Jwick Splash Brothers vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the Jwick Splash Brothers and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing and gaming needs, the Jwick Splash Brothers and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl offer two distinctive experiences, despite both being linear switches. The Splash Brothers, often likened to a dynamic duo, features a shorter activation point paired with a long pole stem, delivering a unique typing feel that's characterized by a creamy sound signature. This makes it an excellent choice for users who appreciate a balance of tactile responsiveness and audio feedback, as it is categorized as neutral and polished. On the other hand, the WS Pearl stands out with its innovative use of ball-bearings, which significantly reduce friction during keystrokes, resulting in an exceptionally smooth typing experience. Users who lean towards a medium-high pitched sound signature will find the WS Pearl appealing, especially if they prioritize a fluid typing feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Extended long spring
Spring
16mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Jwick Splash Brothers and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl, one immediately notices a distinction in their top housing materials, as the Splash Brothers utilize polycarbonate while the WS Pearl opts for nylon. The use of polycarbonate in the Splash Brothers’ top housing results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, attributed to polycarbonate's stiffer nature. This stiffer plastic contributes to a clear and resonant acoustics, making it ideal for enhancing the effectiveness of RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the WS Pearl's nylon top housing, while also a viable choice, leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile, resulting in a relatively duller and rounder tone due to nylon's softer and more absorbent characteristics.
On the other hand, both the Splash Brothers and the WS Pearl feature nylon in their bottom housings, creating a commonality in their construction. The use of nylon in the bottom housing plays a crucial role in dictating the overall sound experience during typing. Both switches achieve a deeper and fuller sound profile from the nylon material, which absorbs sound more effectively compared to harder plastics. Consequently, regardless of the differences in the top housing, users can expect a muted and rounded audio experience from the bottom housing of both switch models, effectively creating a harmonious blend of sound dynamics.
Ultimately, the contrasting materials of the top housing paired with the shared nylon in the bottom housing result in a unique auditory experience for each switch. While the Splash Brothers may deliver a more pronounced and resonant sound due to its polycarbonate top, the WS Pearl offers a richer and warmer sound profile through its nylon top. However, both switches maintain similar results in terms of muted sound quality from the nylon bottom, ensuring they each have their distinct charm while simultaneously offering the familiar richness associated with nylon switch housings. Thus, the overall sound experience of each switch will depend on the interplay of their differing top housing materials while still benefiting from the common traits provided by the nylon bottom.
Weight
When comparing the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, there is a clear distinction in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Splash Brothers switch has an unknown actuation force, but its bottom out force is measured at 48 grams, which is on the lighter side. Conversely, the WS Pearl switch features a 30-gram actuation force and a higher bottom out force of 58 grams, categorizing it as medium in weight. This difference indicates that the Splash Brothers might feel softer under initial keystrokes compared to the WS Pearl, which offers more resistance. Consequently, typists who favor lighter switches for prolonged typing sessions may lean towards the Splash Brothers, while those who prefer a more substantial feel in their keystrokes would likely appreciate the WS Pearl. Overall, the Splash Brothers is lighter in terms of bottom out feel, while the WS Pearl is heavier with its greater actuation and bottom-out forces, providing different tactile experiences tailored to user preferences.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch is identical, with both switches having a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This similarity means that users can expect comparable feedback and key feel when pressing down on these switches, leading to a uniform typing experience. Since both switches share the same travel distance, users will achieve similar actuation results, making them both excellent choices for those seeking consistent performance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Jwick Splash Brothers comes in at $2.49, whereas the Wuque Studio WS Pearl comes in at $6.00.
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 Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch presents a creamy sound signature, which can be described as moderate and neutral. This makes it versatile enough for use in various settings, whether at home or in a professional environment. It gives a well-rounded auditory experience that doesn’t overwhelm but complements the actuation of the keys. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch has a medium-high pitched sound, which may present a more pronounced trait in the auditory profile, potentially reflecting its unique ball-bearing mechanism aimed at reducing friction. The exact sound experience may still vary significantly depending on the keyboard design and keycap choice, but the inherent characteristics of each switch set a distinct tone.
When it comes to feel, the Splash Brothers switches are quite notable for their combination of qualities. They offer a mild typing experience that makes them approachable, while still being snappy and bouncy, thus giving a lively feedback sensation with each keystroke. This means that you can expect a responsive and playful interaction while typing, which is further enhanced by a polished feel owing to a refined finish. In contrast, the specific feel qualities of the WS Pearl have not been detailed, but considering its unique delivery through ball-bearings, it is likely to offer a highly smooth experience, which can contribute to a sensation that is otherwise hard to describe without specific descriptors.
Overall, both switches present unique offerings to the user. The Splash Brothers linear switch provides a well-rounded auditory and tactile experience, ideal for those who appreciate a lively yet subtly neutral quality in their typing. Meanwhile, the WS Pearl, with its innovative design, promises an exceptionally smooth keystroke experience. While they cater to different preferences, both could potentially deliver satisfying results depending on your use case and personal preference, offering paths to an enjoyable mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you plan to use your keyboard. If you prefer a lighter touch and enjoy a snappy yet mild typing experience, the Splash Brothers is an excellent choice. Their shorter activation point and creamy sound signature provide a dynamic and enjoyable typing feel that is well-suited for both casual use and gaming. On the other hand, if you're after a more substantial tactile response and an ultra-smooth keystroke, the WS Pearl with its medium heft and innovative ball-bearing design may be the way to go. The Pearl’s medium-high pitched sound signature and effortless glide can enhance your overall typing experience, making it a fantastic selection for long typing sessions or professional environments. In the end, both switches offer unique characteristics, so consider what aspects are most important to you—lightness and speed with the Splash Brothers, or smoothness and stability with the WS Pearl—as you make your decision.
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