Outemu Silent Yellow vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent Yellow and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl offer two compelling options for users seeking linear switches, each with distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Silent Yellow is designed for a quieter typing experience, making it an excellent choice for those who need to minimize noise in shared environments or during late-night gaming sessions. On the other hand, the WS Pearl stands out for its innovative use of ball-bearings, which significantly reduce friction and produce a smoothly effortless keystroke, complemented by a medium-high pitched sound that appeals to those who enjoy tactile feedback without the noise associated with other switches. While both switches provide the benefits of linear design—such as a smooth keypress without a tactile bump—they resonate with different user needs. 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
2.20 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 Yellow and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl, a distinct contrast emerges in their respective top housing. The Silent Yellow is constructed with a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer composition. This characteristic allows for enhanced clarity and resonance, making it an ideal choice for users who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback from their switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate complements RGB lighting setups, allowing a vibrant illumination that highlights the switch's aesthetic appeal.
On the other hand, the WS Pearl employs a nylon top housing, which fundamentally alters the auditory experience by generating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon causes it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience that contrasts sharply with the crisper notes produced by polycarbonate. This choice of material caters to typists who prefer a richer and more subdued sound, providing a different texture to the keystroke experience. The nylon's acoustical properties lend themselves well to a more cushiony and comfortable typing feel, making it particularly appealing for long typing sessions.
Despite the differences in top housing materials, both switches share nylon as their bottom housing, which contributes to the overall sound profile. The presence of nylon in both models ensures a consistent experience in terms of the deeper and fuller sound achieved on bottoming out. This signifies that while the typist might notice a distinct contrast in the sound while releasing the key—due to the differing top materials—the bottom-out experience remains largely similar. Consequently, regardless of the varying top housing materials, users can expect a broadly comparable auditory result thanks to the unified characteristics imparted by the nylon bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch to the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, there are notable differences in actuation force that can significantly impact the typing experience. The Silent Yellow has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it heavier than the WS Pearl, which has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams. This heavier actuation force of the Silent Yellow may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing feel, while the lighter WS Pearl might be favored for extended typing sessions or gaming, providing less resistance. Both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Silent Yellow at 60 grams and the WS Pearl slightly lower at 58 grams. Despite this slight difference in bottom out force, the key distinction lies in the actuation force, which makes the WS Pearl the lighter option overall. Users seeking ease and comfort may find the WS Pearl more suitable, while those after a firmer keystroke may gravitate towards the Silent Yellow.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, there is a distinct difference: the Silent Yellow has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Pearl measures 3.5 mm. This makes the WS Pearl the shorter option, offering a quicker response time that is often favored by gamers who seek speed and efficiency in their keystrokes. Conversely, the Silent Yellow, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more satisfying and hearty feel for those who appreciate a deeper key press in their typing experience. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness and quick actions, the WS Pearl would likely be the better choice, while the Silent Yellow may cater to those preferring a more traditional and substantial depth in their switch experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Silent Yellow 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 Yellow Linear switch offers a muted acoustics profile, allowing for a quieter typing experience that is less likely to disturb those around you. This characteristic makes it an excellent choice for office environments or shared spaces where silence is appreciated. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Pearl Linear switch features a medium-high pitched sound signature. The difference in sound profiles means that while the Silent Yellow focuses on keeping noise to a minimum, the WS Pearl provides a more pronounced auditory response that can enhance the tactile experience, drawing attention to each keystroke.
Regarding feel, the Silent Yellow is not explicitly detailed in terms of tactile feedback, but being a linear switch, it likely provides a smooth keystroke without any interruptions or bumps along the travel path. In contrast, the WS Pearl boasts an incredibly unique feel due to its incorporation of ball-bearings, which effectively reduce friction during keystrokes. This innovative design results in a surreal smoothness that stands out among linear switches, potentially creating a more engaging typing experience.
In summary, both the Outemu Silent Yellow and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl Linear switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Silent Yellow prioritizes a quieter operation, making it ideal for environments where noise control is crucial. Meanwhile, the WS Pearl distinguishes itself with its distinctive sound and extraordinarily smooth keystrokes, appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory and tactile experience. If you seek similar results, understanding these qualities will help you choose a switch that aligns with your typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch ultimately hinges on your priorities regarding sound, feel, and typing experience. If you value a straightforward and responsive typing experience at a moderate actuation force, the Silent Yellow may suit you well, especially if you prefer a quieter environment as it offers a more muted sound profile. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that enhances the smoothness of each keystroke and delivers a unique feel thanks to its ball-bearing mechanism, the WS Pearl would be your go-to option. The WS Pearl's medium-high pitched sound signature provides an engaging auditory feedback that some might find more satisfying, while its refined tactile experience could enhance both typing and gaming. In summary, choose the Silent Yellow for an all-around solid, quieter option, and opt for the WS Pearl if you crave that extraordinary smoothness and engaging sound that can elevate your overall keyboard experience.
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