Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two noteworthy options are the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl, both of which fall under the category of linear switches. The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie stands out for its medium-weight all-POM construction that not only breaks the price barrier but also ensures a high-quality typing experience. Its thocky sound profile and exceptional smoothness make it a compelling choice for users seeking both acoustics and feel. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Pearl offers a unique approach with ball-bearing technology that reduces friction during keystrokes, resulting in a remarkably smooth typing experience. Its medium-high pitched sound signature adds a distinctive auditory characteristic to complement its feel. While both switches deliver a satisfying linear response, their differences in sound and engineering may appeal to different preferences. 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
48g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
16mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl reflect distinct characteristics that influence their acoustic profiles and tactile responses. The Sea Salt Smoothie features POM (Polyoxymethylene) for both the top and bottom housings, which is known for its ability to create a unique sound profile that is on the deeper side and relatively muted. This sound characteristic can be attributed to POM’s density and rigidness, which help to minimize vibrations and produce a clean, controlled auditory experience. In contrast, the WS Pearl utilizes nylon for its top and bottom housings, a material revered in the keyboard community for its softer nature. This softness allows nylon to absorb sound waves more effectively than the harder POM, resulting in a fuller and rounder sound profile that is both warm and inviting.
While both switches aim for a deeper sound profile, the ways in which they achieve this are rooted in the inherent properties of their respective materials. The POM construction of the Sea Salt Smoothie contributes to a slightly more muted and refined output. The sound produced may be less robust compared to the WS Pearl, but it stands out due to its clarity and subtlety. Conversely, the nylon in the WS Pearl gives it a character that complements a range of typing environments, particularly where a rounded sound might enhance the typing experience. Together, these differences mean that while both switches may deliver an enjoyable experience, they will evoke distinct auditory sensations based on the materials used.
When considering how these materials interact with the user experience, it's essential to recognize that both the POM and nylon materials will create a deeper typing feel. The Sea Salt Smoothie’s dual POM housing focuses on minimizing excessive noise during bottom-out action due to its rigid nature, while the WS Pearl’s nylon gives a more satisfying, tactile “thump” due to its inherent sound-absorbing qualities. Since both have similar intents with a focus on deeper, fuller sound profiles, users might find that despite their different materials, they can yield comparably enjoyable typing experiences. Consequently, if a user appreciates muted sounds, they might prefer the Sea Salt Smoothie, while those looking for rounded warmth may gravitate towards the WS Pearl, yet both can provide satisfying auditory journeys that enrich the keyboard experience.
Weight
The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch features an actuation force of 48 grams, while the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams. This difference means that the WS Pearl is generally easier to press, making it a more suitable choice for users who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing or gaming sessions. In terms of bottom out force, the Sea Salt Smoothie's value is unknown, whereas the WS Pearl has a bottom out force of 58 grams. While we cannot directly compare the bottom out forces due to the missing data for the Sea Salt Smoothie, it is clear that the WS Pearl is the heavier switch overall due to its actuation force and defined bottom out force. For users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience, the firmer resistance of the WS Pearl might be more appealing, while those looking for ease and comfort may gravitate towards the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, assuming its bottom out force aligns with their preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, the Sea Salt Smoothie features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the WS Pearl has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that if you opt for the Sea Salt Smoothie, you will experience a more pronounced key press, which may be preferable for those who enjoy a deeper feel when typing. On the other hand, the WS Pearl's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, making it better suited for fast-paced actions. Ultimately, choosing the Sea Salt Smoothie will provide a greater depth in your keystrokes, whereas the WS Pearl will offer a more responsive, albeit potentially less substantial experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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 Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie presents a thocky sound profile that adds a satisfying auditory feedback during typing. This characteristically deeper sound can create an enjoyable and rich acoustic environment for users who appreciate a pronounced audio experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches emit a medium-high pitched sound signature thanks to their unique ball-bearing mechanism. This design not only aids in reducing friction but may also contribute to a lighter and crisper auditory presence, appealing to those who prefer a more refined and elevated sound when typing. The specific sound produced by either switch can vary based on the keyboard build and keycap materials, so personal experience may differ.
Regarding feel, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness, providing a delightful typing experience that doesn’t skip or catch during key presses. This smooth action results from the high-quality POM material used in its construction, allowing the switch to glide effortlessly under one's fingers. In contrast, the WS Pearl switch takes this smoothness a step further with its ball-bearing design, which significantly reduces friction throughout the keystroke. This innovation results in a surreal typing feel that many users find addictively pleasurable, making each key press feel light and fluid. Both switches aim to enhance the user experience through their respective designs, but the WS Pearl may edge out in effortless motion due to its unique engineering.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches offer unique tactile and auditory experiences that cater to different preferences. While the Sea Salt Smoothie excels with its thocky sound and smooth typing feel, the WS Pearl stands out with its higher-pitched acoustic profile and exceptionally smooth keystrokes facilitated by ball-bearings. Users can expect quality performance from both switches, though the choice between them will ultimately depend on whether they prioritize sound character or the absolute fluidity of feel in their typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, it's important to consider your personal preferences and typing experience. If you’re looking for a switch that offers a thocky sound profile and exceptional smoothness, the Sea Salt Smoothie is a fantastic choice. Its medium-weight feel and unique design make it suitable for both typing and gaming scenarios, particularly if you enjoy a deeper sound on bottoming out and prefer a switch that minimizes the hassle of maintenance. On the other hand, if you desire a switch that prioritizes ultra-smooth keystrokes, the WS Pearl's incorporation of ball bearings makes it stand out. With a deliberate medium bottom-out force, it provides a more pronounced tactile response, which can enhance your typing accuracy and overall experience. In essence, choose the Sea Salt Smoothie for a rich auditory experience and buttery feel, while the WS Pearl is ideal for those seeking precision and a uniquely smooth keystroke. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize sound or feel in your typing adventure.
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