TTC Silent Red vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Red 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 TTC Silent Red and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl present two compelling yet distinct options for users looking for a linear switch experience. The TTC Silent Red is celebrated for its exceptionally quiet operation, making it an ideal choice for those in shared living or office spaces. With its buttery smooth keystrokes and a pleasant padded bottom-out feel, it ensures a typing experience that is both comfortable and unobtrusive. On the other hand, the WS Pearl distinguishes itself with its unique ball-bearing design, which significantly reduces friction during keystrokes. This innovation results in a remarkably smooth typing experience, paired with a medium-high pitched sound that still keeps noise levels at bay. While the Silent Red excels in providing a muted and polished typing experience, the WS Pearl offers a novel touch of slickness that many users might find appealing. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your unique typing style and environment.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
16mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Silent Red and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches, a notable distinction is found in their top housings. The Silent Red utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffer nature. This characteristic contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile during key releases, making it particularly suited for users who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback when typing. In contrast, the WS Pearl employs a nylon top housing. While nylon is a classic choice for switch housings, it tends to create a softer and fuller sound due to its ability to absorb sound waves. Consequently, when typing on the WS Pearl, users experience a rounder and more mellow sound, emphasizing the underlying differences in the acoustic properties conveyed through the various materials.
Both switches, however, feature nylon as their bottom housing material. In this regard, the Silent Red and WS Pearl share a similarity that contributes to the overall acoustics of each switch. The use of nylon in both bottom housings results in a fuller and deeper sound profile because nylon's softness allows it to absorb more sound, creating a more rounded auditory experience during key presses. This shared element allows both switches to produce a more subdued bottom-out sound, which might appeal to users who prioritize a quieter typing experience. The uniform use of nylon in the bottom housing also reinforces the deeper character of the sound generated when a key is fully pressed down, providing an additional layer of acoustic consistency across both models.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in each switch leads to a unique typing sound and feel. While the TTC Silent Red offers a sharper sound signature attributed to its polycarbonate top housing, the WS Pearl provides a softer auditory experience with its nylon top. However, since both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, they share a common trait of producing deeper tones upon key actuation. Users who experiment with both switches may find that they appreciate the distinctively higher-pitched sound of the Silent Red when releasing a key, while simultaneously enjoying the full-bodied impact of the nylon bottom housing that both switches offer. Even with their differing top materials, the shared nylon bottom ensures that certain acoustic qualities remain consistent, providing a balanced yet diverse typing experience across both models.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Silent Red linear switch to the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Silent Red features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the WS Pearl has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams. This means that the WS Pearl is the lighter option overall, making it ideal for users who prefer a gentler touch, enabling longer typing sessions with less finger fatigue. In contrast, the Silent Red, with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, offers a more substantial typing experience for those who appreciate a firmer push. Thus, users seeking a lighter feel may gravitate towards the WS Pearl, while those desiring a more pronounced resistance in their keystrokes would likely favor the TTC Silent Red. The distinct characteristics of each switch cater to varied preferences in tactile feedback and typing comfort.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Silent Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, we find that the Silent Red 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 the Silent Red is the longer of the two switches, offering a slightly deeper press, which some users may prefer for a more tactile feel when typing or gaming. Conversely, the WS Pearl, with its shorter travel distance, is better suited for those who prioritize quick response times, making it an appealing option for gamers who favor rapid key presses. Thus, while both switches cater to different preferences in terms of depth and responsiveness, the Silent Red provides a more substantial travel experience compared to the quicker action of the WS Pearl.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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 it comes to sound, the TTC Silent Red linear switch stands out with its muted profile, making it an excellent choice for environments where noise reduction is key. This switch produces a softer and quieter sound, allowing for discreet typing without disturbing others. In contrast, while specific sound characteristics of the Wuque Studio WS Pearl are not detailed, it is known to have a medium-high pitched sound signature. This suggests that, while not particularly loud, the WS Pearl offers a more noticeable auditory experience compared to the Silent Red. Ultimately, if quiet operation is your priority, the Silent Red would be the preferable option.
In terms of feel, the TTC Silent Red is celebrated for its buttery smoothness, providing a uniformly seamless typing experience. The mild nature of the switch ensures that it won't overwhelm the typer, making it approachable for most users. Coupled with a polished finish that reduces friction, the Silent Red guarantees a comfortable and refined tactile sensation. On the other hand, the WS Pearl features ball-bearings that contribute to its unique feel, designed to minimize friction during keystrokes for a surprisingly smooth experience. While specific descriptors for the WS Pearl's feel are absent, its engineering aims for a high level of smoothness, making it likely to provide an impressive and enjoyable typing experience as well.
In conclusion, both the TTC Silent Red and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switches offer distinctive qualities to consider. The Silent Red is ideal for quiet environments thanks to its muted sound profile and smooth, comfortable feel. Meanwhile, the WS Pearl introduces a unique smoothness through its innovative ball-bearing design, although it may be less muted in sound signature. Users seeking a silent switch will likely gravitate towards the Silent Red, while those in search of a uniquely smooth keystroke experience might find the WS Pearl more appealing. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal preferences regarding sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the TTC Silent Red and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switches, consider your specific typing environment and personal preferences. If you find yourself frequently working in a quiet office or shared living space, the Silent Red is an excellent choice due to its muted sound profile and buttery, polished feel. It offers a smooth and consistent typing experience, complemented by a padded bottom-out feel that enhances comfort during extended use. On the other hand, if you are seeking a switch that provides an exceptionally smooth keystroke experience due to its unique ball-bearing design, the WS Pearl is the ideal candidate. With a slightly lighter actuation force, it caters well to those who prefer a responsive touch combined with a medium-high pitched sound signature. Ultimately, think about whether you prioritize a quieter, more comfortable typing experience with the Silent Red or a supremely smooth action with the WS Pearl. Your choice will hinge on the balance between sound preferences, tactile feedback, and your typing habits.
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