Everglide Sunset Yellow vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the Everglide Sunset Yellow and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the realm of mechanical keyboards, two standout linear switches come into focus: the Everglide Sunset Yellow and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl. The Sunset Yellow switches are renowned for their enchanting sound profile, reminiscent of mahjong tiles, providing a rich, bassy experience that transforms typing into an indulgent affair. Their medium weight accommodates a diverse user base, while the distinctive Ly stem and proprietary factory lube method create an exceptionally smooth, frictionless feel. In contrast, the WS Pearl switches leverage innovative ball-bearing technology, resulting in an extraordinary reduction of friction, which contributes to an almost surreal smoothness during each keystroke. With a medium-high pitched sound signature, the WS Pearls promise a unique auditory experience. While both switches offer exceptional qualities, they cater to different preferences in terms of tactile feedback and sound profile. 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
43g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
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
Single-staged lengthened 20mm spring
Spring
16mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Sunset Yellow and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches utilize distinct materials for their top and bottom housings, which fundamentally shapes their sound profiles and user experiences. The Sunset Yellow features POM (Polyoxymethylene) for both its top and bottom housings, known for producing a uniquely pleasing sound with deeper, muted characteristics. This hardness of POM contributes to a sound that is defined and controlled, creating an overall experience that some users might describe as crisp yet subtly deep. In contrast, the WS Pearl uses nylon for its housings, a material classically associated with a fuller and deeper sound profile. The softer nature of nylon helps to absorb sound more effectively than the harder POM, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience.
Despite their material differences, both the Sunset Yellow and WS Pearl ultimately aim to provide a satisfying and rich typing experience. The POM directly impacts the sound profile of the Sunset Yellow, particularly altering the tonal qualities during both the actuation and bottoming out phases. Conversely, the nylon essentially serves the same purpose for the WS Pearl, providing a consistent sound and feel throughout keypresses. While the top housings of the Sunset Yellow and WS Pearl differ in material, each presents a signature auditory experience, with POM allowing for a more nuanced sound and nylon delivering a fuller acoustic profile.
It’s essential to consider that the differences in the materials do not negate the possibility of achieving similar overall results. Both switches ultimately yield deeper sound profiles that suit users seeking a more muted typing experience, albeit through different means. The qualities of the bottom housing play a more pronounced role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound upon key release. This division shows that even with different materials, both housing types can complement each other to provide satisfying feedback and auditory results in both switch profiles. In essence, users can expect a compelling typing experience that reflects the nuances of each material while achieving similar sound depth and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, notable differences can be observed in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Sunset Yellow requires an actuation force of 43 grams and has a bottom out force of 51 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the WS Pearl has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams, but its bottom out force is significantly heavier at 58 grams. This means that while the WS Pearl is easier to press down initially, users will experience a more substantial resistance at the bottom of the key press. Consequently, individuals seeking a lighter typing experience may favor the WS Pearl for its lower actuation force; however, those who enjoy a heavier and more pronounced feel might opt for the Sunset Yellow due to its slightly higher actuation and lower bottom out resistance. Ultimately, the differences in these forces offer users various tactile experiences based on their preferences for typing comfort and sensory feedback during use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, the differences are noteworthy. The Sunset Yellow switch features a travel distance of 3.2 mm, making it the shorter option, while the WS Pearl has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, indicating a longer travel experience. For users who prioritize responsiveness, such as gamers, the Sunset Yellow's shorter travel distance may be more appealing as it allows for quicker actuation. Conversely, the WS Pearl provides a more pronounced depth, which some users may find more satisfying for typing or gaming, offering a less abrupt feel. Therefore, those who favor a responsive touch may lean towards the Sunset Yellow, while those who appreciate a more traditional actuation might prefer the WS Pearl.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Everglide Sunset Yellow comes in at $3.09, 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 Everglide Sunset Yellow switch is notable for its rich, bassy profile that produces a unique auditory experience reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding. This deeper sound signature is characterized by a thocky quality, offering a satisfying and full-bodied acoustic response with each keystroke. Conversely, the WS Pearl switch's sound profile is described as medium-high pitched, although details about its exact characteristics are lacking. This suggests that while the Sunset Yellow provides a warm and deep sound, the WS Pearl may be better suited for those looking for a more crisp and higher frequency auditory experience.
Regarding feel, the Sunset Yellow offers a captivating typing experience marked by its creamy, frictionless action. The factory-lubricated mechanism, combined with a polished design, ensures that each keystroke feels smooth and effortless, providing a delightful tactile sensation. On the other hand, the WS Pearl employs a unique ball-bearing mechanism designed to reduce friction, which may lead to a similarly smooth typing experience. However, without specific descriptors regarding the Pearl's feel, one can only speculate if it can match the luxurious gliding sensation of the Sunset Yellow.
In conclusion, while both the Everglide Sunset Yellow and Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switches cater to different auditory preferences, they share a common goal of delivering a satisfying typing experience. The Sunset Yellow excels in its rich sound and creamy feel, while the WS Pearl promises a smooth action potentially enhanced by its innovative friction-reducing technology. Ultimately, selecting between them may come down to personal preference in sound and feel, but both options are likely to offer enjoyable results for any keyboard enthusiast.
Conclusion
To wrap up, your choice between the Everglide Sunset Yellow and Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you favor a lighter key feel with a distinctive, rich sound profile reminiscent of bassy tones, the Sunset Yellow is an excellent option. Its medium-light actuation force of 51 grams makes it suitable for those who prefer a more responsive touch and enjoy a creamy, frictionless typing experience with an indulgent sound reminiscent of mahjong tiles. However, if you’re looking for a more robust medium-weight feel and are drawn to an ultra-smooth keystroke experience, the WS Pearl might be better suited for you. With a slightly heavier actuation force of 58 grams and the unique ball-bearing mechanism, these switches deliver a surreal typing sensation along with a medium-high pitched sound signature. Ultimately, consider factors such as your typing style, the desired tactile feedback, and the sound preferences to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard experience.