Outemu Milk Blue vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the Outemu Milk Blue and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly influence your typing experience. On one hand, the Outemu Milk Blue switch is a clicky switch that offers a distinct tactile feedback and an audible click, making it an excellent choice for typists who appreciate a satisfying keystroke sound and feel. This switch can enhance typing accuracy and provide an engaging experience for those who enjoy a more interactive sound profile. Conversely, the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switch is a linear switch that stands out for its innovative design featuring ball-bearings, which minimize friction and allow for an exceptionally smooth keystroke. This results in a quiet and fluid typing experience, making it ideal for users who prefer stealth and speed over audible feedback. While both switches cater to different preferences—one emphasizing tactile and auditory feedback and the other focusing on smoothness and quiet operation—knowing which characteristics align with your typing style is crucial. 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
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 housing materials of the Outemu Milk Blue and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl, a clear distinction can be observed in their top housings. The Milk Blue utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, lauded for its stiffness and translucency. This material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it particularly beneficial for RGB enthusiasts, as the clear nature of polycarbonate allows light to beautifully diffuse through the switch. Conversely, the WS Pearl features a nylon top housing, known for its softer composition, which dampens sound and produces a deeper, fuller sound profile. The contrasting properties between these materials reveal that while the Milk Blue emphasizes brightness and clarity, the WS Pearl leans towards warmth and depth in sound.
When analyzing the bottom housings, both the Milk Blue and the WS Pearl utilize nylon, showcasing consistency in their choice of material. Nylon, recognized as a classic in switch designs, absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. This similarity in bottom housing contributes to a cohesive feel when typing, promoting a deeper bottom-out sound for both switches. Despite the difference in their top housings, the shared nylon bottom ensures that users will enjoy a full-bodied acoustic response when pressing keys on either switch.
Ultimately, the interaction between the top and bottom housings produces a nuanced typing experience for both switches. The Milk Blue's polycarbonate top promotes a resonant and melodic release, effectively complementing the rich and rounded sound provided by its nylon bottom. In contrast, the WS Pearl's combination of nylon top and bottom produces a consistent and mellow typographical effect from top to bottom. While the switches differ in sound projections due to their unique top housing materials, the end results reveal that the Milk Blue and WS Pearl can still deliver satisfying auditory experiences rooted in the common characteristics of their nylon bottom housings.
Weight
The Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch present notable differences in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, which could influence user preference based on typing style and comfort. The Milk Blue has an actuation force of 50 grams, making it a heavier option that provides a more substantial push feel, which some typists may prefer for its tactile feedback during prolonged use. In contrast, the WS Pearl features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams, making it easier to press, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming where quick keystrokes are essential. However, the bottom out force for the Milk Blue is unavailable, whereas the WS Pearl has a bottom out force of 58 grams, indicating that it requires more pressure to fully engage than the Milk Blue's unknown measurement. Thus, while the Milk Blue provides a generally heavier typing experience, the WS Pearl stands out as the lighter option, potentially offering greater comfort for those who favor minimal effort during long periods of typing or gaming.
Travel distance
The Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch features a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference in travel distance offers distinct typing experiences: the Milk Blue provides a more traditional feel with its longer travel, giving users a satisfying depth that some may find more enjoyable. In contrast, the WS Pearl’s 3.5 mm travel caters to those who favor a quicker and more responsive keystroke, which can be advantageous for gamers seeking faster reaction times. Ultimately, if one prefers a deeper and more tactile response, the Milk Blue would be the better choice; however, for those who lean towards quicker key presses, the WS Pearl is the more favorable option.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Milk 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
The Outemu Milk Blue switch is characterized by a sound profile that evokes a pleasant click, commonly associated with traditional clicky switches. This click sound accentuates every keystroke, providing audible feedback that many typists appreciate for its satisfying timbre. In comparison, the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switch produces a medium-high pitched sound signature that can be described as smooth and refined. The combination of the click of the Milk Blue with the more nuanced audio of the WS Pearl showcases how diverse the auditory experience can be with mechanical keyboards, though the actual sound can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycap material.
In terms of tactile feel, the Milk Blue switch tends to have a pronounced tactile bump that signifies the actuation point, which can enhance typing accuracy and provide a more traditional mechanical keyboard experience. This tactile feedback can be especially enjoyable for those who enjoy a more interactive feel when typing. Conversely, the WS Pearl is known for its remarkably smooth keystrokes, thanks to the innovative use of ball-bearings that significantly reduce friction during use. This creates a unique, gliding sensation as you type, making it particularly appealing for users who favor a fluid and seamless experience over tactile feedback.
In summary, both the Outemu Milk Blue and Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Milk Blue is ideal for typists who enjoy a pronounced click and tactile feedback, while the WS Pearl appeals to those who seek a smooth and effortless keystroke. Despite their differences in sound and feel, each switch can provide a satisfying experience depending on individual typing style and preferences. When choosing between the two, consider what aspects, whether auditory or tactile, are most important to your mechanical keyboard journey.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you enjoy an audible click with tactile feedback, the Milk Blue may be the way to go. This switch offers an engaging experience that can enhance your overall typing satisfaction, making it ideal for typists who appreciate the sound and feel of their keystrokes. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and quiet experience, the WS Pearl would be better suited for you. With its innovative ball-bearing mechanism, this switch provides exceptionally smooth keystrokes that are perfect for both gaming and typing situations where speed and fluidity are crucial. Additionally, if you tend to type for extended periods, the WS Pearl’s medium bottom-out force of 58 grams may reduce fatigue compared to the potentially more straining clicks of the Milk Blue. In essence, choose the Milk Blue for a tactile, auditory experience and the WS Pearl for a seamless, efficient feel—both paths lead to satisfying typing experiences tailored to your style.
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