KTT Purple Click vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the KTT Purple Click 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, the KTT Purple Click and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl present two distinct yet compelling options tailored to different typing preferences. The KTT Purple Click, a clicky switch, delights users with its high-pitched, satisfying click that adds a layer of auditory feedback to each keystroke. Its light, yet tactile feel strikes a balance that many typists find exhilarating, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy a more traditional, responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Pearl, with its innovative ball-bearing design, offers a linear switch experience that is remarkably smooth and frictionless. Users will appreciate the medium-high pitched sound profile that accompanies each press, lending a serene aura to their typing sessions—particularly appealing for those who favor a quieter, more fluid feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your unique preferences!
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
16mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Purple Click and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl, a distinct contrast emerges between their top housings. The Purple Click features a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its stiffness and translucency, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. This material's rigidity allows for more pronounced resonances, making the Purple Click particularly appealing for users who enjoy an elevated auditory experience, especially with RGB lighting effects. In contrast, the WS Pearl utilizes a nylon top housing that absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon’s softer nature produces a duller and rounder auditory sensation, which may be favored by those seeking a warmer tone in their typing experience.
Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, creating a point of similarity that enhances their overall sound character. The nylon material in the bottom housing, shared by both the Purple Click and the WS Pearl, contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile as it absorbs sound more effectively due to its softer composition. This means that while the top housings provide contrasting auditory experiences—the sharper tone of polycarbonate versus the rounder tone of nylon—the bottom housings share a commonality that influences the feel and sound upon bottoming out. Users can expect a similarly rich bottom-out experience, rooted in the properties of nylon, regardless of the differences found in the top materials of these switches.
Ultimately, the combination of housing materials in both the KTT Purple Click and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl offers unique auditory signatures while maintaining a core similarity in their bottom-out experiences. The polycarbonate top of the Purple Click leads to a more piercing sound when releasing the keys, contrasted by the muted sound profile of the WS Pearl's nylon top. Nevertheless, the nylon bottoms in both switches ensure that the deeper, fuller sound remains a constant, resulting in an interesting interplay of acoustic qualities and tactile sensations as a user types. Thus, while each switch brings its own character driven by the differences in top housing materials, they both benefit from the same nurturing embrace of nylon in their bottom design.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the KTT Purple Click clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Purple Click has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, positioning it as a medium-light option. In contrast, the WS Pearl features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a slightly higher bottom out force of 58 grams, categorizing it as medium. This means that while the WS Pearl requires less force to register a keystroke, it does offer more resistance when bottoming out compared to the Purple Click. For users who favor a lighter feel for extended typing sessions, the WS Pearl may be more appealing. However, those who appreciate a more substantial typing experience might prefer the stronger actuation force of the Purple Click.
Travel distance
The KTT Purple Click clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch features a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Purple Click the option for those who enjoy a more substantial feel during key presses, offering a hearty depth that some users prefer. In contrast, the WS Pearl provides a more responsive experience with its shorter travel distance, catering to gamers and fast typists who value quick actuation. Thus, if you're focused on achieving faster response times, the WS Pearl would be the better choice, whereas if you appreciate a deeper key press, the KTT Purple Click is likely more suitable for your preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Purple Click has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Click for $2.55.
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
In terms of sound, the KTT Purple Click switch offers a distinct auditory experience characterized by its high-pitched, crunchy click that resembles stepping on crisp autumn leaves. This resonant sound profile enhances the tactile feedback of the switch, making each keystroke feel satisfying and sharp. The pronounced click sound is both immersive and engaging, appealing to users who appreciate an auditory confirmation of their typing actions. In contrast, the WS Pearl linear switch does not have the same clicky sound; instead, it provides a medium-high pitched sound that is less pronounced and more subdued. The absence of a click mechanism means that the WS Pearl’s audio profile leans towards a softer, more understated sound compared to the lively and crunchy soundscape of the Purple Click.
When assessing the feel of these switches, the KTT Purple Click is invigorating and pronounced, providing a gratifying tactile response that includes a stepped sensation during actuation. This means that users experience a clear feedback system as they type, lending to an engaging typing experience that helps maintain typing accuracy. The actuation force is moderate to firm, ensuring that each keypress feels responsive without overwhelming the user. On the other hand, the WS Pearl linear switch is renowned for its incredibly smooth keystrokes attributed to the use of ball bearings which significantly reduce friction. This design creates a seamless and gliding typing experience, favoring those who prefer a smoother and quieter feel compared to the pronounced feedback of the Purple Click.
Overall, the KTT Purple Click and Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. The Purple Click is ideal for users who enjoy an engaging auditory and tactile feedback experience, reflecting both a satisfying sound and an invigorating feel. In contrast, the WS Pearl appeals to individuals who prioritize smooth keystrokes and a quieter typing experience without the clicky sound. Depending on your personal preference for either auditory feedback or a seamless typing sensation, both switches will serve well in creating an enjoyable typing environment, albeit in distinctly different ways.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the KTT Purple Click clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch largely depends on the typing experience you seek and the type of tasks you perform. If you enjoy audibly tactile feedback and have a penchant for the crisp, crunchy sound of a clicky switch, the KTT Purple Click is an excellent option. This switch’s invigorating feel, medium-light actuation force, and pleasant sound make it ideal for typists and gamers who thrive on auditory cues and prefer a touch of excitement with every keystroke. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smoother, quieter typing experience without sacrificing performance, the WS Pearl will suit you well. The use of ball-bearings in this switch allows for a silky, frictionless feel, making it an outstanding choice for long hours of typing or gaming where you want to minimize any distraction from noise or resistance. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal preferences for sound and feel—whether you crave the satisfying click and tactile response of the Purple Click or the smooth, effortless action of the WS Pearl will guide you to the right switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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