Outemu Black vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the Outemu Black and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Black and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl present two distinct options for enthusiasts, both featuring linear characteristics but appealing to different preferences. The Outemu Black is notable for its sturdy and consistent feel, making it a reliable choice for gamers who prioritize fast, uninterrupted keypresses without tactile bumps or audible clicks. In contrast, the WS Pearl stands out for its innovative design, utilizing ball-bearings to minimize friction, resulting in an exceptionally smooth keystroke experience that can be particularly satisfying for typists and gamers alike. With a medium-high pitched sound signature, the WS Pearl also provides a unique auditory experience. Both switches have their strengths: the Outemu Black for its solid performance under pressure and the WS Pearl for its silky-smooth operation. 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
65g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Black and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl, we can observe stark differences in the materials used for their top housings. The Outemu Black utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and translucency. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is clear and resonant, especially suited for enhancing RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the WS Pearl features a nylon top housing. Nylon, as a softer material, absorbs more sound, thereby resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile that delivers a deeper, fuller typing experience. As such, while both switches offer unique audible sensations, the Outemu Black is likely to appeal to those who prefer a crisp feedback, whereas the WS Pearl would suit users who enjoy a warm and rounded auditory experience.
Underneath, both switches boast nylon as their bottom housing material, which highlights a similarity between the two. Given that nylon is a classic choice, it consistently engenders a deeper and fuller sound experience across various switches. The characteristics of the nylon bottom housing significantly influence the how the overall sound is perceived when a key is bottomed out, contributing to a more subdued bottom-out sound. Despite their different top housing materials leading to contrasting sound profiles when releasing a key, the commonality of using nylon in the bottom housing means that users can expect a certain level of sound absorption and a rounded feel when typing—this will resonate across both switches, ensuring a cohesive experience from the base.
Ultimately, the combination of different materials in the top and bottom housings of both switches creates a diverse range of typing acoustics and sensations. The Outemu Black’s polycarbonate top housing provides a crisp sound during key release, enhancing the overall typing experience with a brighter tone. In contrast, the WS Pearl's nylon top brings a softer and more muted sonic character to the surface. At the same time, both switches benefit equally from nylon's sound-dampening properties in the bottom housing, ensuring that regardless of the top material’s sound profile, the underlying typing experience remains richer and fuller. Thus, while users will notice distinct differences during actual typing, the nylon bottom housing helps to establish a familiar and consistent tactile foundation across both options.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Black linear switch with its heavier actuation force of 65 grams and bottom out force of 82 grams to the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, which features a much lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, the differences in weight are quite pronounced. The Outemu Black, being considerably heavier, may be more suitable for users who prefer a stronger tactile feedback and a more substantial typing experience, making it a good choice for gamers and typists who enjoy more resistance. In contrast, the WS Pearl, with its lighter actuation force, is ideal for those who wish to type longer and with less fatigue, particularly in professional environments or during extended gaming sessions where quick response is valued. Overall, the Outemu Black is heavier than the WS Pearl, offering a distinctly different typing experience that caters to different user preferences.
Travel distance
The Outemu Black linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it one of the more traditional options available. In comparison, the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter and more in line with the recent trend of shorter travel distances favored by many gamers for their quicker response times. Therefore, if you prioritize a more tactile feedback and a deeper press, the Outemu Black may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if speed and responsiveness are your top concerns, the WS Pearl's shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm would be advantageous. Thus, while both switches cater to different preferences, the Outemu Black has a longer travel distance than the WS Pearl.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Black comes in at $3.10, 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 Outemu Black linear switch is relatively unobtrusive and quiet, which makes it suitable for environments where noise levels should be kept to a minimum. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch boasts a medium-high pitched sound signature that contributes to an engaging auditory experience without being overly loud. The unique ball-bearing mechanism in the WS Pearl helps to smooth out the sound profile during typing, but ultimately, the perception of sound can be influenced by the specific keyboard build and keycap materials used.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Black is characterized by a standard linear action without any tactile bump, providing a smooth and consistent keystroke throughout its travel. In contrast, the WS Pearl elevates this experience significantly with its ball-bearing design, resulting in a remarkably smooth keystroke that many users find to be almost surreal. This feature enhances the overall experience by reducing friction, allowing for effortless typing. While both switches are linear and therefore lack tactile feedback, the WS Pearl's innovative design offers a significantly enhanced sensation when pressed.
In conclusion, while both the Outemu Black and Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switches cater to users who prefer a smooth keypress without tactile feedback, they diverge in their sound profiles and overall feel. The Black is more subdued and conventional, ideal for quiet settings, while the WS Pearl provides an interesting auditory character and an exceptionally fluid typing experience thanks to its unique ball-bearing mechanism. If you're looking for a distinct typing experience in terms of sound and feel, the WS Pearl stands out, while the Black can serve well in more straightforward applications.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Outemu Black linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch largely depends on your preferences for typing feel and sound signature. If you prefer a heavier switch with a bottom-out force of 82 grams, the Outemu Black may be a better fit, especially if you value a more tactile response and are accustomed to a firmer feel while typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you lean towards a smoother, more effortless typing experience, the WS Pearl, with its 58 grams bottom-out force and ball-bearing mechanism, offers surreal smoothness that can enhance your overall typing comfort. The WS Pearl's medium-high pitched sound signature also contributes to a unique auditory experience, making it an appealing option for users who appreciate quieter, more refined keystrokes. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you favor the weight and resistance of the Outemu Black or the smooth and light feel of the WS Pearl, as each switch caters to distinct typing styles and preferences.
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