Outemu Blue vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference, particularly between clicky and linear types. The Outemu Blue switch stands out with its distinct tactile feedback and audibly satisfying click, making it a favorite among typists who enjoy the sound and feel of each keystroke. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switch presents a different experience, characterized by its unique ball-bearing design that significantly reduces friction during keypresses, resulting in a smooth and seamless typing experience with a medium-high pitched sound. While the Outemu Blue is perfect for those who prefer an engaging auditory cue and tactile response, the WS Pearl caters to users seeking an ultra-smooth and quiet operation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
16mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Outemu Blue and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl, a stark contrast emerges in their choice of top housing materials. The Outemu Blue utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. This stiffer plastic not only enhances resonance but also provides an aesthetically pleasing translucent quality, making it ideal for RGB lighting applications. In stark contrast, the WS Pearl opts for a nylon top housing. This traditional material is characterized by its softer nature, allowing it to absorb sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper, fuller sound profile. Users of the WS Pearl may find the auditory experience to be more rounded and warm compared to the more piercing notes generated by the Outemu Blue.
Both switches, however, share a commonality in their bottom housing material: nylon. The repetition of nylon in the bottom housing of both the Outemu Blue and the WS Pearl creates a complementary dynamic when it comes to sound performance. As the bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out feel and sound, the muted characteristics of nylon will infuse both switches with a rich and deep tone upon key press. This shared material creates a cohesive experience that emphasizes the softer qualities, even though the overall auditory profiles of the two switches diverge due to the differing top housing materials.
Ultimately, while the Outemu Blue and WS Pearl employ different top housing materials leading to distinct sound characteristics, their shared nylon bottom housing fosters a deeper connection between them. The nylon in both switches contributes a consistent, fuller sound upon bottoming out, ensuring that the overall tactile feedback is reminiscent of a traditional typing experience. Thus, even with contrasting top materials, users can enjoy wonderfully unique auditory sensations molded by how the top and bottom housings interact when pressed, each switch providing an engaging typing experience that is meticulously tailored to distinct preferences.
Weight
The Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to distinct user preferences. The Outemu Blue requires an actuation force of 50 grams, while the WS Pearl is lighter at 30 grams. This difference means that users who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended sessions may find the WS Pearl to be more comfortable, while those who enjoy a firmer feel may gravitate towards the heavier Blue switch. However, the bottom out force for the Outemu Blue is unavailable, making a direct comparison in that regard challenging. The WS Pearl has a bottom out force of 58 grams, indicating a more substantial feedback when fully pressed, which might appeal to users favoring a solid keystroke acknowledgment. Overall, the Outemu Blue is the heavier option, while the WS Pearl is lighter, making them suitable for different typing preferences and use cases.
Travel distance
The Outemu Blue clicky switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference indicates that the Outemu Blue provides a more pronounced key press, contributing to a deeper tactile experience, which can be particularly appealing to typists or users who prefer a more substantial feedback. In contrast, the WS Pearl's 3.5 mm travel distance allows for quicker key presses, making it a suitable choice for gamers seeking faster response times. Those who favor a snappier performance might gravitate toward the WS Pearl, while individuals who enjoy the traditional, hearty feel of a deeper switch would likely prefer the Outemu Blue. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Blue 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 Blue switch is characterized by a distinct and sharp click, producing a pronounced auditory feedback that many typists find satisfying. This clicky sound adds a layer of engagement to typing, often making it a preferred choice for those who appreciate an audible confirmation of each keypress. Conversely, the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switch has a medium-high pitched sound signature that, while less pronounced, still carries a pleasing tone. The WS Pearl’s sound is subtler compared to the Outemu Blue, making it a great option for users who prefer a quieter experience without sacrificing feedback.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Blue switch is known for its tactile bump and click, giving users a clear indication of actuation with each keystroke. This tactile quality is appealing for detailed typing tasks, as it allows for a more pronounced engagement with each key. On the other hand, the WS Pearl switch features an incredibly smooth and frictionless keystroke due to its incorporation of ball-bearings, which creates a more gliding motion when typing. This can result in a faster and more fluid typing experience, making it ideal for those who value speed and smoothness over tactile feedback.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch hinges on personal preference regarding sound and feel. The Outemu Blue is perfect for those who enjoy the auditory feedback and tactile response during typing, while the WS Pearl offers a unique smoothness that may appeal to users who seek a quieter and more effortless typing experience. Each switch caters to different typing styles and preferences, ensuring that there is a suitable option for every kind of typist.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy tactile feedback and the satisfying, distinctive click that accompanies each keystroke, the Outemu Blue may be the right choice for you. This switch is ideal for typists who appreciate an auditory cue while typing, making it suitable for environments where you won’t disturb others too much. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, quieter typing experience with minimal resistance, the WS Pearl linear switch would be the better option. Its unique ball-bearing design provides an incredibly smooth keystroke, perfect for gamers or those who type for long periods without the distraction of audible clicks. Consider what aspects are most important to you—if sound and tactile feedback bring you joy, lean towards the Outemu Blue; but if you prioritize smoothness and a refined, quiet experience, the WS Pearl is likely your best bet.
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