Huano Sakura vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the Huano Sakura and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the merits of various options, such as the Huano Sakura and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl, both of which are linear switches. The Sakura switch is celebrated for its feather-light touch and medium acoustics, making it an excellent choice for those seeking comfort during long typing sessions while still enjoying a pleasant auditory experience. In contrast, the WS Pearl introduces a uniquely smooth keystroke through its innovative use of ball-bearings, which significantly reduce friction. With a medium-high pitched sound signature, the WS Pearl caters to users who appreciate a more tactile auditory feedback alongside an ultra-smooth typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
35g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
16mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Sakura and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl, it's clear that there is a notable difference in the composition of their top housings. The Sakura features a POK material top housing, which boasts a very low coefficient of friction at 0.04, resulting in smooth action during keypresses. This contributes to a tactile experience that is characterized by clackiness and durability. In stark contrast, the WS Pearl uses a nylon top housing, which, while also respected for its acoustic properties, tends to absorb sound more effectively due to its softer nature. The differences in material properties likely result in unique sound profiles; the Sakura's POK material may yield a sharper, crisper sound when the key is released, whereas the WS Pearl's nylon top would produce a more muted, rounded sound.
The bottom housings of both switches, however, are identical in material as both the Sakura and the WS Pearl utilize nylon. This consistency allows for a similar auditory depth and richness, as nylon's inherent qualities contribute to a more profound sound profile. When typing, the softer nylon helps absorb excess noise, creating a deeper and rounder auditory experience across both switches. Given this shared material, users can expect similar acoustic results at the bottom of the switch, reinforcing the feeling of fullness and depth that the nylon brings.
In conclusion, while the Huano Sakura and Wuque Studio WS Pearl differ significantly in their top housing materials—POK vs. nylon—the uniform bottom housing made of nylon means that both switches can achieve analogous sound characteristics during keypresses. The different properties of the top housings suggest that users may experience a divergence in the overall sound profile when the key is released, highlighting how the combination of materials can intricately affect the unique typing experience. Thus, while the results in terms of sound may be similar at the bottom due to the shared nylon component, the nuances created by their differing top materials underscore the distinct personalities of these two switches.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Sakura linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, we see notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Huano Sakura features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams, making it easier to press, which is ideal for those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the WS Pearl has an actuation force of 30 grams, which is slightly lighter and may offer an even less strenuous experience during use. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Sakura reaches 45 grams while the WS Pearl is significantly heavier at 58 grams. This implies that while the Sakura provides a light touch when initiating keystrokes, it requires more force to fully depress, creating a different tactile experience. Overall, users seeking a softer touch may prefer the WS Pearl for its minimal actuation force, while those who appreciate a more substantial feel might be drawn to the Sakura due to its higher bottom out resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Sakura linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, we find that the Sakura has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the WS Pearl has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This indicates that the Sakura switch offers a longer travel experience than the Pearl, catering to users who may prefer a deeper, more tactile feel when pressing a key. In contrast, the WS Pearl's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, as it allows for faster actuation. Thus, if you prioritize responsiveness and a snappier key press, the WS Pearl would be the better choice, whereas those who favor a more traditional and hearty key feel might opt for the Sakura.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Sakura has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura for $3.29.
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 Huano Sakura switch features medium acoustics, providing a pleasant balance that is neither too harsh nor too muffled. This makes it an excellent choice for extended typing sessions, as it minimizes distractions while still offering auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switch produces a medium-high pitched sound signature, delivering a clear auditory response that enhances the typing experience. While both switches have distinctive sound profiles, factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycap materials can further influence their ultimate acoustic character, possibly allowing users to achieve similar sound qualities depending on their setup.
When considering the feel of each switch, the Huano Sakura is known for its feather-light touch, making it particularly comfortable during prolonged use. The light actuation force allows for quick, effortless key presses, which can be a significant advantage for typists or gamers seeking efficiency. Conversely, the WS Pearl excels in its tactile sensation thanks to its unique ball-bearing mechanism, which significantly reduces friction during keystrokes. This results in an incredibly smooth and almost surreal typing experience, setting it apart from more traditional linear switches. While both switches prioritize a fluid key-pressing experience, the Sakura emphasizes lightweight input, whereas the WS Pearl focuses on an unparalleled smoothness.
In conclusion, both the Huano Sakura and Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches offer excellent performance characteristics, each catering to different preferences in sound and feel. The Sakura’s medium sound and feather-light touch make it suitable for users who value comfort and moderate acoustics, while the WS Pearl’s high-pitched sound and smooth keystrokes appeal to those seeking an ultra-smooth typing experience. Depending on your typing style and preferences, you can expect to achieve satisfying results with either option, though they will feel and sound quite distinct.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Huano Sakura linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, it's essential to consider your personal preferences and typing habits. If you prioritize a light touch and plan on long typing sessions, the Sakura is an excellent choice due to its 45-gram actuation force and medium acoustics, which can help reduce finger fatigue and foster a more comfortable experience. In contrast, if you seek a switch that offers a unique, silky-smooth keystroke and don’t mind a heavier bottom-out force, the WS Pearl with its 58-gram actuation force and ball-bearing mechanism might be more suitable for you. The ball-bearings in the WS Pearl also provide a remarkable reduction in friction, resulting in a smooth press that feels significantly different from traditional switches. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing style—whether you prefer the feather-light responsiveness of the Sakura or the distinct tactile experience of the Pearl. Consider what feels best for your needs, and you can’t go wrong with either option.
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