TTC Speed Silver vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the TTC Speed Silver and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing style, the TTC Speed Silver and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl present two distinctive options within the realm of linear switches. The Speed Silver is celebrated for its quick and precise actuation, making it an ideal choice for typists and gamers who prioritize speed. With its light-medium resistance and reduced travel distance, this switch provides a responsive experience that caters to fast-paced activities, all while maintaining a pristine sound profile. In contrast, the WS Pearl stands out due to its innovative design featuring ball-bearings, which significantly reduce friction and enhance the smoothness of each keystroke. This results in a typing experience that is not only silky and creamy but also endowed with a higher-pitched, clacky sound signature that some users find delightful. While the Speed Silver excels in rapid actuation and precision, the WS Pearl offers a unique tactile satisfaction reminiscent of the smoothness akin to gliding. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.08 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 Speed Silver and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl, the differences in their top housing yield distinctly contrasting acoustic profiles. The Speed Silver's top housing is made from polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This characteristic is particularly advantageous for users who prefer a more pronounced auditory experience, especially when utilizing RGB lighting. The translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visual aesthetics of the switch, allowing for the glow of the lighting to penetrate and shine through. In contrast, the WS Pearl features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature that absorbs sound. This results in a duller and rounder auditory experience, appealing to those who favor a more mellow keystroke response.
In terms of their bottom housings, both switches utilize nylon, aligning their acoustic properties closely in this regard. The nylon bottom housing contributes significantly to the overall sound profile, affecting the bottom-out sound and keystroke feel. Because both the Speed Silver and WS Pearl utilize nylon for this portion, users can expect similar results in terms of the deeper, fuller sound. The shared material also ensures a consistency in the tactile experience when pressing down, as both switches capitalize on nylon's inherent properties to soften the impact, thereby creating a satisfying and rich typing experience. This similarity allows for a common ground in user preference when considering the feel and sound of typing.
Ultimately, the primary distinction in sound output between the TTC Speed Silver and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl lies in their top housing materials. Users who lean towards a bright and clear auditory experience may prefer the Speed Silver's polycarbonate top, while those who seek a warmer, more resonant typing feel may find the WS Pearl's nylon top more suitable. The combination of a polycarbonate top with a nylon bottom in the Speed Silver allows it to offer a unique sound profile that differs from the completely nylon construction of the WS Pearl. Thus, while the two switches share similar bottom housing characteristics that result in a fuller sound, their top housing choices ultimately guide users toward different auditory preferences and overall typographical experiences.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Speed Silver linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation forces. The Speed Silver has an actuation force of 45 grams, which classifies it as medium-light, while the WS Pearl is lighter at 30 grams, making it easier to activate and potentially more suitable for long typing sessions or extended gameplay. In terms of bottom out force, the Speed Silver requires 55 grams to bottom out, while the WS Pearl has a slightly higher bottom out force of 58 grams. This means that, although the WS Pearl has a lighter actuation force, it actually bottoms out at a heavier force compared to the Speed Silver. For users seeking a lighter typing experience, the WS Pearl may be the preferable option, whereas those who enjoy a more substantial feel might gravitate towards the TTC Speed Silver for its more pronounced actuation force. Overall, users will notice a difference in both the actuation force and the bottom out force between these two switches, with the Speed Silver being heavier in terms of actuation but slightly lighter at bottoming out.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Speed Silver linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, there is a slight difference to note. The TTC Speed Silver features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the WS Pearl has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Speed Silver the shorter option and the WS Pearl the longer one by just 0.1 mm. For gamers or users who prioritize quick response times, the slightly shorter travel distance of the Speed Silver may be more appealing, offering a quicker actuation. On the other hand, those who prefer a bit more depth and a more cushioned sensation while typing might lean towards the WS Pearl for its longer travel distance. Overall, while both switches provide a relatively short travel distance compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, choosing between them will depend on personal preferences for responsiveness versus depth in keypress feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Speed Silver has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Speed Silver for $4.58.
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 Speed Silver switch delivers a pristine auditory experience that is characterized by its sharp and clean tone. This switch leans towards a clearer sound profile without being overly resonant, making it appealing to those who prefer less distraction while typing. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switch produces a unique high-pitched, marbly, and clacky sound signature. This results in a more resonant and percussive noise when pressed, reminiscent of the satisfying thock of well-tuned bells or crisp clacks, appealing to users who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, the Speed Silver is designed to provide a mild typing experience, making it approachable for both newcomers and seasoned typists alike. The level of resistance is light to medium, allowing for smooth actuation without overwhelming tactile feedback. On the other hand, the WS Pearl switch elevates the typing experience with its silky and creamy feel, attributed to the ball-bearing mechanism that reduces friction, delivering an exceptionally smooth keystroke. This sensation of gliding fingers across the keys promotes a buttery flow, making the typing experience feel effortless and fluid, standing out in comparison to the more gentle nature of the Speed Silver.
In summary, while the TTC Speed Silver and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches both aim to enhance the typing experience, they do so in distinctive ways. The Speed Silver offers a clean and mild sound with a balanced feel, suitable for users looking for precision and clarity. Meanwhile, the WS Pearl caters to those who seek a more vibrant auditory experience combined with an ultra-smooth keystroke sensation. Each switch appeals to different preferences, ensuring that users can find a switch that resonates with their specific typing style, whether they prioritize sound or feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the TTC Speed Silver linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and intended usage. If you prioritize speed and precision, especially for gaming or rapid typing, the TTC Speed Silver is an optimal choice. Its lighter actuation force and reduced travel distance enable quicker keystrokes, providing an efficient and responsive typing experience. This switch also delivers a mild sound profile that can be appealing if you prefer a more subtle noise while typing. On the other hand, if you seek a smooth and luxurious typing feel, the WS Pearl shines with its unique ball-bearing design, which minimizes friction and offers an impressively creamy and silky experience. This switch's slightly firmer bottom-out force may lend itself better to general typing tasks and offers a high-pitched, clacky sound that can bring a satisfying auditory element to your work. In essence, if speed is your game, go for the Speed Silver; if smoothness and tactile pleasure are what you’re after, the WS Pearl is the way to go.
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