Outemu Milk Tea vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the Outemu Milk Tea and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboards, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between the tactile feedback of the Outemu Milk Tea switch and the incredibly smooth experience offered by the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switch. The Milk Tea switch, while lacking a standout feature, is celebrated for its tactile responsiveness, making it an excellent choice for typists who prefer a little more feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the WS Pearl switch is notable for its innovative use of ball-bearings to minimize friction, creating an extraordinarily fluid typing experience characterized by a medium-high pitched sound signature. While the Milk Tea switch caters to those who appreciate tactile sensations and a sense of "bump" during typing, the WS Pearl attracts users seeking seamless and whisper-quiet operation. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Ly
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 Milk Tea and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl, the distinctions in their top housings stand out prominently. The Outemu Milk Tea features a Ly top housing, a newer material known for producing a brighter sound signature. This characteristic results in prominent, resonant clacks when typing, giving every keypress a distinct and lively auditory quality. On the other hand, the WS Pearl utilizes a nylon top housing, which is more traditional in the world of switch housings. The nylon housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound and thus providing a sound that is duller and rounder compared to the sharpness of the Milk Tea's Ly material. These differences indicate that the Milk Tea may cater to users seeking a lively typing experience, while the WS Pearl could appeal to those who prefer a more subdued, cohesive sound.
Turning to the bottom housings of these switches, both the Outemu Milk Tea and the WS Pearl boast nylon, which is renowned for its sound-dampening qualities and deeper sound profile. Since both switches employ this classic material for their bottom housing, the acoustic results will converge in certain aspects. The softer nature of the nylon allows these switches to absorb noise effectively, leading to a satisfying sensation that emphasizes the bottom-out feel regardless of the distinct top housing characteristics. In both cases, users will likely experience a fulfilling typing sound when bottoming out, highlighting the qualities that nylon imparts to the switch's performance. This ensures that while the top housings may produce divergent sound signatures, the bottom housings create a certain degree of acoustic harmony.
In essence, the combined usage of different top materials with a shared nylon bottom housing means that users will experience a blend of qualities from both configurations. With the Outemu Milk Tea's bright and resonant top housing contrasted against the WS Pearl's deeper sound, each switch presents distinct auditory experiences. However, when both switches are pressed to their base, the nylon's inherent qualities will unify the overall sound profile, resulting in a satisfying typing sensation common to both switches. This exemplifies how variations in housing materials can lead to unique typing experiences while still maintaining some fundamental similarities derived from the same base material.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Milk Tea switch requires an actuation force of 45 grams, while the WS Pearl features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams. This difference in actuation force suggests that the WS Pearl is better suited for users who prefer a lighter touch, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming, whereas the Milk Tea may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial feel during use. In terms of bottom out forces, the Milk Tea switch does not have this information available, while the WS Pearl has a bottom out force of 58 grams. Hence, without the bottom out force for the Milk Tea, we cannot draw a direct comparison there. However, it can be inferred that the WS Pearl has a more defined bottoming out sensation due to its known force. Overall, the WS Pearl is the lighter switch with a more pronounced bottom out experience, making it suitable for a different typing preference than the heavier, albeit less defined, Milk Tea tactile switch.
Travel distance
The Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference in travel distance reflects the preferences of different users: the Milk Tea switch offers a more pronounced depth, making it ideal for those who enjoy a hearty keystroke feel. On the other hand, the WS Pearl switch, with its shorter travel, caters to gamers and users who prioritize responsiveness and quicker actuation times. Therefore, if you prefer a more traditional experience with a more substantial click, the Milk Tea is the better option, whereas the WS Pearl is suited for those who favor speed and a snappier response. In this comparison, the Milk Tea has the longer travel distance, while the WS Pearl is the shorter.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Milk Tea 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 sound profile of the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch has yet to be specifically defined, making it difficult to provide a detailed comparison. However, the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch produces a medium-high pitched sound that is often described as pleasant and smooth during use. The sound quality from these switches, while influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, is generally noted to be more refined due to their design, which incorporates ball-bearings to enhance the keystroke experience.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Milk Tea switch's tactile characteristics remain unspecified, leaving its tactile feedback open to interpretation. In contrast, the WS Pearl's feel is distinctively characterized by its incredibly smooth keystrokes, a direct result of the innovative ball-bearing mechanism that minimizes friction. This creates a fluid typing experience that many users find pleasurable, especially when compared to traditional linear switches that might feel more consistent but less dynamic.
In summary, while the Outemu Milk Tea switch lacks detailed descriptions of its sound and feel qualities, the WS Pearl linear switch stands out for its medium-high pitched sound and remarkably smooth keystrokes due to its unique construction. For those seeking a tactile experience, the Milk Tea may still hold its own, but the WS Pearl clearly excels in its innovative design and auditory profile. Ultimately, the right switch for a newcomer depends on their personal preference for sound and tactile feedback in their typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a tactile feedback with a potentially lighter touch, making it great for both typing and casual gaming, the Milk Tea could be the ideal option for you. However, if you're seeking a smoother, more fluid keystroke experience with a satisfying medium resistance, the WS Pearl is designed to deliver that thanks to its unique ball-bearing mechanism. This switch is particularly suited for fast-paced gaming or intensive typing tasks where reduced friction can significantly enhance your performance. Remember, the sound profile can also play a role in your choice; while the Milk Tea's sound characteristics remain unspecified, the WS Pearl is known for its medium-high pitched sound, adding to the overall experience. Ultimately, assess your typing habits and environment to determine which switch aligns best with your preferences.
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