Outemu Silent White vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent White and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often seek a balance between performance, sound, and feel, and two intriguing options in the linear switch category are the Outemu Silent White and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl. The Outemu Silent White switch, while not explicitly noted for a standout feature, provides a tactile experience that can be beneficial for those who prefer a quieter keyboard without compromising on smoothness. On the other hand, the WS Pearl is particularly renowned for its unique ball-bearing design, which significantly reduces friction during keystrokes, resulting in an exceptionally smooth typing experience and a medium-high pitched sound signature that appeals to users looking for a refined auditory feedback. Both switches offer distinct advantages depending on individual preferences—be it the quieter operation of the Silent White or the unparalleled smoothness of the WS Pearl. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
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 White and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl, a clear distinction emerges between the two switches, particularly in their top housing construction. The Silent White features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. This material’s translucency also enhances RGB lighting effects, making it a popular choice for aesthetic considerations in mechanical switches. In contrast, the WS Pearl employs a nylon top housing, which is characterized by a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is attributed to nylon's softer composition, which absorbs more sound and results in a rounder auditory experience. Thus, while both switches utilize unique materials for their top housings, their sound characteristics diverge significantly.
Both switches sport nylon bottom housings, which lends a degree of uniformity to the comparison. The nylon used in the bottom of the Silent White and the WS Pearl is consistent with its reputation for generating a deeper, more resonant sound profile. The sound absorption qualities of nylon help create a fuller typing experience, and this shared material component means that both switches will offer similar attributes in terms of bottom-out sound and feel. As a result, users can expect a comparable auditory sensation when pressing down on either switch, since the bottom housing typically has a profound influence on the tactile feedback during key presses.
Ultimately, the differing top housing materials will have distinct impacts on the overall typing experience provided by each switch. With the Outemu Silent White’s polycarbonate top allowing for sharper sounds corresponding to key releases, users engaged in rapid typing may appreciate that heightened clarity. Conversely, the WS Pearl’s nylon top softens the sound during keystroke releases, contributing to a more muted auditory experience overall. This interaction between the top and bottom materials illustrates how the silent and resonant qualities are distributed within the switches, leading to unique auditory results despite sharing the same nylon composition in their bottom housings.
Weight
The Outemu Silent White linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch exhibit distinct characteristics in terms of their actuation and bottom out forces. The Silent White features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the WS Pearl has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams. This means that the WS Pearl is the lighter option, making it more suitable for users who prefer reduced effort while typing or gaming, particularly during extended use. Conversely, the Silent White provides a more substantial feel with its heavier actuation force, appealing to those who appreciate a stronger push. Both switches have similar bottom out forces, though the Silent White is slightly heavier overall. Therefore, while users will experience a smoother typing experience with the WS Pearl, the Silent White may be favored by those seeking a firmer typing sensation.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Silent White linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, we find a slight difference that caters to varying user preferences. The Silent White has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the WS Pearl measures 3.5 mm. This makes the Silent White the shorter option, which could appeal to gamers or users seeking a quicker response time due to its more compact design. In contrast, the WS Pearl, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial feel that some users prefer for a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, if you favor rapid responsiveness, the Silent White would be the better choice, while those who appreciate deeper keystrokes may prefer the WS Pearl. Both switches cater to different preferences, demonstrating how travel distance can significantly affect typing feel and performance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Silent White 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
The Outemu Silent White linear switch does not have specific sound traits noted, leaving it somewhat of a mystery in terms of auditory feedback. Contrastingly, the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch is recognized for its medium-high pitched sound signature. This pitch can offer a bit more character to the keystrokes, making it less muted than many traditional linear switches. However, it’s crucial to remember that the overall sound experience is greatly influenced by the keyboard build, keycap material, and design, which means that even subtle differences in external factors can change the perception of the switch’s sound.
When it comes to feel, the Silent White lacks detailed descriptions but generally, linear switches provide a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke experience. In comparison, the WS Pearl switches stand out due to their unique design featuring ball-bearings, which notably reduces friction during key presses. This innovation results in a keystroke that many users describe as surreally smooth, which can enhance both typing accuracy and enjoyment. Essentially, while the Silent White will give a smooth linear experience, the WS Pearl promises an elevated sensation due to its advanced engineering.
In summary, while the Outemu Silent White brings a standard smooth linear feel to the table, its sound profile remains undefined, making it a more ambiguous choice. The WS Pearl, on the other hand, offers a distinct auditory character alongside an exceptionally smooth tactile experience due to its ball-bearing mechanism. If you're seeking a straightforward, no-frills linear switch, the Silent White may suffice. However, if you’re looking for a combination of enhanced feel and more unique sound, the WS Pearl might be the more appealing upgrade. Ultimately, selecting between the two will depend on your preferences for auditory and tactile experiences in your mechanical keyboard journey.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Silent White linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, your choice should align with your preferences for feel, sound, and overall typing experience. If you value a sound-dampened environment and a slightly firmer keystroke, the Outemu Silent White, with its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, may be preferable for quiet typing sessions or shared spaces. However, if you are seeking an extraordinary smoothness and responsiveness thanks to the unique ball-bearing design of the WS Pearl, alongside a slightly lower bottom-out force of 58 grams, you may find the WS Pearl more suited to your gaming and typing needs. The WS Pearl is recognized for its surprisingly smooth keystrokes and a medium-high pitched sound signature that some users find satisfying. Ultimately, reflect on whether your top priorities lean towards a quieter, more controlled feedback with the Silent White or an exceptionally silky typing experience with the WS Pearl. Your choice will greatly enhance your keyboard experience, tailored to your individual usage and environment.
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