Outemu Silent Green vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Green and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent Green and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl offer intriguing options for enthusiasts seeking a smooth typing experience. The Silent Green switch, while notable for its linear characteristics, is often overlooked in discussions of unique features, making it a reliable and functional choice for users who prioritize simplicity and consistency in their key presses. In contrast, the WS Pearl stands out due to its innovative use of ball-bearings, which significantly reduce friction during keystrokes, resulting in an exceptionally silky smooth feel that can be a game-changer for those who type extensively or enjoy gaming. With a medium-high pitched sound signature, the WS Pearl also adds a distinct auditory element to the typing experience. Ultimately, each switch caters to different preferences, but for those seeking a blend of performance and distinct features, the choice becomes more complex. 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
45g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
pom
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
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 Silent Green and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches, a notable distinction emerges between their top housings. The Silent Green utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is engineered to deliver a higher-pitched and crisper sound profile. This characteristic stems from polycarbonate’s stiffer nature, allowing for clearer resonance. On the other hand, the WS Pearl is constructed with a nylon top housing, known for its softer characteristics that absorb sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This fundamental difference in material not only affects the auditory experience but also contributes to the aesthetic appeal of each switch, especially under RGB lighting conditions, where the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visual effects.
Both switches feature polycarbonate as the material for their bottom housings, which further harmonizes their sound profiles. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Silent Green complements its top housing by reinforcing its sharp and clear auditory characteristics. The same applies to the WS Pearl, as its bottom housing of the same material contributes to a resonant sound, albeit accentuated by the qualities of the nylon top housing. This unique combination allows for a richer sound experience, as the crisper qualities provided by the polycarbonate create a complex auditory landscape when paired with the sound-dampening nature of the nylon top.
In essence, while the Outemu Silent Green and Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches utilize different materials for their top housings, their polycarbonate bottom housings yield similar auditory results in terms of clarity and resonance. This interplay between the stiffer and softer materials allows each switch to deliver distinctively nuanced sound profiles corresponding to the varying densities of the individual plastics. Thus, users can enjoy the benefits of both sharper and fuller sounds depending on the specific housing configuration, making both switches unique in their own right while still sharing some common acoustic characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Silent Green linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, we notice distinct differences in their actuation forces. The Silent Green requires an actuation force of 45 grams, while the WS Pearl is lighter at just 30 grams. This difference suggests that users who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing or gaming sessions may find the WS Pearl more comfortable. Both switches have similar bottom out forces, with the Silent Green at 60 grams and the WS Pearl slightly lower at 58 grams. Although both switches exhibit medium bottom out forces, the heavier actuation force of the Silent Green provides a more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who enjoy a firmer push when typing. Ultimately, the choice hinges on personal preference for either the lighter actuation of the WS Pearl or the more robust feel offered by the Silent Green.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Silent Green linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, the Silent Green has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Pearl features a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Silent Green offers a more traditional and hearty depth, making it suitable for those who appreciate a sense of resistance and feedback when typing. In contrast, the WS Pearl's shorter distance caters to gamers and users who favor quicker response times, which can enhance performance in fast-paced scenarios. As a result, individuals who prefer a more responsive feel may gravitate towards the WS Pearl, while those who enjoy a fuller typing experience might opt for the Silent Green. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you prioritize a deeper keystroke or a more rapid actuation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Silent Green 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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Silent Green linear switch does not have a distinct sound characteristic detailed, leaving its acoustic profile somewhat ambiguous. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch is noted for its medium-high pitched sound signature. However, it’s important to remember that the overall acoustic experience can vary greatly depending on the keyboard construction and the type of keycaps used, so users should consider these factors to get a clearer idea of how each switch might sound in their specific setup.
Regarding the feel, the Silent Green switch lacks specific descriptions, making it difficult to compare its tactile experience directly. The WS Pearl switch, on the other hand, is particularly renowned for its unique design that incorporates ball-bearings to minimize friction, resulting in a remarkably smooth typing experience that feels almost surreal. This smoothness may be a decisive factor for users seeking a fluid keystroke movement, which can enhance overall typing comfort and efficiency.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Silent Green switch remains an enigma with its undefined qualities in both sound and feel, the Wuque Studio WS Pearl offers a clear advantage with its distinct auditory profile and extraordinarily smooth keystrokes thanks to its innovative bearing design. Users looking for a blend of sound and friction reduction may prefer the Pearl, while those open to exploring a potentially quieter and less characterized option may lean towards the Silent Green. Both switches could lead to satisfying typing experiences, but their unique features cater to differing preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Silent Green linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, your personal preferences and typing environment will play a crucial role. If you prefer a solid linear switch that offers a slightly heavier actuation at 60 grams and want a reliable, consistent feel for everyday typing or gaming without any gimmicks, the Silent Green might be the better option for you, especially in quieter settings or shared workspaces. On the other hand, if you are looking for a unique typing experience coupled with an exceptionally smooth keystroke thanks to the innovative ball-bearing design of the WS Pearl, this switch is likely to elevate your typing experience significantly. The Pearls offer a medium-high pitched sound signature, which could make your keystrokes feel more dynamic and lively, so if sound is a consideration along with the tactile feedback, you might lean toward the WS Pearl. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a straightforward, muted experience versus an enhanced, silky smooth feel in your mechanical keyboard.
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