Outemu Dustproof Red vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the Outemu Dustproof Red and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch that enhances your typing or gaming experience, two notable options are the Outemu Dustproof Red and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl, both of which are linear switches. The Dustproof Red is designed for a straightforward and reliable keystroke, offering a consistent feel that many typists appreciate for its lack of tactile bumps or audible clicks, making it suitable for both quiet office settings and intense gaming sessions. On the other hand, the WS Pearl stands out with its unique ball-bearing design, which significantly reduces friction during keystrokes, delivering a notably smooth typing experience that can feel almost otherworldly. Additionally, the WS Pearl switches produce a medium-high pitched sound signature, adding a subtle auditory dimension to your keystrokes. Both switches cater to different preferences: if you value simplicity and consistency, the Dustproof Red may be your best choice, while the WS Pearl might appeal to those seeking a touch of innovation and unparalleled smoothness. 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
45g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
60g
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 Outemu Dustproof Red and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl, the differences in their top housing materials play a significant role in defining their sound profiles. The Dustproof Red features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and optical qualities, that produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This resonates particularly well in setups that utilize RGB lighting, thanks to the material’s translucency. In contrast, the WS Pearl utilizes a nylon top housing that yields a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound, resulting in a more muted and rounded auditory experience. Thus, while the Dustproof Red excels in brightness and clarity, the WS Pearl offers a warmer, more subdued sound.
Both switches share the same nylon bottom housing, contributing to a consistent acoustic experience across the two models, albeit with slightly different characteristics owing to the top housing materials. The nylon material, being softer, helps to absorb sound, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile in both switches. This shared bottom housing helps unify the tactile feedback and overall acoustics felt during key presses, ensuring that both switches deliver a satisfying bottom-out sound that is rich and rounded. While the nylon bottoms produce a consistent warm bass note across both switches, it is the contrasting top housing materials that introduce the key differences in sound enjoyment.
Ultimately, the interplay between the two separate housing materials in each switch dictates how users experience sound and feel when typing. The Dustproof Red's polycarbonate top imparts a crisper tone while its nylon bottom complements with a warmer depth, creating a balanced auditory profile. On the other hand, the WS Pearl’s nylon top softens sound further, synergizing with its bottom layer to provide an overall fuller experience. This means that, even though both switches contain nylon in their bottoms and achieve a similar bottom-out sound, the difference in their top housings results in distinct acoustic signatures. Hence, enthusiasts may select their preferred model based on whether they lean towards a brighter or a deeper sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, we can observe some notable differences in their actuation forces, while their bottom out forces are relatively close. The Dustproof Red requires an actuation force of 45 grams, making it heavier than the WS Pearl, which has a lighter actuation force of just 30 grams. This means that users who favor a lighter pressing action may find the WS Pearl more comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions. In terms of bottom-out forces, the Dustproof Red has a bottom-out force of 60 grams, slightly heavier than the WS Pearl’s 58 grams. While both switches provide a medium bottom-out experience, the Dustproof Red's overall heavier force might appeal more to those who enjoy a substantial typing feel, compared to the lighter, quicker response of the WS Pearl that could be advantageous for long periods of use.
Travel distance
The Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch exhibit differing travel distances, with the Dustproof Red measuring 4 mm, while the WS Pearl measures 3.5 mm. This means that when pressing down on the keys, the Dustproof Red provides a deeper key press experience, catering to users who prefer a more pronounced feedback and movement, which can feel more substantial during use. Conversely, the WS Pearl's shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm may offer quicker response times, making it a favorable choice for gamers who prioritize speed in their keystrokes. Essentially, if you prefer a more responsive feel, the WS Pearl is the better option, while the Dustproof Red is suited for those who enjoy a fuller travel sensation. Therefore, the Outemu Dustproof Red is the longer switch in terms of travel distance, while the WS Pearl is the shorter one.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Dustproof Red 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 Dustproof Red linear switch does not have a specific sound profile widely noted, making it difficult to benchmark against other options. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switch produces a medium-high pitched sound signature, which can offer a distinctive auditory feedback that some users may find appealing. It's essential to recognize that the overall sound experience can also be influenced by the type of keyboard, the materials used for keycaps, and the construction of the board itself, so while the WS Pearl may have a more identifiable sound, the Dustproof Red could still provide an adequately pleasant aural experience.
Regarding feel, the Dustproof Red lacks a precisely defined tactile feedback characteristic, leaving an impression of generic linearity that may not stand out to enthusiasts looking for a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Pearl excels in this area with its innovative ball-bearing design, which significantly reduces friction during keystrokes. This engineering results in a feel that is described as surreally smooth, allowing for rapid and effortless typing that can enhance overall performance and enjoyment during use.
In summary, while both the Outemu Dustproof Red and Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switches offer linear keystrokes, they present different experiences. The WS Pearl stands out with its recognized smoothness and distinctive sound profile, thanks to its ball-bearing mechanism, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a premium typing experience. In comparison, the Dustproof Red may appeal to users looking for a simple and reliable linear switch without the specific nuances, though its qualities remain less defined. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a unique feel and auditory quality or a straightforward, reliable switch.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, it's essential to consider your typing preferences and the experience you seek. If you prefer a balanced actuation force, the Dustproof Red with its 60-gram bottom-out force provides a reliable and comfortable experience suitable for both typing and gaming. However, if you prioritize an exceptionally smooth keystroke with minimal friction, the WS Pearl is unmatched, thanks to its unique ball-bearing design that delivers a surreal typing sensation. While both switches offer a medium activation force, the WS Pearl excels in sound and feel, producing a medium-high pitched signature and a uniquely refined tactile experience. Thus, if you enjoy a quieter, buttery smooth typing experience, the WS Pearl may be the better choice. Conversely, if you seek an all-around solid switch that balances performance and endurance, you can’t go wrong with the Dustproof Red. Ultimately, your decision should align with how you plan to use your keyboard—whether for casual typing, intense gaming, or a mix of both.
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