Gateron Quinn vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the Gateron Quinn and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Quinn and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl each bring distinct characteristics that can greatly influence your typing experience. The Gateron Quinn, a tactile switch, stands out with its crisp tactile bump and rich, resonant sound profile, creating an immersive auditory feedback that many users find satisfying. Its design incorporates nylon housings, which contribute to a delightful blend of snappiness and depth, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a more dynamic typing experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Pearl, recognized for its linear feel, uniquely employs ball-bearings to minimize friction during keystrokes. This results in an incredibly smooth typing sensation, making it suitable for users who prioritize fluidity over tactile feedback. While the Quinn provides a character-rich tactile experience perfect for both typing and gaming, the WS Pearl offers a seamless and effortless glide that appeals to those looking for speed and precision. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the top switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Spring
16mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials for both the Gateron Quinn and Wuque Studio WS Pearl are primarily constructed from nylon, a classic choice in the world of mechanical switches. This similarity extends to both the top and bottom housings of each switch, which also utilize nylon. This shared material contributes a cohesive sound profile that many users appreciate; typing on either switch results in a notably deeper and fuller auditory experience. The softer nature of nylon allows for better sound absorption, reducing sharper overtones. Thus, in terms of sound characteristics, both switches present similar auditory attributes, ensuring that users can expect a consistent acoustic performance from either option.
While both the Quinn and WS Pearl benefit from their nylon housings, the crucial distinction lies in their overall design and feel during operation. The bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback a user experiences, while the top housing primarily dictates the sound when the key is released. Despite both switches utilizing the same nylon material, any variations in their internal mechanisms or additional structural elements may introduce differing tactile sensations or responsiveness during typing. This means, while the sound profile may be similar due to the shared material, the overall typing experience could still vary based on the unique design elements inherent to each switch version.
In conclusion, the Gateron Quinn and Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches both embrace nylon as their primary housing material, offering users a similar sound profile that is characterized by warmth and depth. However, the potential for variation in key feel, action, and tactile feedback remains a key differentiator. For users who value auditory experience without placing as much emphasis on feel, either switch would be suitable. Conversely, for those seeking a specific tactile response, it would be essential to consider the nuances of each design beyond just the housing materials to truly gauge which switch aligns best with their typing preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Quinn tactile switch to the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, there is a noticeable difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Quinn has a significantly heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the WS Pearl features a much lighter actuation force of just 30 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, which is considered medium. This means that the Quinn will provide a more substantial typing experience that some may prefer for its tactile feedback, ideal for those who enjoy a stronger push. Meanwhile, the WS Pearl is better suited for users who favor lighter switches, allowing for longer periods of typing or gaming due to its lower resistance. Overall, if you're looking for a heavier feel and higher actuation force, the Gateron Quinn would be the choice, whereas the WS Pearl is recommended for those who prefer a lighter touch.
Travel distance
The Gateron Quinn tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. With only a 0.1 mm difference, users may find both switches to feel relatively similar in practice, but the Quinn's shorter travel distance can provide a quicker actuation, which may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times. The WS Pearl, on the other hand, might offer a more substantial feel for those who prefer a deeper keypress. Therefore, if quick responses are a priority, the Quinn would be the preferable choice due to its shorter travel distance, whereas the WS Pearl is better suited for users who appreciate a more robust typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Quinn has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Quinn for $5.50.
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 considering sound quality, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch is characterized by a rich and complex auditory profile. Users can expect a combination of bassy and clacky sounds, producing a deep, resonant tone alongside a sharp, bright note that adds to an immersive typing experience. This unique sound is shaped significantly by the nylon housing of the switches, which enhances the overall acoustic character and creates a satisfying auditory feedback with each keystroke. In contrast, the sound profile of the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch remains largely undefined, making it difficult to offer a direct comparison. However, users might find its medium-high pitched sound to be less pronounced than the varying depths and timbres found in the Quinn switch, resulting in a cleaner, albeit quieter typing experience depending on the board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Quinn switch excels with its snappy and polished characteristics, allowing for a highly responsive typing experience. The switch’s design enables an appealing tactile bump that delivers an engaging sensation with each press, making typing feel lively and interactive. The combination of a bouncy rebounding action and a medium tactile profile results in a satisfying, textured feedback that’s neither too aggressive nor too subtle. On the other hand, the WS Pearl leverages its unique ball-bearing mechanism to drastically reduce friction during key presses, leading to an exceptionally smooth keystroke feel. While it is challenging to define the exact tactile experience of the Pearl without additional information, its promise of a fluid and refined typing sensation suggests it may provide a notably different experience compared to the Quinn.
In conclusion, when comparing the Gateron Quinn tactile switch with the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, both switches offer distinct auditory and tactile qualities that cater to different preferences. The Quinn impresses with its bassy, resonant sound and engaging tactile feedback, making it ideal for users who enjoy a lively typing experience. Meanwhile, the WS Pearl's innovative design potentially offers a remarkably smooth keystroke, though its sound profile remains less defined. Ultimately, both switches have the potential to create an enjoyable typing experience, but the choice between them comes down to whether you prioritize tactile feedback and auditory richness or a sleek and fluid keypress sensation.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you enjoy a typing experience that combines tactile feedback with a rich, immersive sound, the Gateron Quinn may be the ideal option for you. Its medium-heavy actuation and distinctive bassy, clacky audio profile can make typing feel responsive and satisfying, especially for tasks like coding or writing that benefit from clear tactile cues. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and effortless typing experience, particularly during long gaming sessions or when typing for extended periods, the WS Pearl switch will likely suit your needs better. Its lower bottom-out force and innovative ball-bearing design reduce friction, providing a silky-smooth keystroke that is both light and fluid. Ultimately, consider how you value sound, tactile feedback, and smoothness to select the switch that will enhance your mechanical keyboard experience the most.
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