Outemu Tom vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the Outemu Tom and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference, especially between tactile and linear options. The Outemu Tom, celebrated for its tactile feedback, provides a satisfying bump during keystrokes that many typists and gamers appreciate, as it enhances the overall typing experience and allows for more precise input. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switch is a linear switch known for its remarkably smooth keystrokes, achieved through the innovative use of ball bearings that reduce friction. This design results in a fluid typing experience that can be especially appealing for users who prioritize speed and consistency over tactile sensation. While both switches cater to different preferences—one for tactile feedback and the other for a smooth, uninterrupted motion—they each bring unique qualities to the table. 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
55g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
The Outemu Tom and Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches offer a fascinating juxtaposition in terms of their housing materials. The Tom features a polycarbonate top housing which provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile thanks to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. This makes the Tom particularly suited for applications where clarity and brightness are essential, especially when RGB lighting is involved—since the translucency of polycarbonate allows light to pass through effectively. In contrast, the WS Pearl opts for a nylon top housing, known for its soft and absorbent characteristics that nurture a deeper and fuller sound profile. This creates a rounder, more muted auditory experience, taking the tactile feel in a different direction compared to the crisper notes from the Tom.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Outemu Tom and WS Pearl utilize nylon, which is a classic choice in the keyboard switch industry. This shared material results in a consistent sound profile when pressing down on the keys, providing that deep and full acoustic quality characterized by the softer material that absorbs sound. Given that the bottom housing has a pronounced impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, users of both switches will find a similar typing experience in this respect. Thus, while the top housings diverge in their material choices, both switches deliver a comparable tactile response due to their identical nylon bottom housings.
Ultimately, the combination of materials used in each switch leads to distinctly different auditory experiences, while simultaneously maintaining some consistency in feel. The Outemu Tom’s polycarbonate top allows for a vibrant sound when releasing the keys, perfect for those who prefer a brighter tone. Meanwhile, the WS Pearl's nylon top contributes to a rounded and more subdued release, catering to users who favor deeper sound profiles. While the nylon bottom unites their auditory experiences during key presses, the characteristics of the top housings shape the overall performance and response of each switch. Therefore, while they share some similarities through the nylon bottom, the contrast in top housing materials leads to two unique but complementary experiences in the realm of mechanical keyboard switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Tom tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, there are notable differences. The Outemu Tom requires a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, while the WS Pearl has a significantly lighter actuation force of 30 grams. This means that the Tom switch may cater to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, making it more suitable for users who appreciate a stronger tactile feedback during their keystrokes. In terms of bottom out force, the WS Pearl has a defined bottom out force of 58 grams, while the Tom's bottom out force is unknown. Since the Tom’s bottom out force is unavailable, we cannot draw a direct comparison in that regard. However, the WS Pearl is the lighter option overall, making it potentially more comfortable for prolonged typing sessions and gaming. In contrast, the Outemu Tom offers a heavier feel that might appeal to users who enjoy a firmer push.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Tom tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, the Tom has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the WS Pearl features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Tom is the shorter option, making it more suitable for those who prefer faster response times, which can be particularly beneficial in gaming scenarios. On the other hand, the WS Pearl offers a longer travel distance, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial feel under their fingertips when typing or gaming. Therefore, if speed and responsiveness are your priorities, the Outemu Tom would be the preferred choice, while the WS Pearl might be better for those who appreciate a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Tom 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 Tom tactile switch does not have a defined sound profile noted, making it challenging to contrast directly with the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch. The WS Pearl features a medium-high pitched sound signature, contributing to a more dynamic auditory experience during typing. It's essential to remember that sound can vary significantly based on the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used, meaning that while the WS Pearl has its unique sound characteristics, the Tom's sound level remains unknown and could potentially complement various setups.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Tom switch lacks detailed descriptions of its tactile feedback. In contrast, the WS Pearl switch is celebrated for its incredibly smooth keystrokes, attributed to the innovative use of ball-bearings that reduce friction. This results in a typing experience that many users may find exceptionally pleasant and responsive. Without specific feedback on the Tom switch, it is difficult to ascertain its tactile qualities or how it might compare to the silky smoothness offered by the WS Pearl.
In summary, while the Outemu Tom's sound and feel characteristics remain unclear, the Wuque Studio WS Pearl offers a distinct auditory experience and an impressively smooth keypress due to its ball-bearing mechanism. If you seek a tactile feel with clearer auditory feedback, the WS Pearl would be a notable option; however, without further details on the Tom, it’s difficult to draw complete comparisons. If you’re looking for a more typical tactile switch experience, exploring the Tom alongside the WS Pearl can provide varied tactile sensations and sound experiences, depending on your preferences and setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Tom tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, it's essential to consider your specific typing and gaming preferences. If you appreciate tactile feedback while typing or gaming, and you enjoy the traditional mechanical keyboard experience, the Tom switch might be your best choice. Although it lacks specific bottom-out force data, its tactile feel typically caters to those who desire noticeable actuation without the intrusive noise that comes with clicky switches. On the other hand, if you are looking for a smooth and fluid typing experience, especially in a gaming context, the WS Pearl is the way to go. Its unique ball-bearing design significantly reduces friction, resulting in an exceptionally smooth keystroke and a medium-high pitched sound signature that enhances the overall typing pleasure. In essence, if tactile feedback is your priority, the Tom is ideal; however, if you prefer a linear and silky smooth experience, the WS Pearl will serve you beautifully. Ultimately, the choice lies in your personal preference for tactile feedback versus smoothness, so consider what aspects are most important for your mechanical keyboard experience.
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