Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl both present intriguing options for those who favor linear switches. The Tomcat (Heavy) is celebrated for its Ly stems, which create an exceptionally smooth typing experience, complemented by a resonant sound profile that enhances the acoustics of any keyboard setup. On the other hand, the WS Pearl distinguishes itself with its innovative use of ball bearings, reducing friction during keystrokes and delivering a typing experience that can only be described as surreal in its smoothness. Its medium-high pitched sound signature adds a unique auditory character to each keystroke. While both switches promise a satisfying linear feel, the Tomcat (Heavy) offers a familiar yet refined experience, while the WS Pearl pushes the boundaries of tactile smoothness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
64g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.95 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
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 spring
Spring
16mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl, a clear distinction emerges between their top housings. The Tomcat features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This quality allows for enhanced clarity and resonance, making it particularly well-suited for RGB lighting designs due to its translucency. In contrast, the WS Pearl is equipped with a nylon top housing, a material known for its softer consistency. This results in a deeper, fuller sound profile as nylon tends to absorb more sound, yielding a duller and rounder auditory experience. The contrasting nature of these top housings results in markedly different acoustic characteristics when typing, with the Tomcat producing a more pronounced sound and the WS Pearl delivering a richer tonal depth.
Both the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl share similarities in their bottom housing material, as both utilize nylon. This commonality leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches when bottoming out, as the softer plastic of the nylon absorbs impact noise effectively. As a classic choice in mechanical switches, nylon contributes to a more muted auditory experience at the bottom of the keypress. Therefore, regardless of the differing top housings, both switches will have a similar performance in terms of sound on the downstroke, helping to blend the qualities of sound and feel across the two switches.
In summary, while the Tomcat (Heavy) and the WS Pearl differ significantly in their top housing materials—polycarbonate versus nylon—their bottom housings create a convergence in auditory experience during key presses. The polycarbonate top of the Tomcat excels at producing sharper sounds owing to the material's stiffness, while the nylon top of the WS Pearl results in a softer and fuller tone. However, the overall typing experience is enhanced by the nylon components present in both models, providing a consistent resonate quality in the key bottoming out. This blend of materials creates unique sound profiles under different circumstances, ultimately offering users a diverse yet pleasantly familiar typing experience across both switches.
Weight
The Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Tomcat (Heavy) has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 64 grams, making it suitable for users who enjoy a more substantial typing feel and may prefer the feedback from that extra resistance. In contrast, the WS Pearl offers a lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, appealing to those who favor a more effortless typing experience, which can be beneficial for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. While the Tomcat (Heavy) is the heavier option overall, the WS Pearl's lower actuation force allows for quicker key presses and less fatigue. The difference in their forces suggests that while both switches serve distinct preferences, users will achieve a fundamentally different typing experience, rooted in the varying levels of feedback provided by their actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, the Tomcat (Heavy) features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the WS Pearl has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the WS Pearl offers a marginally quicker response time, which may appeal to gamers seeking efficiency and speed in their keystrokes. Conversely, the Tomcat (Heavy), with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial and satisfying tactile feedback for users who prefer a deeper keystroke experience. Overall, both switches fall within a relatively close range, with the Tomcat (Heavy) being the longer switch, and the WS Pearl slightly shorter. Therefore, depending on your preferences for depth versus responsiveness, you can pick the one that aligns best with your typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) comes in at $2.99, 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 Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch is known for its resonant sound profile, which can provide a satisfying auditory feedback during typing. This characteristic can create a warm and engaging atmosphere, especially when combined with certain keyboards and keycap materials. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch produces a medium-high pitched sound signature that offers a distinct and crisp tonal quality. Both switches can create an enjoyable typing experience, although the perceived sound will ultimately depend on the keyboard build and keycap material used.
When it comes to feel, the Tomcat (Heavy) switch features Ly stems, designed to deliver a super smooth typing experience that many users appreciate. This smoothness can significantly enhance the overall sensation of each keystroke, making it suitable for long typing sessions. Conversely, the WS Pearl switch utilizes ball-bearings to reduce friction, resulting in an incredibly smooth feel that is often described as surreal. This design choice provides a unique tactile sensation that may appeal to those seeking a refined typing experience. While both switches prioritize smoothness, their mechanisms contribute different nuances to the overall feel.
Considering the information presented, both the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switches focus on delivering exceptional smoothness but do so through different engineering techniques. The Tomcat offers a resonant sound profile, while the WS Pearl provides a crisp, medium-high pitch. Ultimately, the choice between these two will depend on personal preferences regarding sound and experience, but both are likely to provide a satisfying performance in their own right.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, you'll want to consider your typing style and preferences closely. If you prefer a switch with a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 64 grams, the Tomcat (Heavy) is an excellent choice, especially if you appreciate a slightly more tactile response and a resonant sound profile that can add character to your typing experience. This switch is great for those who enjoy a bit of resistance in their keystrokes, whether for gaming or for extended typing sessions, as it provides a satisfying feedback that can enhance overall typing enjoyment. On the other hand, if you're looking for a lighter feel with a bottom-out force of 58 grams, the WS Pearl will serve you well. Their unique ball-bearing mechanism offers a supremely smooth keystroke with minimal friction, coupled with a medium-high pitched sound signature that contributes to a more pleasant auditory experience. This switch would be suitable for those who favor rapid, fluid keystrokes, perhaps for fast-paced gaming or frequent typing, where each stroke feels effortlessly seamless. Ultimately, your choice should align with your individual preferences for force, sound, and feel to elevate your overall keyboard experience.
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