Haimu Orange Sea vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the Haimu Orange Sea and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Haimu Orange Sea and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl both offer distinct advantages despite being linear switches. The Haimu Orange Sea is celebrated for its impeccably smooth typing feel and neutral sound signature, making it an excellent choice for users seeking a refined and unobtrusive typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Pearl distinguishes itself with its innovative ball-bearing design, which significantly reduces friction during keystrokes, resulting in a strikingly smooth tactile response and a medium-high pitched sound signature. Both switches cater to different preferences: the Orange Sea appeals to those who prioritize a classic linear feel, while the WS Pearl caters to enthusiasts looking for unique engineering that enhances performance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that's right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
16mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Haimu Orange Sea and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl, a notable distinction exists between their top housings. The Orange Sea features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its ability to produce a sharper and crisper sound profile due to the material's stiffness and translucency, which also enhances RGB lighting effects. In contrast, the WS Pearl opts for a nylon top housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer composition that absorbs sound more readily. This divergence in material choice results in different auditory experiences when using these switches, with the Orange Sea delivering a more bright and clear sound, while the WS Pearl offers a warmer, more resonant feel.
The bottom housing of both switches, however, is constructed from nylon, lending a consistent characteristic to their performance. As a classic material for switch housings, nylon contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as noted in both models. This shared aspect means that when users press down on either switch, they can expect a similar fullness and depth in sound. While the top housings differently influence the auditory experience of releasing keys, the nylon bottom ensures that both switches offer a consistently rich and rounded auditory experience at the bottom-out stage.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in each switch leads to a unique but somewhat complementary sound profile. The Haimu Orange Sea's polycarbonate top emphasizes sharper, more defined sounds, while the nylon bottom ensures richness at the lower end, creating a balanced experience. Conversely, the WS Pearl's total reliance on nylon at both the top and bottom results in a more uniform and mellow sound profile. Despite their differences, both switch designs achieve notable sound characteristics through their respective material choices, appealing to varying preferences in keyboard feel and sound.
Weight
The Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation force and bottom out force that cater to different preferences among users. The Orange Sea has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions or gaming marathons as it requires less effort to engage. In contrast, the WS Pearl features a slightly higher actuation force of 30 grams, which is still light but not as light as the Orange Sea's, and a heavier bottom out force of 58 grams, offering a more substantial typing feel. Users looking for a stronger push experience would likely gravitate towards the WS Pearl, while those desiring ease and comfort might prefer the Orange Sea. Overall, while both switches provide a light to medium actuation experience, the Orange Sea stands out as the lighter option, whereas the WS Pearl delivers a heavier bottom out experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, we find that the Orange Sea has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the WS Pearl measures slightly shorter at 3.5 mm. This makes the Orange Sea the longer switch, offering a more pronounced depth that some users may prefer for a more substantial feel during key presses. In contrast, the WS Pearl's shorter travel distance might appeal to gamers and typists looking for quicker response times. If users prioritize a responsive feel in their keystrokes, opting for the WS Pearl could be beneficial; however, those who appreciate more depth in their typing experience might find the Orange Sea more satisfactory. Ultimately, while both switches cater to different preferences, the differences in travel distance are minimal, with only 0.1 mm separating the two.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Haimu Orange Sea comes in at $2.79, 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
The Haimu Orange Sea switches boast a neutral sound signature that allows for a subdued typing experience, making them relatively quiet during use. This can be a significant advantage in shared or office spaces where noise levels are a concern. In contrast, the WS Pearl switches produce a medium-high pitched sound that is unique and may attract more attention during use. However, it's essential to remember that the overall sound experience can vary depending on the keyboard board and keycaps chosen, so the context in which these switches are used can influence their auditory characteristics.
When it comes to feel, the Orange Sea switches are celebrated for their impeccably smooth typing experience, which can contribute to long hours of comfortable typing without fatigue. The WS Pearl switches take this smoothness to another level by incorporating ball bearings to minimize friction, resulting in keystrokes that feel almost surreally fluid. While both switches aim for a smooth experience, the additional engineering in the WS Pearl may provide a distinct tactile edge for those seeking the utmost in performance.
In summary, both the Haimu Orange Sea and Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switches cater to users who prioritize smooth keystrokes but deliver different auditory experiences. The Orange Sea offers a quieter, neutral sound profile suited for more discreet environments, while the WS Pearl adds a unique auditory element along with enhanced smoothness due to its ball-bearing design. Choosing between them ultimately comes down to personal preference regarding sound and the desired typing feel, as both switches promise a satisfying experience in their own ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Haimu Orange Sea and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switches largely depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you prefer a lighter switch with a bottom-out force of 45 grams and an impeccably smooth typing experience coupled with a neutral sound signature, the Haimu Orange Sea is an excellent choice. This makes it particularly suitable for those who type for extended periods or enjoy fast-paced gaming, as the light actuation requires less effort and promotes a more comfortable experience. On the other hand, if you desire a switch that offers a more tactile experience and can handle a bottom-out force of 58 grams, then the WS Pearl is a fantastic alternative. The use of ball bearings in the WS Pearl significantly reduces friction, leading to an unusually smooth keystroke with a medium-high pitched sound. This switch may appeal to those who appreciate a bit more resistance and a unique feel, making it a great option for both typing and gaming while providing a satisfying auditory feedback. Ultimately, your choice will come down to whether you prioritize a lighter, quieter switch or one that offers a bit more weight and distinct sound during your keystrokes.
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