Gateron Smoothie vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the Gateron Smoothie and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Smoothie and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl offer distinct experiences for typists and gamers alike, each catering to different preferences and styles. The Gateron Smoothie stands out with its all-POM construction, delivering a thocky sound signature combined with buttery smoothness and a lightweight feel, making it an excellent choice for those who seek a satisfying auditory and tactile feedback while typing. In contrast, the WS Pearl introduces a unique design with ball-bearings that significantly reduce friction during keystrokes, resulting in a surreal smoothness that is hard to match. This switch produces a medium-high pitched sound signature, appealing to those who enjoy a crisper feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to personal preference: if you prioritize a rich, low-pitched thock, the Smoothie may be your go-to, while the unparalleled smoothness of the WS Pearl could be perfect for those who value a light and fluid 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
N/A
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
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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
16mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Smoothie and Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches feature distinct housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Smoothie utilizes POM (Polyoxymethylene) for both its top and bottom housings, which is revered for its ability to create a clean and muted sound. This material is known to produce a deeper sound characteristic that appeals to users seeking a unique auditory feedback when typing. In contrast, the WS Pearl features nylon for both its top and bottom housings. Nylon is celebrated as a classic switch housing material, and its softer profile tends to absorb more sound, resulting in a fuller and more rounded auditory experience. Although both switches aim for a deep sound profile, the difference in materials creates a divergence in the subtle qualities of the sound produced.
While both switches prioritize deeper sound profiles, the choice of material affects the acoustic characteristics differently. The POM of the Smoothie offers a uniquely muted sound that can sometimes be perceived as cleaner, likely due to its inherent hardness compared to nylon. In contrast, the WS Pearl’s nylon construction absorbs sound, providing a more softened auditory feedback, leading to a sound that is perceived as rounder. This intrinsic quality means that, when typing, the Gateron Smoothie may deliver a clearer yet subdued sound experience, whereas the WS Pearl delivers a plush, enveloping auditory sensation that some typists may find more pleasurable.
In terms of overall performance and typing feel, the differences in housing materials indicate how each switch might be experienced. Given that the top housing plays a critical role in the sound when keys are released, the Smoothie’s POM housing will provide a cleaner, albeit subtler, release sound. Meanwhile, the WS Pearl's nylon top housing will contribute to the fullness of sound when the go-up motion occurs. Ultimately, while users may enjoy similar results in terms of achieving a desirable deep sound profile, the specifics of their experiences will vary considerably depending on whether they prefer the cleaner sound of POM or the rounder notes that nylon provides.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Smoothie linear switch to the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, we find notable differences in their actuation forces. The Smoothie requires a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it well-suited for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, ideal for long hours at work or during extended gaming sessions. In contrast, the WS Pearl features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams, which affords even easier keystrokes, appealing to those who favor a gentler touch. However, the difference in bottom out forces reveals another layer of comparison: while the bottom out force of the Smoothie is unknown, the WS Pearl has a bottom out force of 58 grams. This means that the Pearl offers a more substantial feel upon full depression, which could be preferable for users who enjoy that tactile feedback. Overall, the WS Pearl is the heaviest option in terms of bottom out force, contributing to a firmer typing experience, while the Smoothie’s lighter actuation force delivers a softer touch, making both switches suitable for different user preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Smoothie linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, the Smoothie offers a travel distance of 3.6 mm, whereas the WS Pearl has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Smoothie provides a bit more travel, making it potentially better for users who enjoy a more substantial depth in their key presses, while the WS Pearl may appeal to those who favor a quicker response due to its shorter distance. Both switches fall within a range that caters to modern preferences, as shorter travel distances can enhance responsiveness, particularly for gamers. However, for users who appreciate a more tactile feedback experience, the Gateron Smoothie’s longer travel distance may be the preferable choice.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron 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 Smoothie for $2.60.
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 Gateron Smoothie linear switch delivers a prominent thocky sound signature, characterized by its deep, rich tones that produce a soft "thud" or knock when pressed. This low-pitched and subdued auditory experience provides a satisfying response without being overly loud, making it ideal for those who appreciate a balanced sound profile while typing or gaming. In contrast, the specific sound signature of the Wuque Studio WS Pearl is not entirely defined, yet it is known to have a medium-high pitched sound. This tonal difference suggests that while the Smoothie offers a bass-heavy and mellow tone, the WS Pearl may produce a crisper noise during keystrokes, although further nuances remain unknown.
Regarding feel, the Smoothie stands out with its remarkably buttery, creamy, and silky typing experience. The switch’s design facilitates a smooth and fluid keystroke, allowing for effortless transitions between keys. This sensation of gliding across the keys enhances overall typing comfort and reduces finger fatigue over time. The WS Pearl's unique integration of ball-bearings aims to diminish friction, creating an exceptionally smooth keystroke experience. While the exact tactile feedback of the WS Pearl remains unspecified, the presence of ball-bearings likely complements the goal of achieving a similarly seamless and frictionless feel, aligning closely with the Smoothie’s ideologies.
In summary, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch each offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences. The Smoothie is renowned for its thocky and subdued sound alongside its buttery and silky feel, catering to users looking for a satisfying auditory response and a smooth typing experience. The WS Pearl, on the other hand, provides a potentially crisper pitch in sound and might present an equally smooth feel due to its ball-bearing mechanism, although specific qualities of this switch are less defined. Overall, both switches are designed to deliver superior performance, making them great options for newcomers to mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Smoothie linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a thocky sound profile with a rich, low-pitched tone and an exceptionally smooth keystroke experience, the Smoothie switch would be more suitable for you, particularly if you're looking for an affordable option that still delivers on quality and feel. Its buttery, creamy, and silky characteristics make it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who value a lightweight touch with a satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you're inclined towards a medium bottom-out force and desire a keystroke that feels uniquely frictionless, the WS Pearl would be an ideal selection. The integration of ball bearings elevates the typing experience, making every keypress surreal in smoothness, complemented by a medium-high pitched sound. In essence, choose the Smoothie for a deeper auditory experience and lighter actuation, while the WS Pearl is your go-to for immersive smoothness and a more assertive keystroke. Your ultimate choice should reflect what aspects of typing or gaming you prioritize in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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