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Outemu Dustproof Brown vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl

An in-depth look at the Outemu Dustproof Brown and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Dustproof Brown and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl offer distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Dustproof Brown is celebrated for its tactile feedback, providing users with a noticeable bump at the actuation point, which can enhance typing accuracy and overall satisfaction. It's an ideal choice for gamers and typists alike who appreciate a responsive feel and want to avoid accidental key presses. On the other hand, the WS Pearl stands out with its innovative design featuring ball-bearings that minimize friction, resulting in a remarkably smooth keystroke experience. This linear switch is perfect for those who prefer a fluid keypress without tactile bumps, making it particularly appealing for fast-paced gaming or prolonged typing sessions where comfort is paramount. While both switches have their merits, offering different benefits tailored to users' needs, 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

45g

Actuation force

30g

Bottom-out force

65g

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

PCB (5-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 Brown and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl, a striking difference arises between their top housings. The Dustproof Brown opts for a polycarbonate top housing, which is known to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material’s stiffer nature allows for better resonance, lending itself well to the enhancement of RGB lighting effects due to its translucency. Conversely, the WS Pearl features a nylon top housing, which encapsulates a completely different auditory experience. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound, providing a deeper and fuller tone that contributes to a rounder sound profile during key operations. This fundamental divergence in material choice directly impacts the overall sound quality and aesthetics that users can expect from each switch.

Despite the differences seen in the top housing materials, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing construction. Both the Dustproof Brown and WS Pearl utilize nylon as their bottom housing material. This similarity leads to a comparable typing experience when it comes to sound profile, as the nylon's soft nature effectively absorbs sound and mitigates sharpness, resulting in a deeper, more resonant bottom-out feel regardless of the top housing material. The use of nylon for both switches ensures that users will experience a full bodied sound when they actuate the keys, thus making both options appealing to those who prioritize sound quality and a satisfying tactile experience.

The contrasting effects of the different top housing materials alongside the uniform use of nylon at the bottom illustrate how a switch’s sound profile can be influenced by its construction. Users who prefer a crisper, more pronounced auditory feedback may gravitate towards the Dustproof Brown due to its polycarbonate top. In contrast, those who appreciate a mellower and deeper sound experience would likely favor the WS Pearl with its nylon top housing. Ultimately, users seeking a rich auditory experience will find similar results in the bottom-out sounds of both switches, owing to the nylon bottom housing, while the top housing will dictate the uniqueness of the sound during the release of each key.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch to the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Dustproof Brown requires a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, positioning it as a medium-heavy option. In contrast, the WS Pearl is lighter, with an actuation force of just 30 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, making it a medium force switch. This means that for users who prefer a more tactile and substantial typing experience, the Dustproof Brown may be more appealing, while those who seek a feather-light keystroke for extended typing or gaming sessions might favor the WS Pearl. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences regarding typing feel and comfort during prolonged use.

Travel distance

The Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile 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 means that if you're looking for a more pronounced key press with a noticeable feel, the Dustproof Brown would be the better option due to its longer travel distance, which can provide a sense of depth and response that some users prefer. On the other hand, the WS Pearl, with its shorter travel distance, may be more appealing for gamers or those seeking quicker response times, although its reduced depth might feel too abrupt for others. Thus, if you value a more tactile experience, the Dustproof Brown would be the ideal choice, while the WS Pearl caters to those who favor speed over sensation.

Price comparison

Which switch is more bang for your buck?

For 10 switches, the Outemu Dustproof 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 Dustproof Brown tactile switch doesn’t have a distinct sound profile that stands out in conversations about mechanical switches. Instead, its sound quality tends to be more subdued and neutral, allowing it to blend well in various environments. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch is noted for its medium-high pitched sound signature, which adds a bright and crisp auditory element to each keystroke. It's important to consider that the overall sound experience can vary significantly based on the keyboard design and the choice of keycaps, so users may find their perfect sound through personalized setups.

When it comes to feel, the Dustproof Brown tactile switch tends to focus on providing a balanced tactile bump that helps guide the typist through the actuation point without being overly distracting. Though subjective experiences can vary, the tactile feedback is generally appreciated for its clarity during typing. The WS Pearl, on the other hand, offers a remarkably smooth keystroke experience thanks to its unique ball-bearing design that minimizes friction, giving it a luxurious feel as keys glide seamlessly under your fingers. Users who prefer a velvety experience while typing will find the WS Pearl unmatched in this regard.

Overall, the Outemu Dustproof Brown and Wuque Studio WS Pearl each cater to different preferences in sound and feel. While the Dustproof Brown provides a understated auditory experience with a tactile response that aids typing without being excessively jarring, the WS Pearl excels with its smoothness and a sound signature that stands out more prominently. For newcomers, the choice between tactile resistance and smooth key travel may lead to differing typist experiences, and how those preferences align with their typing style will greatly shape their satisfaction with either switch.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, it largely comes down to your typing preferences and the type of experience you’re seeking. If you favor a tactile response that provides noticeable feedback during key presses and can handle a medium-heavy force of 65 grams, the Dustproof Brown is an excellent choice, particularly for typing tasks where you want to feel the actuation point distinctly. Moreover, if you often work in dust-prone environments or appreciate durability in your switches, the dustproof feature adds significant value. On the other hand, if you prefer an exceptionally smooth typing experience with a lighter actuation force of 58 grams and appreciate that almost effortless keystroke feeling provided by ball-bearings, the WS Pearl is tailored for you. Its unique design also lends it a higher-pitched sound signature that may be more appealing for users who enjoy a modern auditory feedback during use. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize the tactile feedback and sturdiness of the Dustproof Brown or the ultra-smooth, quieter action of the WS Pearl for a more refined experience.

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