Akko Rosewood vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the Akko Rosewood and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Rosewood and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl offer two distinct experiences for typists and gamers alike, both categorized as linear switches. The Rosewood is celebrated for its deep, satisfying "thock" sound, enhanced by a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant that ensures a rich auditory experience straight out of the box. This makes it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a tactile feedback and a sound signature that adds character to each keystroke. In contrast, the WS Pearl switches stand out for their innovative use of ball-bearings, which dramatically reduce friction during keystrokes. The result is an exceptionally smooth typing experience, characterized by a medium-high pitched sound that some might describe as "silky" or "creamy." While the Rosewood emphasizes a more traditional, fulfilling auditory sensation, the WS Pearl highlights a unique, frictionless feel. Ultimately, each switch caters to different preferences: the Rosewood for those seeking depth in sound and tactile feedback, while the WS Pearl appeals to those who prioritize an ultra-smooth typing experience. 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
40g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Nylon
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 single-stage spring
Spring
16mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko Rosewood and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl are notably similar, as both utilize nylon for both the top and bottom housings of their switches. This uniformity in material choice translates into a comparative experience when it comes to typing feel and sound profile. With both switches featuring nylon, users can expect a deeper and fuller sound characterized by a rounder tonal quality. As nylon is softer than most alternative materials used in switch construction, it possesses a unique ability to absorb sound, leading to a less sharp and more balanced auditory feedback during typing. Consequently, the acoustic performance of both switches aligns closely, providing a satisfying auditory experience.
In addition to their acoustic similarities, the tactile experience of using both the Akko Rosewood and WS Pearl switches is influenced by their nylon housing. Since both switches are constructed with the same material, they share a common feeling during key presses. The softness of the nylon contributes to a softer bottom-out feel, which can be more comfortable for extended typing sessions. Thus, while nuances may exist regarding the switches' design or actuation points, the overall tactile feedback remains comparable, ensuring users enjoy a consistently pleasant experience with either choice.
However, it's important to note that the distribution of the nylon housing's characteristics can vary slightly between the Rosewood and WS Pearl switches if their designs incorporate different features or mechanisms. While both utilize nylon, the overall performance will also depend on the specific engineering behind each switch. For example, if one switch incorporates a unique stem or a varying actuation strategy, it could enhance or modify the sound and feel provided by the nylon housing. Ultimately, though the materials are identical, individual switch design and tuning can lead to distinct performance outcomes—yet the foundational qualities of nylon promise a coherent and harmonious typing experience within both the Akko Rosewood and Wuque Studio WS Pearl.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Rosewood linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Rosewood switch features a light actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it easier to press down and providing a less strenuous typing experience. In contrast, the WS Pearl has an actuation force of 30 grams, which is even lighter, but its bottom out force is higher at 58 grams. This means that while the Pearl switch requires less force to register a keystroke, it requires more effort to press all the way down, which might result in a more pronounced tactile feeling during heavy typing sessions. Overall, the Rosewood switch is heavier overall due to its greater bottom out force, making the WS Pearl more appealing for those who prefer a lighter touch in their keystrokes. However, for users who enjoy a more substantial sense of feedback while typing, the Rosewood may be the better choice despite being the heavier option.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the Akko Rosewood linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch differ significantly, with the Rosewood featuring a travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Pearl has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the WS Pearl the shorter option, appealing to gamers and users who favor a more responsive feel due to the reduced distance for actuation. Conversely, the Rosewood, with its longer travel distance, may be more suitable for those who appreciate a more pronounced feedback and depth in their key presses. For users who prefer the balance between responsiveness and depth, the choice between these two switches will hinge on their personal preference for travel distance, as the Rosewood offers a more traditional experience while the WS Pearl caters to a more modern, reactive typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko Rosewood has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rosewood for $3.11.
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 Akko Rosewood switch is celebrated for its deep, satisfying thocky sound that offers a rich auditory experience right from the box, enhanced by a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant. This gives it a fuller, bassy quality that many typists find gratifying. The WS Pearl switch, on the other hand, presents a medium-high pitched sound signature characterized by its clacky, sharp, and crisp notes, reminiscent of the sound produced by two billiard balls colliding. This creates a more resonant and clean auditory profile compared to the Rosewood, appealing to those who prefer a brighter, more percussive sound. Overall, while both switches are designed to provide a pleasant auditory experience, their tonal qualities cater to different preferences.
When it comes to feel, the Rosewood switch is known for its smoothness, likely attributed to the factory lubrication that facilitates a fluid typing experience. However, the specific descriptors for its tactile feel are not provided. In contrast, the WS Pearl is lauded for its remarkably silky and creamy feel, thanks to the innovative use of ball-bearings that significantly reduce friction. This results in an almost ethereal typing sensation, making keystrokes feel effortless and providing a luxurious experience. The creamy nature of the Pearls offers a unique buttery quality that enhances both comfort and performance, setting it apart from typical linear switches.
In summary, the Akko Rosewood and Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switches each deliver distinct sounds and feelings that cater to different typing preferences. The Rosewood's thocky sound and smooth feel create a bass-heavy auditory experience that many users appreciate, while the WS Pearl's high-pitched, clacky sound combined with its silky and creamy tactile feedback offers an unparalleled typing experience marked by smoothness and ease. If you're deliberating between the two, consider your personal preferences for sound and tactile sensations to determine which switch will best enhance your typing enjoyment.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Akko Rosewood linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a lighter feel with a bottom-out force of just 50 grams and enjoy a richer auditory experience, the Rosewood is an excellent choice for you. Its thocky sound profile, enhanced by a layer of factory-applied lubricant, provides a deep and satisfying feedback, making it ideal for users who appreciate a more bass-heavy auditory cue while typing or gaming. Conversely, if you prefer a slightly firmer touch with a bottom-out force of 58 grams and value an exceptionally smooth typing experience, the WS Pearl should be your go-to. Its unique ball-bearing design results in a silky and creamy feel that minimizes resistance, while its medium-high pitched, clacky audio adds a crisp clarity to each keystroke. In essence, your decision should reflect whether you seek a more tactile sound experience or an ultra-smooth and refined typing feel.
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