SP-Star Polaris Purple vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl offer distinctly different experiences that cater to varying preferences. The Polaris Purple is celebrated for its pronounced tactile bump, delivering an exhilarating typing experience that appeals to those who enjoy a clear tactile feedback with each keystroke. Its snappy sound profile and neutral, mild, and polished characteristics make it a great choice for typists who appreciate a responsive feel during both work and gaming. In contrast, the WS Pearl linear switch presents a unique approach with its incorporation of ball-bearings, which significantly reduces friction for an exceptionally smooth keystroke experience. Ideal for users who prioritize a fluid typing motion, the medium-high pitched sound signature adds a different auditory dimension. While the Polaris Purple excels in tactile feedback, the WS Pearl shines in its slick performance, demonstrating that both switches have their unique strengths. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
16mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl, we observe distinct differences in both their top and bottom housing components. The Polaris Purple utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate ensures a clear and resonant acoustics, making it particularly advantageous in situations where RGB lighting is utilized; its translucence allows for vibrant illumination. In contrast, the WS Pearl features nylon for both its top and bottom housings, which produces a deeper, fuller sound. Nylon’s softer, more sound-absorbing properties create a more subdued auditory experience compared to polycarbonate, resulting in a rounder and less piercing sound.
Given the differences in plastic materials, users can expect varied tactile and auditory feedback from each switch. The polycarbonate housings of the Polaris Purple promise a consistent, crisp sound during typing, and this is further reinforced by the material's stiffer nature. Conversely, the WS Pearl's nylon construction invites a more muted and softer sound profile, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. As the top and bottom housings interact during key presses, the nylon in the WS Pearl absorbs more sound, contributing to the switch’s overall softer auditory output, while the clear polycarbonate in the Polaris Purple enhances the sound clarity as a result of its resonant properties.
Ultimately, while the SP-Star Polaris Purple and Wuque Studio WS Pearl utilize different materials that yield distinct sound profiles and tactile feedback, both designs leverage the unique attributes of their respective plastics to create a pleasurable typing experience. Users seeking a brighter, more resonant sound may gravitate towards the Polaris Purple, while those preferring a more muted, plush typing experience might favor the WS Pearl. If one seeks similar performance results through either switch, they would need to consider their preferences for typing sound and feel, as these qualities will directly affect their experience at the keyboard.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch with the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, there is a clear distinction in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Polaris Purple switch has an unspecified actuation force but features a bottom out force of 67 grams, classifying 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, placing it in the medium category. This means that the Polaris Purple will generally require a stronger push, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer heavier switches. Conversely, the WS Pearl's lighter actuation force makes it ideal for longer typing sessions and gaming, as it requires less effort to press the keys. Therefore, if you favor a lighter switch, the WS Pearl would be the better option, while the Polaris Purple is better suited for those who enjoy a firmer keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Polaris Purple has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Pearl measures at 3.5 mm. This makes the WS Pearl the shorter switch, which may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times due to its reduced travel distance. In contrast, the Polaris Purple's longer 4 mm travel distance provides a more substantial feel, catering to users who prefer a deeper keypress and a more tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches hinges on personal preference: those desiring quicker actuation may favor the WS Pearl, whereas those who enjoy a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes might lean towards the Polaris Purple.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Polaris Purple has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Polaris Purple for $5.00.
The Wuque Studio WS Pearl comes in at $6.00 per 10 switches.
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 SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch features a snappy sound profile that falls within a neutral range, making it versatile for various environments, from quiet offices to bustling homes. This means it produces a moderate volume that won’t be overly intrusive, providing a balanced auditory experience that many users find satisfying. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch is characterized by a medium-high pitched sound signature resulting from its unique design that incorporates ball-bearings to reduce friction. While both switches are designed to work in a variety of settings, the sound profile of the WS Pearl may be perceived as slightly more resonant due to its linear nature compared to the snappier auditory feedback of the Polaris Purple.
In terms of feel, the Polaris Purple offers a well-defined tactile bump, giving users an exhilarating tactile typing experience that stands out. It is described as mild, providing a gentle touch that is approachable for both beginners and experienced typists. The polished finish of the switch aids in achieving a smooth key travel, contributing to an overall refined typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Pearl linear switch is designed to deliver a remarkably smooth keystroke due to the ball-bearing mechanism, making it feel incredibly slick. There is less feedback compared to a tactile switch, resulting in a more uniform feel throughout the keypress. This smoothness caters to those who prefer a gliding motion without the tactile resistance found in the Polaris Purple.
In summary, both the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches offer distinctive qualities tailored to different preferences. The Polaris Purple excels in tactile feedback and a snappy sound profile, which can enhance typing accuracy and provide a more dynamic experience. Meanwhile, the WS Pearl offers unparalleled smoothness and a higher-pitched sound, appealing to those who favor a clean and linear typing sensation. Choosing between the two ultimately depends on whether you prefer tactile feedback and a neutral sound environment or a seamless linear experience with a resonant acoustics.
Conclusion
To conclude, when selecting between the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, consider your typing preferences and usage context. If you appreciate a pronounced tactile response and desire a typing experience that offers both a noticeable bump and a snappy sound profile, the Polaris Purple would be your ideal choice. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 67 grams makes it suitable for those who enjoy a bit of resistance while typing, making it particularly advantageous for heavy typers or those looking to enhance their typing accuracy. Conversely, if you prioritize smoothness and a quieter typing experience, the WS Pearl should be your go-to option. With its innovative ball-bearing mechanism, this switch provides a uniquely smooth keystroke, making it perfect for gamers or anyone who values a fluid feel during rapid key presses. The WS Pearl’s lighter actuation force of 58 grams makes it user-friendly for extended typing sessions, reducing fatigue. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you prefer a tactile experience (Polaris Purple) or a smooth linear one (WS Pearl), each catering to distinct preferences and typing styles.
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