Dareu Sky POM vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the Dareu Sky POM and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Dareu Sky POM and Wuque Studio WS Pearl both present intriguing options, each with its unique set of characteristics catering to different preferences. The Dareu Sky POM switch is renowned for its buttery-smooth feel and low-pitched, clacky sound, making it an attractive choice for users who enjoy a tactile experience without excessive force. Its affordability while still delivering premium quality is particularly appealing for those new to mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the WS Pearl switches stand out due to their innovative ball-bearing design that significantly reduces friction during keystrokes, offering a surreal smoothness that can elevate any typing experience. The medium-high-pitched sound signature of the WS Pearl adds a satisfying acoustic profile for enthusiasts who appreciate auditory feedback. Both switches have compelling reasons for selection based on tactile preference and sound, but however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that’s right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
16mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Sky POM and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl, one can find intriguing similarities and some distinctions. Both switch designs utilize POM and nylon in their upper housings, with the Sky POM showcasing a POM top while the WS Pearl employs a nylon top. The POM material in the Sky POM is noted for producing a unique, deeper, and more muted sound profile. Meanwhile, the nylon top of the WS Pearl provides a classic touch, engendering a similarly rich typographical experience, albeit with nuances that make it slightly rounder and fuller in sound. This overlap exemplifies how both materials can yield comparable auditory characteristics, with their textural differences affecting the sound presentation slightly based on material and design.
In terms of the bottom housing, both switches employ nylon, further bridging the gap between their sound profiles. Here, the characteristics of nylon truly shine, as both the Dareu Sky POM and the WS Pearl showcase a deeper, fuller sound resulting from nylon's softer nature. This commonality underscores the power of the bottom housing in defining the tactile feedback and bottom-out experience when a key is pressed. The shared use of nylon across both designs ensures that a similar roundness and depth are achieved, though the particular response may vary based on the specific design details and the impact the top housing materials have on overall performance.
Ultimately, while there are differences in the top housing materials used in the Dareu Sky POM and Wuque Studio WS Pearl, the substantial role of the nylon bottom housing in both builds leads to a significant degree of similarity in their overall output. The distinct sound quality elicited from pressing the keys will primarily rely on the characteristics of that bottom housing, enabling both switches to deliver a satisfying, deeper auditory feedback. The combination of these materials allows for a harmonious balance in sound profiling while emphasizing the unique qualities that each brand offers through their specific constructions and material choices.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Sky POM linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, a clear distinction can be seen in their actuation forces. The Sky POM requires a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, while the WS Pearl has an even lighter actuation force of 30 grams. This means that typists or gamers who prefer less resistance will likely find the WS Pearl more comfortable for extended use, making it suitable for those long work hours or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force for the Sky POM is unknown, whereas the WS Pearl has a bottom out force of 58 grams, indicating that the WS Pearl provides a more substantial feel when keys are fully pressed. This could attract users who appreciate a heavier, more tactile experience. Therefore, while the WS Pearl is lighter in terms of actuation force, it has a heavier bottom out feel compared to the Dareu Sky POM, which remains undefined in that regard.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Dareu Sky POM linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, the Sky POM has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the WS Pearl has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Sky POM offers a more pronounced feel with a deeper keypress, which may appeal to users who prefer a heartier typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Pearl, with its shorter travel distance, can provide quicker response times, making it potentially more suitable for gamers seeking rapid actuations. Therefore, while the Sky POM is the longer option, the WS Pearl's shorter travel distance caters to those who favor responsiveness over depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Sky POM has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sky POM for $4.98.
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 Dareu Sky POM linear switch features a low-pitched sound signature that is more subdued and bass-heavy, contributing to a mellower auditory experience when typing. This can create a more satisfying atmosphere, especially for those who prefer a quieter environment. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switch is noted for its medium-high pitched sound signature, which can lend a sharper and more pronounced auditory feedback during usage. Both of these sound profiles can vary based on additional factors such as the keyboard’s construction, types of keycaps, and the surface they are being used on, so the ultimate sound experience may still differ significantly based on personal setup choices.
When it comes to feel, the Sky POM switch excels in providing a buttery, creamy, and silky typing experience. This results in a remarkably smooth and fluid keystroke sensation, which many users find appealing for extended typing sessions or gaming. The quality of smoothness is well-executed, allowing users to glide effortlessly across the keys while minimizing any resistance. On the other hand, the specific nuances of the WS Pearl's feel are unknown. However, the presence of ball-bearings within the WS Pearl is intended to reduce friction, suggesting that it may also provide a remarkably smooth experience, albeit potentially in a distinct way compared to the buttery sensations of the Sky POM.
In conclusion, both the Dareu Sky POM and Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switches offer unique auditory and tactile experiences. The Sky POM's low-pitched sound and buttery feel will appeal to those who favor a soothing typing experience, while the WS Pearl's higher-pitched sound and innovative friction reduction may attract users looking for sharper feedback. While their sound profiles are notably different, both switches are designed to ensure a smooth keystroke experience; thus, you may find satisfaction with either choice depending on your personal preferences in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Dareu Sky POM linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, you’ll want to consider your personal preferences in typing experience and sound profile. If you lean towards a softer, smoother keystroke with an inviting low-pitched sound, the Sky POM is likely your best bet. Its buttery, creamy, and silky feel provides an exceptionally comfortable typing experience suitable for long sessions, making it ideal for those who prioritize finger comfort and noise reduction in their environment. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium resistance that offers a unique combination of smoothness and a higher-pitched sound signature, the WS Pearl with its innovative ball-bearing design would be the right choice. This switch provides a more tactile feedback while still ensuring a fluid typing experience, which can enhance a variety of typing styles, especially if you appreciate a slight tactile element with your key presses. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value an ultra-smooth touch and a quieter experience or a firmer action with a bit more auditory feedback.
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