS Pearl create an inherently similar typing experience due to their shared housing material. As a result, users can find satisfaction in their typing sound and feel, regardless of the model chosen, allowing for a seamless transition between the two without sacrificing expected performance.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch with the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces that cater to different typing preferences. The Cherry MX Speed Silver requires an actuation force of 45 grams, while the WS Pearl is lighter at 30 grams. This lighter actuation makes the WS Pearl more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming, as it reduces finger fatigue. However, the bottom out forces differ significantly: the MX Speed Silver's bottom out force is not specified, while the WS Pearl has a bottom out force of 58 grams, which is considered medium. This means that while the WS Pearl provides a lighter actuation and a substantial feel when fully pressed down, the MX Speed Silver's lack of an available bottom out measurement leaves it less defined in comparison. Therefore, those who prefer a lighter switch might gravitate toward the WS Pearl, whereas users who appreciate a more robust experience should consider the MX Speed Silver, though its bottom out force remains unknown.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, we find that they differ slightly, with the MX Speed Silver measuring 3.4 mm and the WS Pearl at 3.5 mm. This makes the MX Speed Silver the shorter option, providing a quicker response time that many gamers appreciate. In contrast, the WS Pearl offers a longer travel distance, which may appeal to users who prefer a more pronounced key press. Those who opt for the Cherry MX Speed Silver can expect a more responsive experience due to its shorter travel distance, while the WS Pearl caters to individuals seeking a more substantial feel with a little extra depth in their keystrokes. Thus, the choice between these switches largely comes down to personal preference regarding the desired depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Speed Silver has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Speed Silver 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 Cherry MX Speed Silver switch produces a thocky and low-pitched signature that adds a deep, rich auditory experience to each keystroke. This sound is reminiscent of a satisfying thud when the key is pressed and released, creating an engaging auditory feedback that can enhance both typing and gaming experiences. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Pearl lacks a detailed sound profile to compare against the Speed Silver, leaving some uncertainty about its acoustic characteristics. However, since sound is influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps, users might still achieve diverse auditory experiences with either switch.
Regarding feel, the MX Speed Silver is characterized by its textured action, which introduces a noticeable friction during key presses. This texture can be polarizing; some users may appreciate the tactile feedback it provides, while others might prefer a completely smooth experience devoid of friction. The WS Pearl, with its ball-bearing design, is celebrated for delivering an incredibly smooth keystroke, significantly reducing friction and potentially offering a more fluid typing experience than the Speed Silver. While both switches cater to different preferences, the Speed Silver may appeal to those who enjoy a textured feel, while the WS Pearl is ideal for users desiring a seamless motion.
In summary, choosing between the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl largely depends on personal preferences regarding sound and feel. The Speed Silver offers a thocky sound with a textured feel, making it distinctively engaging for both gaming and typing, whereas the WS Pearl's unique ball-bearing mechanism contributes to an exceptionally smooth keystroke experience. If sound characteristics can't be directly compared, and if you're keen on one feel over the other, you will find that each switch has its own strengths. Ultimately, exploring each switch according to your individual needs is essential for the best mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, your decision largely hinges on your specific preferences and use case. If you're primarily a gamer seeking ultra-fast response times and triggered actions, the Cherry MX Speed Silver is the ideal choice for you. With its light spring resistance and full-height design, it is engineered for maximum speed, making it perfect for competitive gaming where every second counts. The thocky, low-pitched sound adds an appealing acoustic dimension that can enhance your overall gaming experience, even if its textured feel may not be to everyone's liking. On the other hand, if you lean more towards general typing or prefer a luxurious typing experience, the WS Pearl could be more suited to your needs. The medium bottom out force provides a balanced tactile feedback, while the unique ball-bearing mechanism ensures smooth keystrokes with minimal friction. Although the sound profile of the WS Pearl is not specified, it is generally designed to deliver a more refined auditory experience. In summary, choose the MX Speed Silver for speed and gaming performance, and opt for the WS Pearl for a smoother, more enjoyable typing experience.
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