Outemu Crystal Brown vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing preferences, two noteworthy options are the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl. The Crystal Brown is a tactile switch, renowned for providing a satisfying bump that indicates actuation, making it a great choice for typists who appreciate feedback with each keystroke. In contrast, the WS Pearl is a linear switch that stands out for its innovative use of ball-bearings, which significantly reduces friction during keystrokes, resulting in an exceptionally smooth typing experience. While the Crystal Brown may appeal to those who enjoy a tactile and audible feedback, the WS Pearl caters to users who prefer a quieter and more fluid keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
The Outemu Crystal Brown and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches exhibit distinct characteristics due to their differing top housing materials. The Crystal Brown employs polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that tends to resonate with clarity. This is largely attributed to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which enhances the switch's acoustic performance when paired with RGB lighting, emphasizing its translucent aesthetic. Conversely, the WS Pearl utilizes nylon as its top housing material, leading to a sound profile that is deeper and fuller. As a softer plastic, nylon absorbs more sound, contributing to a rounder and duller auditory experience. Thus, while both switches have a distinct sound profile, the Crystal Brown's use of polycarbonate sharpens its sound, while the WS Pearl's nylon softens it.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl utilize nylon, which provides a more consistent sound experience in this regard. This shared material choice leads to the switches exhibiting a deeper and fuller sound profile when bottoming out. Both switches benefit similarly from the acoustic properties of nylon, which dampens sound and reduces sharpness, resulting in a controlled auditory output when the keys are pressed down. Therefore, despite the difference in the top housing materials, the nylon bottom housing serves to unify the two switches’ auditory qualities to some extent, focusing on delivering a rounded sound during key presses.
Ultimately, the contrasting top housing materials of polycarbonate versus nylon in the Outemu Crystal Brown and Wuque Studio WS Pearl highlights different approaches to sound design in mechanical switches. While the polycarbonate top of the Crystal Brown creates a more vibrant and articulate sound, the nylon top of the WS Pearl offers a comforting and muted response. However, with both switches sharing nylon in their bottom housings, users can expect a similar tactile response and foundational sound that tempers the overall auditory experience. Thus, the choice between these two switches hinges on the preference for a sharper versus a rounder auditory output, while the common bottom housing guarantees a consistent performance in terms of depth and fullness of sound.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch to the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Crystal Brown features an actuation force of 45 grams, which is heavier than the WS Pearl's lighter actuation force of 30 grams. This means that the Crystal Brown requires more effort to initiate a keystroke compared to the Pearl, potentially appealing to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In terms of bottom out force, the Crystal Brown reaches 55 grams, while the WS Pearl has a slightly higher bottom out force of 58 grams. This could suggest that both switches provide a decent level of feedback when bottoming out, but the Pearl's slightly greater force may contribute to a different feel during extensive typing sessions. Overall, the Crystal Brown is the heavier switch and could be a better choice for those desiring a firmer touch, while the lighter WS Pearl may suit users looking for a more effortless typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, the differences are notable. The Crystal Brown features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Pearl has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that users of the WS Pearl may experience faster response times, which is often favored by gamers seeking heightened performance. In contrast, those who prefer a more substantial feel and a deeper key press may find the 4 mm travel distance of the Crystal Brown more appealing. Ultimately, if you're looking for quicker actuation, the WS Pearl's shorter distance will provide a more responsive experience, whereas the Crystal Brown offers a more traditional and hearty depth in key presses.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Crystal Brown 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
The Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch does not have any specific sound qualities that set it apart, which may align it with a more muted and less pronounced auditory feedback compared to some other tactile switches on the market. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch offers a medium-high pitched sound signature, which can provide a more engaging auditory experience during typing, though the overall sound can still be influenced by factors like the board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Crystal Brown’s characteristics remain unspecified, which makes it difficult to provide a direct comparison in tactile feedback. However, the WS Pearl switch distinguishes itself with its unique design featuring ball-bearings that significantly reduce friction during keystrokes, resulting in an exceptionally smooth feel. This smoothness can provide a satisfying typing experience for users who prefer linear switches, enhancing the fluidity of each keystroke.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Crystal Brown may not offer distinct qualities in terms of sound or feel, those seeking a basic tactile experience may find it appealing. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Pearl stands out for its smoothness and auditory engagement, making it a compelling option for users who prioritize a seamless and enjoyable typing experience. If you are looking for a specific auditory or tactile feedback, the WS Pearl provides a clear advantage, but both switches can cater to different preferences depending on what you are seeking in your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and intended use. If you seek a switch that offers a tactile bump to enhance your typing experience without being overly heavy, the Crystal Brown, with its medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, could be the perfect fit. It’s great for those who enjoy the feedback of tactile switches while still maintaining a relatively lighter feel. Conversely, if you prioritize a smooth and effortless keypress, the WS Pearl’s unique ball-bearing design provides a fluid keystroke that can significantly enhance your gaming or typing experience, especially if you prefer linear switches. The slightly heavier bottom out force of 58 grams adds a sense of control and consistency, making it suitable for prolonged use without fatigue. In terms of sound, if you prefer a more subdued yet pleasant sound profile that comes with tactile switches, the Crystal Brown will serve you well. However, if you're attracted to a higher-pitched auditory feedback that the WS Pearl offers, you'll likely find it more satisfying. In the end, your decision should reflect whether you value the tactile feedback and lighter actuation of the Crystal Brown or the unrivaled smoothness and unique sound signature of the WS Pearl.
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