Outemu Ocean vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the Outemu Ocean and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Ocean and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Outemu Ocean is a tactile switch, appealing to users who enjoy a noticeable bump during actuation, which can enhance typing accuracy and provide satisfying feedback. In contrast, the WS Pearl is a linear switch renowned for its unique design incorporating ball-bearings that reduce friction, resulting in an exceptionally smooth keystroke experience. With a medium-high pitched sound signature, the WS Pearl promotes a quieter and more fluid typing experience, making it popular among gamers and typists who prefer silence during extensive use. Both switches have their advantages: the Outemu Ocean for those who crave tactile feedback and consistency, and the WS Pearl for users looking for seamless keystrokes. 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
55g
Actuation force
30g
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
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 Ocean and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl, it is evident that there are significant differences in the composition of their top housings. The Outemu Ocean features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its clarity and crisp sound profile due to its stiffer plastic nature. This allows the Ocean to produce sharper and more resonant sounds, making it a great choice for users seeking an expressive typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous for RGB lighting setups, as it can effectively diffuse the light for a visually appealing effect. In contrast, the WS Pearl employs a nylon top housing, which offers a rounder and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon results in more sound absorption, producing a deeper auditory experience that differs greatly from the sharper tones of polycarbonate.
Despite the diverse characteristics of their top housings, both the Outemu Ocean and WS Pearl utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This commonality leads to similar acoustic outcomes in how sound is perceived when typing. The nylon material inherently dampens sound, resulting in a more subdued bottom-out sound and feel. Both options combine the resonant properties of the top housing with the sound-absorbing qualities of nylon at the bottom, but the overall auditory experience is influenced heavily based on the top housing's material. While both switches provide a consistent and pleasant typing experience owing to their nylon bottoms, the difference in top housing material will impact the sensation and acoustics during use.
Ultimately, the Outemu Ocean and the WS Pearl demonstrate a contrast in their top housing materials while maintaining a similarity in their bottom housings. As such, the unique qualities of each switch become a blend of their respective materials: the sharper attack and clear resonance of the polycarbonate top in the Ocean juxtaposed against the full-bodied warmth of the nylon top in the Pearl. Users can anticipate a distinctive typing experience, whether they're drawn to the brighter landmarks of the Outemu Ocean or the deeper tones of the WS Pearl. Through this exploration of sound profiles and housing materials, it's clear that while they share some similarities, the differences between the two switches result in varied auditory experiences that cater to different preferences in the realm of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
In comparing the Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, we find notable differences in their actuation force. The Outemu Ocean requires a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, while the WS Pearl has a significantly lighter actuation force of just 30 grams. This difference can affect user experience; the lighter WS Pearl may be more suitable for individuals who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, while the heavier actuation force of the Ocean caters to those who prefer a more substantial push feel during typing. However, the bottom out force for the Outemu Ocean is unavailable, making it challenging to directly compare how far the switches can be pressed down before hitting the base. The WS Pearl's bottom out force is set at 58 grams, indicating a medium resistance when fully pressed. Overall, the WS Pearl stands out as the lighter option, ideal for ease of use during prolonged activities, while the Outemu Ocean appeals to users seeking a weightier keystroke experience.
Travel distance
The Outemu Ocean tactile switch boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the more traditional choice, while the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch offers a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference of 0.5 mm results in the Ocean providing a deeper, more substantial feel when typing, which some users might find more satisfying. Conversely, the shorter travel distance of the WS Pearl caters to those who prefer quicker key presses, often favored by gamers for its faster response times. If you're looking for a switch that offers a more pronounced travel experience, the Outemu Ocean is the way to go. However, if you lean towards a more responsive feel with less travel distance, the WS Pearl is the better option. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference for key depth versus rapid actuation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Ocean 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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch is notably silent, making it a suitable option for environments where noise is a concern, such as shared workspaces or late-night typing sessions. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch produces a medium-high pitched sound signature during use. This characteristic provides a distinctly different auditory experience, tailored more towards users who enjoy a more pronounced feedback with each keystroke. It's worth noting that the overall sound can vary significantly based on the choice of keyboard and keycaps, but you can generally expect a quieter typing experience with the Ocean compared to a more resonant tone from the WS Pearl.
When considering the feel of these switches, the Outemu Ocean's tactile feedback is somewhat undefined in this context but is generally noted for providing a robust tactile experience, aimed at those who prefer noticeable engagement with each keystroke. On the other hand, the WS Pearl stands out due to its unique use of ball-bearings, resulting in an incredibly smooth keystroke that reduces friction. This provides an almost gliding sensation during typing, which many users may find exhilarating compared to the Ocean. The tactile nature of the Ocean may cater to users who appreciate feedback, while the Pearl is for those who favor seamless motion.
In conclusion, both the Outemu Ocean and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences that will appeal to different types of keyboard enthusiasts. The Ocean provides a quieter environment with a reliable tactile response, whereas the WS Pearl boasts a smooth, frictionless feel that enhances the typing experience with its unique ball-bearing design. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, either switch can lead to a satisfying typing setup; however, choosing between them ultimately hinges on whether you value auditory feedback or an ultra-smooth keystroke more highly.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, your choice should hinge on your individual preferences for feel and sound while typing. If you enjoy a smooth, frictionless keystroke that feels almost effortless, the WS Pearl’s unique ball-bearing mechanism will likely appeal to you. It also features a medium-bottom-out force of 58 grams, which provides a satisfying resistance without being overly taxing on your fingers. This switch is ideal for both typing and gaming, especially if you prefer a quieter, subdued sound profile with its medium-high pitch. Conversely, if you are leaning towards a tactile experience that might not be as prominent in terms of bottom-out force and you appreciate a more nuanced feedback with softer sounds, the Outemu Ocean would be a fitting choice, despite the lack of detailed specifications provided. Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you value a unique, smooth linear action or a more tactile typing experience, allowing you to tailor your keyboard to your specific gaming and typing needs.
Mentioned in this article
