Bsun Taichi vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the Bsun Taichi and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between the Bsun Taichi and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl can significantly influence your typing experience. The Taichi is celebrated for its enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound, a product of its long-pole stem, extended springs, and walled stems that ensure unparalleled smoothness and stability during use. This makes the Taichi an excellent choice for users who appreciate an auditory cue while typing and seek a deeply satisfying tactile feedback. In contrast, the WS Pearl introduces a unique design that incorporates ball-bearings, significantly reducing friction during keystrokes. This innovation results in a remarkably smooth typing experience with a medium-high pitched sound signature, making the WS Pearl appealing for those who prioritize fluidity and a quieter keystroke in their daily typing tasks. While both switches excel in their own right, each caters to different preferences within the realm of tactile enjoyment. 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
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
21mm single-staged spring
Spring
16mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the Bsun Taichi and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl, a clear division emerges between their respective top housings. The Taichi utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffer nature. This rigidity allows for a crisper and more resonant sound, making the Taichi particularly suited for RGB lighting applications thanks to its translucency. In contrast, the WS Pearl opts for a nylon top housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and more subdued auditory experience. Thus, while both switches serve distinct preferences, they do not share similarities in top housing materials, leading to different acoustic characteristics.
On the other hand, both the Bsun Taichi and the WS Pearl feature nylon as their bottom housing material. This uniform choice means that both switches benefit from the qualities that nylon provides, eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, contributing to a more subdued typing experience. As the bottom housing significantly impacts the bottom-out feel and sound when pressing a key, both switches will provide a somewhat similar experience in this regard. This similarity emphasizes that, despite their different top housing materials, the overall low-end sonic characteristics remain consistent across both switches.
The contrasting materials found in the top housings of the Bsun Taichi and WS Pearl highlight the critical interplay between the components of keyboard switches. The differences in materials create distinct auditory profiles: the sharper sound of the Taichi compared to the fuller sound of the Pearl. However, the shared nylon bottom housing establishes a cohesive quality in terms of sound absorption and tactile feedback, creating a unique blend of auditory characteristics. Thus, users might experience the clearness of the Taichi's sound during release while enjoying the rounded sound from the WS Pearl during key presses, illustrating how the choice of both top and bottom housing can shape the typing experience holistically.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Bsun Taichi linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, we see notable differences that cater to different user preferences. The Taichi switch has a higher actuation force of 40 grams compared to the WS Pearl's 30 grams, suggesting that the Taichi may deliver a more substantial typing experience, appealing to users who prefer a heavier touch. However, the Taichi's bottom out force is unavailable, making it difficult to fully gauge its performance in that aspect. In contrast, the WS Pearl has a defined bottom out force of 58 grams, indicating a more consistent feedback as users press down fully. This medium bottom out force can provide a balance for users who want both comfort and a definitive response when typing or gaming. Overall, if you're looking for a lighter switch for prolonged use, the WS Pearl is the better choice, while the Taichi's actuation force may resonate more with those seeking a firmer feel, although further details on its bottom out force would be necessary for a complete comparison.
Travel distance
The Bsun Taichi linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference may seem minimal, but it could affect the overall feel and responsiveness of each switch. The Taichi’s longer travel distance offers a bit more depth, which might appeal to users who prefer a more substantial tactile experience when pressing down on a key. Conversely, the WS Pearl, with its shorter travel distance, could be more suitable for gamers seeking quicker actuation and response times. Thus, if you lean towards a more abrupt feel, the WS Pearl may be the better choice, whereas those who appreciate a hearty depth would likely favor the Bsun Taichi.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Taichi has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taichi for $2.25.
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
The sound produced by the Bsun Taichi linear switch is characterized by a high-pitched bottom-out sound that many users find enchanting. This is likely due to its long-pole design, which contributes to a pronounced auditory feedback when the key is fully pressed. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switch produces a medium-high pitched sound signature, which can feel somewhat more subdued compared to the Taichi. However, it’s important to remember that the overall sound experience is influenced not just by the switches themselves, but also by the keyboard build and keycap material. So while both switches deliver distinct sound profiles, the perception may vary depending on these additional elements.
When it comes to feel, the Taichi switch is renowned for unparalleled smoothness and stability, attributed to its long-pole stem and extended springs. This construction tends to provide a seamless keystroke experience, making it appealing to typists and gamers alike who appreciate a refined actuation. On the other hand, the WS Pearl's unique feature of incorporating ball-bearings significantly enhances its smoothness during keystrokes, delivering what many describe as a surreal tactile sensation. While both switches excel in providing a smooth experience, the mechanisms through which they achieve this differ, with the Taichi focusing on stem design and the WS Pearl leveraging ball-bearing technology.
In summary, both the Bsun Taichi and Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences suited for enthusiasts seeking a premium feel. The Taichi stands out with its high-pitched sound and smooth keystrokes due to its unique design, while the WS Pearl impresses with its medium-high sound signature and ball-bearing smoothness. Ideally, the choice between these two will depend on personal preferences regarding sound and feel, but both can certainly deliver satisfying results in their own right.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Taichi linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences for sound and feel. If you enjoy experiencing a high-pitched bottom-out sound and prefer keystrokes that are exceptionally smooth and stable, the Taichi would be an excellent choice for your mechanical keyboard. Its design, featuring a long-pole stem and extended springs, allows for a unique auditory experience alongside a fluid typing motion, making it ideal for those who appreciate a bit more auditory character in their keystrokes. Conversely, if you desire a more subdued yet defined sound profile, coupled with unmatched smoothness due to the ball-bearing mechanism, the WS Pearl is your go-to option. Its medium bottom-out force of 58 grams strikes a balance between control and ease, making it a perfect fit for users who appreciate tactile feedback without feeling overwhelmed. In summary, consider the Taichi for a sensory-rich experience with a pronounced sound, and opt for the WS Pearl if you value serene yet refined keystrokes.