Outemu Purple vs. Wuque Studio WS POM+
An in-depth look at the Outemu Purple and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Outemu Purple and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ highlights two distinct typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Outemu Purple, recognized for its tactile feedback, offers a responsive and engaging feel that many typists and gamers appreciate, making it a solid choice for those who enjoy a pronounced bump on activation. On the other hand, the WS POM+ is best known for its all-POM construction, producing a unique "thock" sound and a buttery-smooth keystroke, ideal for those who favor a more fluid and quieter typing experience without the tactile resistance. While the Outemu Purple appeals to users seeking feedback and precision, the WS POM+ attracts those who prioritize seamless and satisfying key presses. 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Purple and the Wuque Studio WS POM+, one can clearly identify notable differences in both the top and bottom housings. The Outemu Purple features a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate allows for clearer resonance, making it an excellent choice for those who value pronounced auditory feedback, especially when RGB lighting is employed due to its translucency. In contrast, the WS POM+ utilizes a POM top housing, which contributes to a deeper and more muted sound profile. While polycarbonate enhances brightness and clarity, POM provides a more subdued, intimate audio experience, showcasing how different materials can drastically affect the perceived sound characteristics of a switch.
When looking at the bottom housings, the differences become even more pronounced. The Outemu Purple employs a nylon bottom housing, which is celebrated for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer composition of nylon absorbs sound waves more effectively, rendering a duller and rounder tonal quality. On the contrary, the WS POM+ also features a POM bottom housing, which similarly contributes to a unique sound profile that is deep and relatively muted, though it lacks the additional warmth that nylon provides. Thus, while both switches share the POM material in their bottom housing, the Outemu Purple’s nylon element creates a more resonant and richer sound experience, while the WS POM+ retains the characteristically smooth and consistent POM auditory footprint.
In essence, the combination of top and bottom housing materials in these switches emphasizes different auditory traits. The Outemu Purple benefits from its interplay of a clear polycarbonate top housing with a nylon bottom housing, leading to a bright yet rich sound experience. In contrast, the WS POM+ utilizes a consistent approach with both top and bottom made from POM, producing a cohesive deep and muted auditory profile. Ultimately, while both switches deliver distinct auditory signatures, the precise combination of materials fundamentally alters how users will perceive sound when typing or gaming, demonstrating the significant impact that housing materials can have on keyboard performance and sound quality.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Outemu Purple requires an actuation force of 50 grams, making it heavier than the WS POM+, which only needs 45 grams to actuate. This lighter actuation force in the WS POM+ may make it a more comfortable option for those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. However, the Outemu Purple provides a stronger push feel which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In terms of bottom out force, the WS POM+ has a defined bottom out force of 55 grams, while the bottom out force for the Outemu Purple is not available. Consequently, if the bottom out force were available, it could sway preferences further based on typing habits. Overall, the WS POM+ is lighter, whereas the Outemu Purple presents a heavier, tactile option for users seeking a firmer feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Purple tactile switch to the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch, the difference is notable. The Outemu Purple has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS POM+ features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Purple switch offers a more traditional, deeper feel, making it potentially more satisfying for users who enjoy the tactile feedback associated with a heavier key press. In contrast, the WS POM+ switch, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to gamers or those who favor quicker, more responsive keystrokes, as it allows for faster actuation. Overall, if you prefer a more substantial depth in your key presses, the Outemu Purple would be the better choice, while the Wuque Studio WS POM+ is more suitable for those seeking rapid response times.
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 POM+ comes in at $3.90.
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 comparing the auditory experience of the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch, a distinct difference emerges. The WS POM+ is celebrated for its deep, satisfying "thock" sound signature. This resonates particularly well with enthusiasts who enjoy a more pronounced audio feedback during typing, contributing to an engaging tactile experience. The sound quality of the Outemu Purple is not detailed, which means there isn't a known counterpart in this regard. However, sound characteristics can also be influenced by external factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps; thus, the Purple might still provide a pleasant sound if matched well with appropriate components.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Purple’s tactile nature presumably offers a noticeable bump at the actuation point, which many typists appreciate for providing feedback without the need for bottoming out keystrokes. On the other hand, the WS POM+ is characterized by its buttery-smooth keystroke, reinforcing the linear switch experience that many enthusiasts adore. While the Purple may not excel at the smooth feel offered by the WS POM+, it still provides a distinct tactile sensation that can enhance typing accuracy and satisfaction.
Overall, while the WS POM+ delivers a rich auditory experience and a smooth keystroke, the Outemu Purple may cater to those who prefer tactile feedback, even though its sound profile remains undefined. Depending on your typing preferences, the choice between a tactile feel and a smooth linear experience will guide you to the right switch, and it's crucial to consider how each option aligns with your typing style, as well as the other components of your keyboard set-up.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal typing preferences and intended use. If you prefer a tactile experience with noticeable feedback that enhances your typing accuracy and you enjoy the nuances of sound in your keystrokes, the Outemu Purple switch could be a great fit for your mechanical keyboard. However, if you lean towards a smoother, quieter experience that allows for rapid keystrokes with a satisfying "thock" sound while maintaining a medium-light actuation force, the WS POM+ will likely serve you better. The POM+ is engineered for those who prioritize comfort and a seamless feel during long typing sessions or gaming marathons. Thus, consider what you value more: tactile feedback or a smooth, honed performance. Ultimately, try both switch types if you can, as personal testing often reveals what truly meets your individual typing needs.
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