Outemu Silent Grey vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Grey and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the options can feel overwhelming, especially when comparing switches like the Outemu Silent Grey and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl. The Outemu Silent Grey is celebrated for its highly tactile and quiet typing experience, providing a pronounced bump during key presses that satisfies users who appreciate feedback without the noise, making it ideal for office environments or late-night gaming sessions. On the other hand, the WS Pearl offers a linear switch experience that's uniquely smooth, thanks to its innovative ball-bearing design, which cuts down on friction and delivers a seamless keystroke. This switch appeals to those who prefer a soft, uninterrupted keystroke and enjoy a medium-high pitched sound signature, enhancing the overall typing experience. While both switches bring unique characteristics to the table—one emphasizing tactile feedback and silence, and the other focusing on ultimate smoothness—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.60 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
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
When comparing the Outemu Silent Grey and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl, one of the most striking differences lies in the materials used for their respective top housings. The Silent Grey features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when typing. This property of polycarbonate arises from its stiffer composition, making it ideal for users who prefer a clearer and more resonant auditory experience. In contrast, the WS Pearl incorporates a nylon top housing. As a classic switch housing material, nylon tends to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile because of its softer texture, which absorbs more sound. This fundamental difference in material results in distinctive auditory characteristics for users, with the Silent Grey creating a more pronounced sound when a key is released, while the WS Pearl delivers a rounder sound.
While the top housing materials of the Silent Grey and WS Pearl differ significantly, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This similarity ensures that both switches elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile when pressed down, as nylon's tendency to absorb sound remains a consistent feature. This commonality means that, regardless of the contrast in top housing materials, users can expect a degree of convergence in the sound output at the bottom-out stage. Furthermore, both bottom housings leverage the same positive attributes of nylon, providing a softer touch and a pleasant typing experience.
Ultimately, the combined effects of their respective housing materials lead to differentiated sound profiles that cater to varying preferences. Users seeking a more defined auditory feedback may gravitate towards the Outemu Silent Grey with its polycarbonate top housing, whereas those desiring a mellower and more rounded sound might prefer the Wuque Studio WS Pearl, thanks to its nylon composition. The impact of these materials is nuanced, with the top housing influencing the sound during release and the bottom housing contributing to the typing feel and bottom-out sound. This interplay illustrates how distinct housing materials can coexist in switches, allowing enthusiasts to choose based on their sound and tactile preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch to the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Silent Grey features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the WS Pearl has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, which is classified as medium. This means that the Silent Grey is designed for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, providing a firmer feel, while the WS Pearl caters to users who favor a lighter touch, making it easier for extended typing or gaming sessions. Overall, if you’re looking for a keyboard that requires less effort to press keys, the WS Pearl would be the better choice, whereas the Silent Grey might appeal to those who enjoy a heavier keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, a distinct difference emerges. The Silent Grey has a travel distance of 4 mm, which represents a more traditional depth that some users may prefer for a richer tactile experience. In contrast, the WS Pearl features a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, catering to those who favor quicker response times, especially in gaming scenarios where speed is crucial. Consequently, the Silent Grey offers a more pronounced feel with its longer travel, while the WS Pearl provides a more immediate response with its shorter travel. If you're drawn to a more responsive typing or gaming experience, opting for the WS Pearl could be beneficial; however, if you appreciate a more substantial key press, the Silent Grey would likely suit your preference better.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Silent Grey 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 Silent Grey tactile switch is best known for offering a quiet typing experience, making it a fantastic choice for environments where noise reduction is a priority. It produces a subtle sound profile that allows users to type without drawing attention, making it ideal for office settings or late-night work. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch has a medium-high pitched sound signature, offering a more pronounced auditory feedback when pressed. Although it’s not overly loud, the sound may be more noticeable compared to the Silent Grey, which caters to a different user preference for auditory presence while typing. It’s important to remember that the overall sound produced can also depend on the keyboard’s construction and the keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Silent Grey switch is characterized by its highly tactile response. The distinct bump during the actuation point provides satisfying feedback that users often seek for typing accuracy and reassurance. This tactile nature, combined with a smooth keystroke, makes it pleasing to those who prefer a bit of feedback in their typing experience. In contrast, the WS Pearl switch, thanks to its unique ball-bearing design, delivers an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal friction throughout the keystroke. This gives users a surreal sensation akin to gliding across the key surface, which can be very appealing for those who favor a linear feel without tactile interruptions.
In conclusion, both the Outemu Silent Grey and Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Silent Greys excel in providing a quiet and tactile typing experience, suitable for noise-sensitive environments, while the WS Pearls offer a smooth, frictionless feel with a medium-high pitched sound. Depending on your priorities—whether you value a tactile response or a silky-smooth keystroke—you'll find distinct advantages in each switch. Ultimately, selecting between the two will depend on whether you prioritize silence and tactile feedback or prefer a smooth, gliding touch with a slightly more pronounced sound.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you’re looking for a quiet typing experience that doesn't compromise on tactile feedback, the Silent Grey switch is an excellent option. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 65 grams ensures that you’ll feel a satisfying bump upon each keystroke, making it ideal for both at-home and office environments where noise might be a concern. On the other hand, if you prioritize smoothness over tactile feedback and enjoy a lighter touch, the WS Pearl is the way to go. With its unique ball-bearing mechanism, these switches offer a surreal smoothness that makes typing feel almost effortless. The 58 grams of bottom-out force also makes it easier on your fingers during long typing sessions. As such, consider the Silent Grey if you want a solid tactile experience paired with a quiet operation, while leaning towards the WS Pearl if you crave a smooth and light linear feel without the tactile bump. In the end, your choice should be guided by the typing experience you desire, along with the environments in which you plan to use your keyboard.
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