Outemu Dustproof Black vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the Outemu Dustproof Black and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, it’s essential to consider both performance and feel, and the Outemu Dustproof Black and Wuque Studio WS Pearl offer distinct experiences despite both being linear switches. The Dustproof Black is designed for users who appreciate durability and simplicity, presenting a straightforward keystroke experience without notable standout features. In contrast, the WS Pearl switches are a testament to innovation, featuring ball-bearings that significantly reduce friction during keystrokes, resulting in an exceptionally smooth typing sensation. Additionally, the WS Pearls produce a medium-high pitched sound signature, providing an audible feedback that some users find satisfying. While the Dustproof Black is ideal for those who prefer a straightforward and robust option, the WS Pearls cater to those seeking a more advanced, frictionless experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Dustproof Black and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl, we see a clear differentiation between the top housing materials. The Dustproof Black utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and ability to create a sharper, more vibrant sound profile. This enhances the overall auditory experience by resulting in crisper keystrokes, particularly beneficial for users who prioritize responsive feedback and clarity. In contrast, the WS Pearl features a nylon top housing, which tends to provide a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its softer and more sound-absorbent nature. This results in a more rounded keystroke sound, appealing to users who lean towards a softer typing experience.
Moving to the bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon, which offers consistent acoustic properties for the bottom-out sound and feel. In this case, both the Outemu Dustproof Black and WS Pearl share a similarity that influences the typing experience. As nylon is known for its sound-dampening qualities, both switches will deliver a deeper sound upon bottoming out, leading to a more cohesive auditory experience. This commonality in the bottom housing means that regardless of the differences in the top housings, users will receive a satisfying sensation and muted sound when pressing the keys down.
Overall, the differences between the Dustproof Black and WS Pearl predominantly lie in their top housing materials, which significantly impacts the sound profile while keying. Users who prefer a more pronounced crispness will gravitate toward the polycarbonate of the Dustproof Black, while those who enjoy a softer and deeper sound may find the nylon top of the WS Pearl more to their liking. However, the similarity in their bottom housing ensures that the typing experience remains consistent in terms of softness and fullness, creating an appealing blend of attributes from both switches.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that cater to different typing preferences. The Dustproof Black features a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a more substantial push feel when typing or gaming. In contrast, the WS Pearl has a significantly lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, appealing to those who favor a softer touch for longer typing sessions without fatigue. Overall, the Outemu Dustproof Black is heavier, while the WS Pearl is lighter, providing distinct experiences that users can choose based on their desired feel and usage context.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, there is a notable difference: the Dustproof Black features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Pearl offers a shorter 3.5 mm travel. This means that the Dustproof Black provides a more traditional and deeper key press experience, which some may find more satisfying and comfortable for typing or prolonged use. In contrast, the WS Pearl's shorter travel distance caters to gamers who prefer rapid response times for quicker actions and less finger fatigue. Therefore, if you favor a more responsive feel from your keyboard, the WS Pearl would be the better choice, whereas if you appreciate a deeper keystroke, the Outemu Dustproof Black is the way to go.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Dustproof 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 evaluating the sound profile of the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, the Dustproof Black does not have specific sound qualities detailed, leaving its auditory characteristics somewhat ambiguous. In contrast, the WS Pearl is known to produce a medium-high pitched sound that adds a unique dimension to the typing experience. It's important to recognize that the sound of each switch is also influenced by external factors such as the keyboard construction and keycap materials, which means users may have a varied acoustic experience regardless of the intrinsic qualities of the switches themselves.
Regarding tactile feel, the Outemu Dustproof Black lacks specific descriptions, making it challenging to assess its tactile feedback. However, the WS Pearl offers a remarkable experience due to its use of ball-bearings that significantly reduce friction, resulting in keystrokes that feel exceptionally smooth and effortless. This unique design results in a typing sensation that many users find pleasing, potentially outpacing the performance of conventional switches in terms of comfort and speed.
In summary, while the Outemu Dustproof Black lacks detailed insights into its sound and feel, the WS Pearl stands out due to its smooth keystroke experience and distinctive auditory signature. If you are drawn to a switch that prioritizes a silky typing experience, the WS Pearl is an excellent choice. However, the choice between the two should also consider personal preferences and the specific typing environment, as auditory and tactile experiences can vary significantly with different setups.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and intended usage. If you prefer a heavier keystroke and find satisfaction in the tangible feedback that comes with an 80-gram bottom-out force, the Dustproof Black may be the right choice for you. This switch can provide a more deliberate typing experience, which some users may find beneficial, especially in tasks that require precision and control. On the other hand, if you're looking for an exceptionally smooth typing experience, the WS Pearl is the way to go. With its innovative ball-bearing mechanism, the WS Pearl offers a remarkable reduction in friction, resulting in fluid keystrokes that can enhance your typing speed and comfort. Its medium bottom-out force of 58 grams also makes it suitable for prolonged use without fatigue. In terms of sound, the WS Pearl boasts a unique medium-high pitched sound signature that adds character to your typing experience, whereas specific acoustic characteristics of the Dustproof Black remain less defined. Ultimately, your choice should reflect how you enjoy typing—whether you lean towards the weighty, controlled feel of the Dustproof Black or the smooth, effortless glide of the WS Pearl.
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