TTC Neptune vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the TTC Neptune and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly impact your typing experience, and two popular linear switch options to consider are the TTC Neptune and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl. The TTC Neptune is celebrated for its innovative internal structure that offers a frictionless glide paired with a pleasant, springy resistance reminiscent of chewy mochi, making typing feel effortless and fluid. Its muted, thocky sound profile further enhances the experience, creating a satisfying yet discreet atmosphere for work or gaming. In contrast, the WS Pearl distinguishes itself with its unique ball-bearing design, which minimizes friction and results in an incredibly smooth keystroke. This switch produces a medium-high pitched sound signature, adding a bit of personality to your typing without overwhelming noise. While both switches cater to fans of a smooth linear feel, they each offer a distinct essence that appeals to different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
41g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened 21.5mm spring
Spring
16mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Neptune and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl, both switches exhibit notable distinctions in their construction that influence their acoustic profiles. The Neptune features a top housing made of POM, which is recognized for delivering a sound that is both pleasing and unique, albeit on the deeper and more muted side of the spectrum. Alternatively, the WS Pearl incorporates nylon in its top housing, a classic material that likewise promotes a deeper, fuller sound due to its softer properties. While both materials offer a rich auditory experience, the POM of the Neptune may produce a slightly more reserved sound in contrast to the more pronounced, rounded output characteristic of nylon in the WS Pearl’s design.
Delving into the bottom housing, significant differences further emerge between the two switches. The Neptune utilizes polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic that allows for a higher-pitched, crisper sound profile. This material’s rigidity contributes to a clear and resonant tone, making it especially compatible with RGB lighting due to its translucence. Conversely, the WS Pearl’s bottom housing, made of nylon, reinforces the softer and fuller acoustics that are prevalent in its top housing. This consistency in soft material usage across both sections of the WS Pearl results in a more muted and smooth auditory delivery, distinguishing it further from the Neptune's sharper tonal clarity.
Both switches, therefore, offer unique yet complementary attributes due to their variations in housing materials. The Neptune’s combination of POM and polycarbonate results in a split sound profile that is well-balanced between muted warmth in keypress and clarity on release. In contrast, the WS Pearl achieves a soft, cohesive sound experience thanks to its uniform use of nylon throughout both housings. This reflects how different materials, while serving as distinctive components, can lead to similar results in terms of depth and fullness, albeit with nuanced differences in clarity and sharpness based on the specific material choices in play.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Neptune linear switch to the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Neptune features a lighter actuation force of 41 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience. In contrast, the WS Pearl has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams but a heavier bottom out force of 58 grams, which may offer a more substantial feel upon pressing down all the way. Consequently, those who favor a light switch for extended use may lean toward the WS Pearl for its lower actuation force, while still experiencing a firmer bottom out. However, it is important to note that the Neptune's overall weight is light, making it a better fit for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the WS Pearl provides a medium feel, striking a balance between a lighter actuation and a heavier bottom-out force, catering to those who seek a bit more resistance when typing.
Travel distance
The TTC Neptune linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This indicates that the Neptune provides a deeper press, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial key feel. On the other hand, the WS Pearl, with its shorter travel distance, aligns with the trend towards quicker response times favored by gamers. Therefore, if responsiveness is your priority, the WS Pearl may be the better choice, whereas those who enjoy a more tactile and cushioned experience might prefer the Neptune. Overall, while both switches offer distinct advantages, the Neptune is the longer of the two, offering a more profound travel distance compared to the more responsive WS Pearl.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Neptune has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Neptune for $5.09.
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 comparing the sound characteristics of the TTC Neptune and Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switches, notable differences emerge. The Neptune boasts a low-pitched, muted sound signature that is thocky and subdued. This mellower tone is inviting and ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience, minimizing the clatter often associated with mechanical keyboards. Conversely, while the WS Pearl features ball-bearings aimed at reducing friction, its specific sound profile remains unknown. The absence of described sound qualities for the WS Pearl means it may potentially offer a sound that is also pleasant yet distinct, emphasizing that the overall acoustic experience can still vary based on the keyboard’s construction and the keycap materials used.
In terms of feel, the TTC Neptune shines with a unique texture, combining a buttery smoothness with a jelly-like gummy sensation when bottoming out. This switch provides an ultralight, frictionless experience that feels effortless, allowing for swift typing without any sense of resistance. On the other hand, the WS Pearl's design is intended to deliver a similarly smooth keystroke experience due to the incorporation of ball-bearings, although without specific descriptors available, we can only speculate on how its tactile feedback directly compares to the Neptune's. Both switches promise a focus on fluidity in feel, appealing to those who prioritize a seamless typing experience.
In conclusion, while the TTC Neptune linear switch provides a layered sensory experience with its low-pitched, thocky sound and buttery, frictionless feel, the Wuque Studio WS Pearl's attributes remain somewhat enigmatic due to the lack of detailed descriptions. However, both switches clearly prioritize smooth keystrokes, making them suitable choices for individuals who seek a polished typing experience. Depending on personal preference for sound profile and specific tactile sensations, either switch can likely offer a satisfying result, albeit with distinct auditory and tactile nuances.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the TTC Neptune linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch ultimately hinges on your specific typing preferences and needs. If you prefer a lighter typing experience that allows for swift and effortless keystrokes, the Neptune’s 50-gram actuation force and unique internal structure provide a buttery, gummylike feel that makes it ideal for rapid typing and gaming. Its low-pitched, thocky sound signature adds a satisfying auditory feedback without being overly intrusive, making it an excellent option for quieter environments. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more tactile experience with a slightly firmer 58-gram keypress, the WS Pearl's innovative use of ball bearings creates an exceptionally smooth and polished typing experience. Its medium-high pitch sound profile offers a different acoustic feedback that some users may prefer. Therefore, if you seek a switch that marries a smooth feel with a bit more resistance and a unique sound, the WS Pearl would be the preferable choice. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your typing style, sound preferences, and the environments in which you plan to use your keyboard.
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