Jwick Taro vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the Jwick Taro and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between tactile and linear can significantly affect your typing experience, with the Jwick Taro and Wuque Studio WS Pearl representing two distinct camps. The Taro switches are celebrated for their cozy, subdued color scheme and a tactile feel that strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort. Users will appreciate the snappy, medium-level tactility accompanied by crisp clacks, making them ideal for those who enjoy tactile feedback while typing. On the other hand, the WS Pearl switches offer an innovative design featuring ball bearings that minimize friction, resulting in an exceptionally smooth keystroke experience. With a medium-high pitched sound signature, the WS Pearls cater to typists who prefer a fluid, linear action devoid of tactile bumps. Ultimately, while the Taro switches deliver a satisfying tactile feel and sound, the WS Pearls focus on seamless, effortless key presses. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
Stainless steel
Spring
16mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials used in the Jwick Taro and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches, there is a notable distinction in the top housing material. The Jwick Taro features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper and more resonant sound profile. This is primarily due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, which allows for greater sound clarity and a crisper auditory experience. Its translucency also enhances the visual effect of RGB lighting, making it an appealing choice for those who prioritize aesthetics alongside performance. Conversely, the WS Pearl employs a nylon top housing, which delivers a deeper and fuller sound profile. The inherent softness of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a more muted auditory experience. Thus, while the Taro's polycarbonate top housing emphasizes brightness and clarity, the WS Pearl’s nylon top fosters warmth and depth.
In terms of their bottom housings, both the Jwick Taro and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl utilize nylon material. This design choice ensures consistency in the lower sound profile of both switches. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound effectively, providing a duller and rounder acoustic response that contributes to a richer typing experience regardless of the distinct characteristics of the top housings. Since the bottom housing largely influences the bottom-out sound and feel, the tactile feedback during use will share similarities between both switches due to their use of the same material. Therefore, while the top housing markedly affects the initial sound and feel of the keystroke, the choice of nylon in the bottom housing allows for a harmonious depth in both models.
Overall, the contrasting materials of the top housing lead to different sound profiles in the Jwick Taro and the WS Pearl, while the identical nylon bottom housing introduces a shared foundation for typing qualities. Users seeking the sharp clarity of polycarbonate paired with the fullness of nylon might appreciate the Jwick Taro for its balanced attributes, while those favoring a warmer, rounder experience might lean toward the WS Pearl. Regardless, both switches stand out in their own right, demonstrating how varying housing materials can intricately shape the typing experience while still offering a core familiarity through their unified bottom housing design.
Weight
When comparing the Jwick Taro tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Taro switch has an unknown actuation force and a bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the WS Pearl features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, which is considered medium. This makes the WS Pearl the lighter switch overall, potentially appealing to those who prioritize comfort during extended typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, the heavier bottom out force of the Taro may provide a more substantial feel for users who prefer a firmer typing experience. Since the actuation force for the Taro is unknown, it's unclear how this might affect overall typing dynamics, making the actuation forces of these switches quite distinct.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Jwick Taro tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, the Taro features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the WS Pearl has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Taro the longer of the two switches, offering a bit more depth in keypress, which can provide a more tactile experience for users who prefer that sensation. On the other hand, the WS Pearl, with its shorter travel distance, may be more appealing to gamers and those seeking quicker response times, as it allows for faster actuation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches should depend on personal preferences—whether one favors a more traditional feel with added depth or a shorter, snappier response.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jwick Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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
When it comes to sound, the Jwick Taro tactile switches produce acute and crisp clacks, embodying a neutral sound profile that strikes a balance suitable for various environments, be it at home or work. This makes them flexible and appealing to both beginners and seasoned typists alike. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switches deliver a medium-high pitched sound signature, contributing a unique auditory experience, especially with their ball-bearing mechanism that minimizes friction. Due to the variability of sound influenced by external factors like the keyboard build and keycap choice, each switch can present its own distinct auditory character depending on setup.
In terms of feel, the Taro switches offer a combination of buttery smoothness with a distinctly stepped tactile feedback. This results in a typing experience that feels fluid yet defined, allowing users to enjoy a snappy medium level of tactility without being overly jarring. The functionality of the stepped design means that typists can appreciate a subtle phase in the keystroke motion, promoting a more engaging interaction. On the other hand, the WS Pearl's smoothness derived from its ball-bearing construction is notably different from the tactile feedback of the Taro. While the Pearl switches are designed for an incredibly seamless feel that may surpass traditional linear switches, specific tactile details require further exploration to compare directly against the Taro.
In conclusion, both the Jwick Taro and Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Taro's neutral sound and tactile experience provide a comfortable blend of auditory and tactile feedback, making them versatile for various uses. Meanwhile, the WS Pearl’s smooth operation and distinct sound profile give them a sense of sophistication in feel. Choosing between them will ultimately come down to individual priorities, whether the user desires the tactile nuances of the Taro or the fluidity of the WS Pearl.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Jwick Taro tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, your choice should align with your typing preferences and intended use. If you enjoy a more tactile experience and prefer a sound signature that offers crisp and pronounced feedback, the Taro is an excellent option. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 67 grams provides a satisfying resistance that can be gratifying for both typing and gaming, especially if you appreciate a subdued yet engaging tactile bump. On the other hand, if you favor smooth keystrokes and a more effortless typing experience, the WS Pearl may be the better choice. With its innovative ball-bearing design and lighter bottom-out force of 58 grams, this switch offers an incredibly fluid feel that enhances speed and efficiency, making it ideal for those long typing sessions or fast-paced gaming environments where quick execution is essential. Ultimately, your selection should reflect whether you prioritize a tactile feedback experience with the Taro or the unparalleled smoothness of the WS Pearl, tailoring your keyboard to how you type and play for maximum enjoyment.
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