Outemu Purple vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the Outemu Purple and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing or gaming experience, the Outemu Purple and Wuque Studio WS Pearl couldn't be more different. The Outemu Purple is a tactile switch designed to provide a distinct feedback upon actuation, making it an excellent choice for writers and gamers who prefer a more pronounced feel to their keystrokes. On the other hand, the WS Pearl is a linear switch that utilizes ball-bearings to drastically reduce friction, resulting in an incredibly smooth typing experience that is often described as surreal. This smoothness, combined with a medium-high pitched sound signature, makes the WS Pearl ideal for those who prefer silent and effortless strokes, perfect for long typing sessions or for use in quieter environments. While both switches cater to different preferences and styles, a deeper exploration of their unique characteristics, such as actuation force and sound profiles, will help you determine which switch best suits your needs. 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
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
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
The housing materials of the Outemu Purple and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl show distinct differences in their top housings, leading to variations in the acoustic characteristics of each switch. The Outemu Purple features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and translucency, which results in a sharper and crisper sound profile. This property enhances the resonance of the switch, allowing for a clear auditory feedback, especially beneficial when RGB lighting is incorporated. In contrast, the WS Pearl employs a nylon top housing, which is celebrated for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than polycarbonate, thus yielding a duller, rounder auditory experience. This difference in material leads to contrasting auditory profiles when typing, thereby offering distinct feedback and aesthetic results.
Interestingly, both the Outemu Purple and WS Pearl utilize nylon for their bottom housings, and this shared material results in similar sound qualities in that specific area. The nylon bottom housing contributes to the overall typing experience by absorbing sound, creating a deeper, fuller, and somewhat muted bottom-out sound. This shared characteristic will produce similar bottom-out sensations, regardless of the differences present in the top housings. Therefore, while the top housing dictates how the switch sounds upon release, the bottom housing acts to soften the impact felt when the switch is pressed down, creating a balanced feel across both models.
Overall, the differences in top housings between the Outemu Purple and WS Pearl produce distinct sound profiles, with the former emphasizing clarity and brightness, while the latter focuses on a warmer, deeper tone. However, the consistent use of nylon for the bottom housings ensures that despite the contrasting sound qualities from the top components, users can expect a cohesive experience during key presses. The interplay of materials in these switches illustrates how the combination can yield nuanced variations in user experience, allowing enthusiasts to choose switches that align with their personal auditory preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Purple tactile switch to the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, we see notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Outemu Purple has an actuation force of 50 grams but lacks data on its bottom out force, making it challenging to fully assess its performance. In contrast, the WS Pearl boasts a lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, categorized as medium. Consequently, the WS Pearl is the lighter option overall, making it potentially more suitable for prolonged typing sessions or gaming, as users may find it less fatiguing. In contrast, the Outemu Purple, with its heavier actuation force, may appeal to those who prefer more resistance and a more substantial typing experience. While both switches trigger keystrokes at different actuation points, the varying bottom out forces and lack of data for the Purple indicate distinct tactile experiences.
Travel distance
The Outemu Purple 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 when pressing the keys, the Purple switch provides a deeper and more pronounced feel, which can be appealing for those who prefer a more substantial keypress experience. In contrast, the WS Pearl's shorter travel distance offers a quicker response and a snappier feel, making it potentially more suitable for gamers looking for rapid key actuation. Therefore, for users prioritizing responsiveness, the WS Pearl will be the better choice; however, those who enjoy a more substantial depth and tactile feedback may gravitate towards the Outemu Purple.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Purple 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 Purple switch doesn't have a notable sound profile associated with it, meaning it may be considered relatively neutral, allowing the user to hear the sound of their keystrokes without any distinctive characteristics. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switch offers a medium-high pitched sound signature, which can add an engaging auditory element to typing. It is important to note that the acoustic qualities can be influenced by various factors, such as the choice of keyboard housing and keycaps, which means that both switches can exhibit different sound characteristics depending on their environment.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Purple switch lacks specific descriptive qualities, making it hard to pinpoint its tactile feedback and overall response during use. In contrast, the WS Pearl switch stands out with its unique design that incorporates ball bearings, significantly reducing friction during keystrokes. This innovation results in an exceptionally smooth typing experience that is often described as surreal. Users often appreciate the tactile feedback offered by switches, which can contribute to finger comfort and overall typing satisfaction, although the Outemu Purple switch remains less defined in this aspect.
In summary, while the Outemu Purple switch does not possess discernible sound or feel characteristics, the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switch is defined by its medium-high pitched sound and uniquely smooth keystrokes due to its ball-bearing mechanism. For those who seek a switch with defined auditory and tactile characteristics, the WS Pearl is an excellent choice, while the Purple may appeal to those preferring a more understated experience. Ultimately, users seeking specific qualities such as sound and feel will find the WS Pearl to be a standout option in comparison to the somewhat ambiguous characteristics of the Outemu Purple.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and intended use. If you enjoy a tactile feedback that emphasizes actuation without being overly noisy, the Purple switch may be a suitable choice, especially for typing and office tasks where you need to feel when a key is activated. However, it's important to note that without specific sound and feel descriptions, your experience might be subjective. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth keystroke experience, the WS Pearl switch is the way to go. Featuring ball-bearings that reduce friction, the WS Pearl offers an incredibly unique and fluid typing experience, accompanied by a medium-high pitched sound that can be more pleasant for gaming or prolonged typing sessions. Additionally, the medium bottom-out force of the WS Pearl provides a balanced feeling that may appeal to a wider range of users. Therefore, if you seek a blend of smoothness and sound without significant tactile feedback, opt for the WS Pearl. In essence, choose the Outemu Purple for a tactile yet less precise experience, and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl for a seamlessly smooth and enjoyable typing journey.
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