Dareu Snow vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the Dareu Snow and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect linear mechanical keyboard switch, the Dareu Snow and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl provide two distinct options that cater to different preferences and typing experiences. The Snow, renowned for its innovative POK material in both the top housing and stem, offers a deeper sound signature characterized by a 'thocky' and 'bouncy' feel while typing. This makes it a great choice for those who enjoy a satisfying auditory feedback and a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Pearl switches stand out with their unique ball-bearing mechanism, significantly reducing friction during keystrokes and resulting in an incredibly smooth typing experience, albeit with a medium-high pitched sound signature. While both switches are linear and designed for smooth operation, their distinctive acoustic properties and construction methods might appeal to different users. 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
50g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Stainless steel
Spring
16mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Snow and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl present distinct characteristics in their housing materials that significantly influence the typing experience, yet they also share a common element in their bottom housing. The Snow utilizes a POK material for its top housing, which is lauded for its smoothness and durability, boasting a coefficient of friction of 0.04, a level that delivers a much-sought-after clacky sound profile. This POK construction provides superior wear and shock resistance compared to traditional materials like POM and Nylon, making the top housing exceptionally resilient. In contrast, the WS Pearl opts for a completely nylon top housing, noted for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder materials.
One striking similarity between the two models is found in their bottom housings, where both utilize nylon. This shared choice in lower housing material means that regardless of the differences up top, the base sound signature and feel will reflect the properties of nylon. Both switches will elicit a consistent deep and round sound when pressed down, as the softness of the nylon absorbs vibrations better than harder plastics would. This ensures a cushioned bottoming-out experience in both models, contributing to a tactile and engaging feedback that enthusiasts often seek.
While the Dareu Snow and WS Pearl exhibit both convergent and divergent qualities, they ultimately cater to different preferences driven by housing materials. The Snow’s top POK material lends it a unique advantage in terms of smoothness and durability, making it suitable for users who prioritize a sharp and responsive feel. Conversely, the WS Pearl’s all-nylon design offers a softer touch and deeper acoustic properties, appealing to those who appreciate a warmer and more muted sound. Therefore, users can expect distinct overall experiences based on which aspect—tactility or sound absorption—bears more significance to their typing style, even though the bottom housing will provide a consistent ethos across both switches.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Snow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, notable differences in actuation force emerge. The Snow switch features an actuation force of 50 grams, while the WS Pearl is lighter at 30 grams. This means that typists or gamers looking for a lighter feel and longer typing sessions may prefer the WS Pearl. However, the bottom out forces are relatively close, with the Snow at 60 grams and the WS Pearl slightly lighter at 58 grams. While both switches fall within the medium range for bottom out forces, the Snow switch has a firmer pressing experience overall due to its higher actuation force. In summary, if you value a lighter touch for ease of use over extended periods, the WS Pearl may suit you better, while those who appreciate a stronger push may prefer the Snow switch for its heftier actuation.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Dareu Snow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, the Snow features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the WS Pearl has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. This indicates that the Snow switch offers a shorter travel distance, appealing to gamers who favor faster response times and a more responsive feel. On the other hand, the WS Pearl, with its longer travel distance of 3.5 mm, may provide a more hearty typing experience for those who appreciate deeper key presses. Ultimately, if you prefer the quicker actuation associated with shorter travel distances, the Dareu Snow would be the better choice, whereas the WS Pearl is suited for users who enjoy a more substantial depth in their key presses.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Snow has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Snow for $5.76.
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 comparing the sound of the Dareu Snow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, significant differences emerge. The Snow switch is noted for its deep, rich, and "thocky" sound profile, providing a satisfying auditory feedback that can evoke a deep "thud" or soft "knock" upon actuation. This low-pitched sound adds to the tactile experience, making it enjoyable for users who appreciate a more pronounced acoustic response. In contrast, the WS Pearl's sound profile is not explicitly detailed, but given its unique ball-bearing mechanism designed to reduce friction, we can infer it may lean towards a higher-pitched sound, possibly resulting in a cleaner, brighter tone. However, without specific descriptors for its sound, one would need to rely on personal testing to fully appreciate its acoustic qualities.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Snow switch is characterized by a bouncy sensation that provides elastic feedback with each keystroke. This spring-like response makes typing engaging and lively, likely enhancing the overall typing experience, especially during repetitive tasks. On the other hand, the feel of the WS Pearl is not described, which leaves its tactile response largely unknown. However, the smoothness attributed to its ball-bearing mechanism suggests a premium experience that could rival the bounce of the Snow, albeit in a different manner.
Considering all this information, the Dareu Snow switch is ideal for users looking for a deep, satisfying sound paired with a bouncy feel, making it particularly well-suited for both typing and gaming. Conversely, while the WS Pearl's acoustic properties remain unclear, its friction-reducing technology promises a uniquely smooth experience, attracting those who value keystroke fluidity. Ultimately, both switches bring their own strengths to the table, and the choice between them may come down to personal preferences in sound and feel, or simply an exploration of their respective characteristics in practice.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Dareu Snow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences regarding sound and feel. If you enjoy a typing experience characterized by a deep, thocky sound and a bouncy feedback sensation, then the Snow's unique POK material is tailored for you. The 60-gram bottom out force provides a satisfying resistance that strikes a balance between comfort and responsiveness, making it suitable for both gaming and typing. On the other hand, should you prefer an exceptionally smooth keystroke experience enhanced by innovative ball-bearings, the WS Pearl would be your best bet. With a slightly lower bottom out force of 58 grams, the Pearl is designed for users seeking minimal friction and a higher-pitched sound profile. This makes it ideal for fast typists or gamers who thrive on fluidity with every keystroke. Ultimately, choose the Snow if depth and bounce are your primary concerns, but lean toward the WS Pearl if you prioritize purity of motion and a whisper of sound.
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