Gazzew U4 vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the Gazzew U4 and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the contrast between tactile and linear options can significantly influence your typing experience. The Gazzew U4 is a silent tactile switch that delivers a sharp tactile bump, complemented by a plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation, making it an appealing choice for users who enjoy a satisfying tactile feedback without the noise—an ideal option for quiet environments or shared workspaces. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch offers a unique typing experience with its innovative ball-bearing design, which reduces friction and allows for remarkably smooth keystrokes. This switch is perfect for those who prioritize fluidity and speed in their typing or gaming experiences, all while producing a medium-high pitched sound signature. Both switches cater to different preferences: the U4 for those who revel in tactile feedback and subtle sound, and the WS Pearl for those seeking a seamless, quieter operation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
N/A
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
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel 14mm Korean spring
Spring
16mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gazzew U4 and Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches both utilize materials that contribute to their unique sound profiles, though they differ in composition. The Gazzew U4 features a proprietary blend often referred to as "boba plastic" for both its top and bottom housings. This material is characterized by its softness, enabling the U4 to produce a rich and deep sound profile. The softness of the Gazzew blend effectively absorbs sound, resulting in a typing experience that emphasizes a rounder acoustic output. In contrast, the WS Pearl employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings. Nylon is well-known in the keyboard community for its ability to create a full-bodied sound profile, capitalizing on its softer nature to dampen vibrations and lead to deeper acoustic characteristics.
While both the Gazzew U4's proprietary blend and the WS Pearl's nylon deliver similar auditory results—creating rich and profound sound profiles—the materials themselves bring distinct qualities to their performance. The Gazzew blend's particular formulation may yield a unique tactile feedback and sound signature compared to the traditional nylon of the WS Pearl. However, as both housing materials are recognized for their softness, the resultant typing experience from either switch will be comparatively rich and velvety. Users might find subtle differences in the tactile feedback and overall sound nuances, but they can expect an enjoyable and satisfying auditory response from both options.
In scenarios where the top and bottom housing differ, the unique characteristics of each would influence the switch's performance. For instance, in the U4's case, the bottom housing's composition would primarily affect the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing would contribute more to the releasing sound. However, since both the U4 and WS Pearl make use of softer materials in their respective top and bottom housings, the overall sound experience remains similar. Ultimately, enthusiasts looking for a deep and rich auditory feedback can find satisfaction in either the Gazzew U4 or the Wuque Studio WS Pearl, as both designs prioritize a softer material construction to enhance user experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gazzew U4 tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that cater to various user preferences. The U4 tactile switch features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, giving it a heavier feel overall. In contrast, the WS Pearl switch is lighter with an actuation force of just 30 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams. This means that the U4 is better suited for users who prefer a stronger push feel, which can provide a more substantial typing experience, while the WS Pearl’s lighter actuation makes it ideal for those seeking comfort during extended typing sessions. Although the bottom out forces are relatively close, with the U4 being slightly heavier, the significant difference in actuation forces means users will experience distinct tactile feedback as they type.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gazzew U4 tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, the U4 features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the longer option, while the WS Pearl has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is slightly shorter. This minimal difference in travel distance may affect user experience; for those who value a more responsive feel, the WS Pearl’s shorter travel distance might be advantageous, especially for gamers seeking quicker responses. Conversely, users who prefer a more pronounced tactile experience may gravitate towards the Gazzew U4 due to its deeper travel distance. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, with the U4 providing a bit more depth and the WS Pearl offering a more immediate response time.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gazzew U4 comes in at $6.50, 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
When it comes to sound, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch stands out with its whisper-quiet operation, characterized by a muted and low-pitched sound profile. This makes the U4 an excellent choice for those who seek a more subdued typing experience without the clackiness typically associated with mechanical keyboards. The soft and bass-heavy acoustic signature complements its design aimed for a serene work environment. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch offers a medium-high pitched sound, which tends to be more pronounced and may attract more attention in a shared space. This difference in auditory experience significantly affects the overall typing ambiance, making it essential to consider your environment and preferences when choosing between these two switches.
In terms of feel, the U4 tactile switch provides a sharp tactile bump that offers a distinct and satisfying feedback for typists who enjoy a pronounced sensation with every keystroke. The tactile feedback is complemented by a plush bottoming out feel, which gives a sense of comfort upon pressing the key down completely. On the other hand, while specific descriptions for the feel of the WS Pearl have not been provided, the incorporation of ball bearings is designed to create an incredibly smooth keystroke experience. This engineering innovation typically leads to a gliding sensation rather than the rigid feedback of a tactile switch, favoring those who prefer effortless key presses over tactile bumps.
In summary, choosing between the Gazzew U4 tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences regarding sound and feel. The U4 excels in providing a quiet and tactile typing experience ideal for noise-sensitive environments, while the WS Pearl promises a smooth and potentially more engaging experience that could be favored in more casual settings. Ultimately, understanding these differences will help you make an informed decision based on your typing style and acoustic needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gazzew U4 tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a pronounced tactile feedback that enhances your typing experience and prefer a quieter environment, the U4 is an excellent option for you. Its 62-gram bottom-out force combines a satisfying sharp bump with a plush bottom-out sensation, making it ideal for typists who enjoy distinct tactile responses without the noise. However, if you prioritize smoothness and an effortless keystroke feel, the WS Pearl would be more suited to your needs. The unique ball-bearing design significantly reduces friction, leading to an exceptionally smooth experience, perfect for fast-paced typing or gaming. Additionally, the slightly lighter bottom-out force of 58 grams in the WS Pearl allows for quicker actuation, making it a great choice for those who prefer a more linear feel. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different styles, so consider what aspects you value most in your mechanical keyboard before making your decision.
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