Outemu Silent Ocean vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Ocean and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two notable contenders are the Outemu Silent Ocean and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl, both of which fall into the realm of linear switches. The Silent Ocean, while not specifically distinguished by unique features, offers a straightforward typing experience that appeals to users who favor consistent and uninterrupted keystrokes without tactile feedback. On the other hand, the WS Pearl stands out with its innovative use of ball-bearings, designed to minimize friction and create an exceptionally smooth typing experience. This results in a medium-high pitched sound profile, adding a subtle auditory dimension to the act of typing. While the Silent Ocean might be ideal for those seeking simplicity and ease of use, the WS Pearl is perfect for enthusiasts who appreciate a smoother keystroke and an engaging sound signature. 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
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
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Ocean and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl, a notable contrast lies in their choice of top housing materials. The Silent Ocean utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is lauded for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is largely attributed to polycarbonate's stiffer composition, which enhances clarity and resonance. Its translucency is an additional advantage for users who favor RGB lighting, as the material allows light to pass through seamlessly, accentuating the overall aesthetic of the keyboard. In contrast, the WS Pearl employs a nylon top housing, a material recognized for generating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The inherent softness of nylon enables it to absorb more sound, leading to a rounder and less resonant auditory experience. This fundamental difference in top housing materials significantly influences the overall sound character of each switch, reflecting the design intentions behind each model.
Interestingly, both switches feature nylon as their bottom housing material, which provides some common ground in terms of acoustic properties. The nylon bottom housing, found in both the Silent Ocean and WS Pearl, contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, due to its capacity to absorb sound better than harder plastics. This shared characteristic means that while the switches exhibit distinct sound profiles due to their differing top housings, the bottom housing ensures a unified depth in sound. Consequently, regardless of the differences introduced by their top housings, both switches are likely to deliver a satisfying auditory experience when bottomed out, thanks to the nylon material used below.
Overall, the combination of materials in these two switches leads to varied experiences for users. The Outemu Silent Ocean, with its polycarbonate top housing, will appeal to those seeking a sharper and more vibrant sound, suitable for a lively typing atmosphere, especially under RGB lighting. In contrast, the WS Pearl, with its nylon top housing, caters to users who prefer a softer, rounder auditory experience. Despite their differences at the top, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that both designs resonate with a fuller depth when pressed down. This blend of materials highlights the nuanced approach each studio has taken in crafting their respective products, catering to the varied preferences of keyboard enthusiasts and typists alike.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Silent Ocean requires a firmer actuation force of 45 grams, making it feel heavier in comparison to the WS Pearl, which has a lighter actuation force of just 30 grams. This difference means that those who prefer a softer touch for longer typing sessions might find the WS Pearl more comfortable, while users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may favor the Silent Ocean. In terms of bottom out force, the Silent Ocean tops at 65 grams, which is also heavier than the WS Pearl’s 58 grams. Ultimately, the Silent Ocean offers a heavier feel throughout, while the WS Pearl is designed for a lighter touch, appealing to those who prioritize comfort during extensive use. Therefore, if you're looking for a switch that provides a lighter overall experience, the WS Pearl would be the better choice.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, the Silent Ocean has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Pearl measures 3.5 mm. This means the Silent Ocean offers a longer travel distance, providing a more pronounced tactile feedback that many users appreciate for a more traditional typing experience. In contrast, the WS Pearl's shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm caters to those who favor faster response times, making it a preferable choice for gamers seeking a quicker actuation. Thus, if you desire a deeper, more substantial keystroke, the Silent Ocean would be the ideal choice, whereas the WS Pearl is designed for those who prioritize rapid input and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Silent 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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Silent Ocean switch is notably quiet, making it an excellent choice for those who seek a more subdued acoustic environment. This switch allows for a typing experience that minimizes disturbance, making it ideal for office settings or shared spaces. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switch has a medium-high pitched sound signature, which adds a distinct character to the auditory experience. While the WS Pearl does produce a more noticeable sound compared to the Silent Ocean, it still maintains a level of pleasantness that can appeal to many users. However, it's essential to remember that the overall sound profile is influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps, so individual experiences may vary.
In terms of feel, the Silent Ocean switch is recognized for its smooth actuation, providing a pleasant typing experience that can be satisfying for users who prefer a linear switch. On the other hand, the WS Pearl stands out due to its innovative design that incorporates ball-bearings, significantly reducing friction during keystrokes. This results in an incredibly smooth feel, often described as surreal, which can enhance the enjoyment of typing for enthusiasts. Both switches cater to users who favor linear switches, but the WS Pearl's unique mechanism likely provides a uniquely enhanced smoothness that sets it apart from the Silent Ocean.
In conclusion, while both the Outemu Silent Ocean and Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches serve the linear switch category, they offer distinctly different sound and feel characteristics. The Silent Ocean excels in creating a quiet typing environment, ideal for minimal disturbance, whereas the WS Pearl provides a medium-high pitched sound with a revolutionary smoothness thanks to its ball-bearing design. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value a quieter operation or an exceptionally smooth keystroke experience, but both switches can lead to satisfying results in their respective ways.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you prioritize a heavier tactile feedback and a more pronounced actuation, the Silent Ocean, with its 65-gram bottom-out force, may be the right choice for you, especially if you enjoy a more deliberate keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and a smoother typing experience, the WS Pearl is an excellent option, thanks to its unique ball-bearing design that minimizes friction, resulting in an incredibly smooth keystroke action. The Silent Ocean's sound profile, while not explicitly praised, tends to be more muted, making it suitable for office environments or shared spaces where noise might be an issue. Conversely, the WS Pearl offers a medium-high pitched sound signature that may appeal to those who enjoy a more auditory experience but could be less suited for quiet settings. Ultimately, whether you choose the Silent Ocean for its robust feel or the WS Pearl for its dreamy smoothness, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience based on your specific needs and preferences.
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