Everglide Tourmaline Blue vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl offer distinct experiences that cater to different typing preferences. The Tourmaline Blue switches are highly regarded for their deep, thocky sound profile, creating an immersive and satisfying typing experience. With a single-stage spring that’s both lengthened and standard in weight, these switches provide a bouncy, easy-to-press feel that appeals to a wide variety of users seeking a blend of tactile feedback and smooth operation. Conversely, the WS Pearl switches stand out thanks to their innovative ball-bearing design, which drastically reduces friction, resulting in an unbelievably smooth keystroke sensation. The medium-high pitched sound signature of the WS Pearls adds a unique auditory element, making them ideal for users who prioritize a whisper-quiet yet responsive typing experience. Ultimately, whether you’re drawn to the comforting depth of the Tourmaline Blues or the silky glide of the WS Pearls, both switches offer compelling reasons to enhance your typing 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
59g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
16mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl, a stark contrast emerges between the two. The Tourmaline Blue employs polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a sound profile that is sharp, high-pitched, and crisp. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to its ability to produce a clear, resonant sound, making it a popular choice among users who prioritize sound clarity and brightness in their typing experience. In contrast, the WS Pearl features nylon as the material for both the top and bottom housing, which imparts a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound more effectively than polycarbonate, leading to a typing experience characterized by a duller, rounder sound. These foundational differences set the stage for the overall auditory experience provided by each switch.
While both switches use different materials for their housings, their design implications create distinct typing sensations. The polycarbonate housing of the Everglide Tourmaline Blue focuses on producing an articulate auditory feedback that emphasizes the crispness of each keystroke, particularly noticeable during actuation and release. Conversely, the nylon construction of the WS Pearl prioritizes a softer, more subdued feedback experience, allowing for a more cushioned bottom-out feel. This difference in material not only alters the sound produced but also affects the feel during typing; the sharper characteristics of polycarbonate versus the absorbent qualities of nylon present two very different approaches to user experience.
Despite the variations in sound and feel due to the housing materials, it is important to note that both the Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl can excel in providing satisfying typing experiences. Even though their audio profiles may differ dramatically—sharp and crisp for the Tourmaline Blue versus deeper and fuller for the WS Pearl—users can achieve desirable results in their keyboard experience according to personal preference. For instance, individuals prioritizing RGB lighting effects may lean towards the translucency of the polycarbonate found in the Tourmaline Blue, while those seeking a more muted and rounded sound profile might appreciate the WS Pearl's nylon design. Ultimately, both switches represent distinct design philosophies that cater to different user preferences, showcasing the myriad ways housing materials can shape the user experience.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, there is a notable difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Tourmaline Blue features an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the WS Pearl has a significantly lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, placing it in the medium range. This difference means that the Tourmaline Blue is better suited for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the WS Pearl is ideal for users seeking a lighter switch that facilitates extended typing or gaming sessions. Overall, the Tourmaline Blue is the heavier option between the two, making it more suitable for those who appreciate a firmer tactile response.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, we find that the Tourmaline Blue has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Pearl measures 3.5 mm. This indicates that the Tourmaline Blue switch offers a longer travel distance, which some users may prefer for a more pronounced tactile feedback and a sense of depth during key presses. Conversely, the WS Pearl, with its shorter 3.5 mm travel distance, may appeal to gamers or those seeking quicker response times, delivering a more abrupt activation that some users find beneficial for fast-paced environments. In summary, if you value responsiveness, the WS Pearl could be your pick due to its shorter travel distance, while the Tourmaline Blue would be suitable for those who appreciate a more traditional and robust typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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 profile of the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch is characterized by a deep and thocky resonance, creating an immersive typing experience that many users find satisfying. This neutral sound signature, complemented by a moderate actuation force, makes the switch suitable for various environments, whether you're at home or in the office. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch has a medium-high pitched sound that, while distinct, is also relatively pleasing. The sound of any switch, of course, will be influenced by factors such as the keyboard type and keycaps used, so individual experiences may vary.
When it comes to feel, the Tourmaline Blue switches excel with their buttery smoothness and easy-to-press action, allowing for a seamless and fluid keystroke experience. The bouncy nature provided by the lengthened spring contributes to an enjoyable typing sensation that minimizes finger fatigue over prolonged use. On the other hand, details about the feel of the WS Pearl switches are less known, but with the unique incorporation of ball-bearings, one can expect a level of smoothness, likely comparable to what the Tourmaline Blue offers. The overall experience with either switch should provide a comfortable typing environment, appealing to various users' preferences.
In summary, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue and Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switches each have unique attributes that cater to different typing preferences. The Tourmaline Blue boasts a rich and satisfying sound alongside a smooth and responsive feel, making it a versatile choice for many. While the WS Pearl's sound remains more ambiguous, its design suggests a potential for exceptional smoothness. Ultimately, both switches deliver enjoyable typing experiences, though the Tourmaline Blue might be the more accessible option, especially for those who prioritize sound and feel equally.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switches ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and intended use. If you enjoy a heavier keystroke with a captivating thocky sound that provides a satisfying tactile experience, the Tourmaline Blue might be your ideal choice. The medium-heavy actuation force of 67 grams, combined with the bouncy feel of the lengthened spring, makes these switches particularly appealing for typists seeking a more immersive and engaging typing experience, especially for long sessions where a responsive feel can enhance comfort. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and an extraordinarily smooth keystroke, the WS Pearl could be the perfect fit for you. With a lower actuation force of 58 grams and the unique ball-bearing mechanism that significantly reduces friction, you’ll find that typing with these switches feels almost effortless, which is great for both casual use and extended typing tasks. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches should reflect what you value most in your typing experience—be it a satisfying sound and feel or an incredibly smooth and easy action.
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