Gazzew U4T vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the Gazzew U4T 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 often hinges on personal preferences for sound and feel, with options like the Gazzew U4T and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl standing out for their unique characteristics. The Gazzew U4T is celebrated for its thocky sound profile and assertive tactile feedback, creating an engaging experience with each keystroke that many users find gratifying. This switch strikes the perfect balance between auditory pleasure and touch sensation, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy a pronounced tactile response while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the WS Pearl offers a different kind of appeal. With its innovative ball-bearing mechanism, this linear switch minimizes friction for a remarkably smooth keystroke experience, coupled with a medium-high pitch sound. This makes the WS Pearl an attractive option for users who prioritize fluidity and an effortless typing experience, particularly in fast-paced scenarios. Both switches cater to distinct preferences, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that's right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
N/A
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
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 17.5mm Korean spring
Spring
16mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gazzew U4T and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl both utilize soft plastic materials in their housing compositions, which significantly influences the acoustic characteristics of the switches. The U4T employs a proprietary blend known colloquially as "boba plastic" for both its top and bottom housings. This unique material is lauded for delivering a rich and deep sound profile, largely due to its softness. Meanwhile, the WS Pearl features a top and bottom housing constructed from classic nylon, which also contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a duller, rounder auditory experience synonymous with the sound characteristics desired by many keyboard enthusiasts.
Despite the distinct naming and branding of their materials, the acoustic responses of the U4T and WS Pearl may yield similar results due to their shared fundamental characteristics of softness and sound absorption. Both the Gazzew blend and nylon serve to minimize vibrations and dampen sound resonance, creating a more muted and pleasant typing experience. While the branding portrays each material differently, the inherent qualities dictate that the experience of typing on both switches will be quite comparable, leading to a profound and rich sound with a satisfying feel.
In terms of tactile and auditory feedback, pressing down on either switch will primarily reveal the characteristics of the bottom housing. Since both housings are made from soft materials, the bottom-out sound and feel will be deep and muted across both switch types. Upon releasing the keys, the influence of the top housing will come into play, allowing users to experience the nuanced differences in sound profile. While the U4T uses its proprietary blend, and the WS Pearl sticks with nylon for both top and bottom housings, both share a commitment to enhancing the overall auditory and tactile experience. Thus, despite their differing material designations, they ultimately cater to similar preferences among users seeking a rich sound in their typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gazzew U4T tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that can influence user preference. The U4T has an unknown actuation force, but it boasts a bottom out force of 65 grams, which classifies 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, placing it in the medium range. This means that the U4T requires a stronger push to bottom out, providing a more substantial typing experience that some users may prefer for a tactile feel. Conversely, the WS Pearl's lighter actuation force can make for a more comfortable typing experience, particularly during long sessions. Overall, the U4T is the heavier switch, while the WS Pearl is lighter, catering to different user preferences when it comes to typing feel and effort.
Travel distance
The Gazzew U4T tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This distinction means that the U4T offers a more traditional tactile experience, providing a deeper press that some users find more satisfying and less abrupt, making it suitable for those who appreciate a hearty depth in their key presses. On the other hand, the WS Pearl, with its shorter 3.5 mm travel distance, may appeal to gamers and users seeking quicker response times, as the lessened distance allows for faster actuation. Consequently, if you prefer a more responsive feel, the WS Pearl would be the better choice, while the U4T caters to those who value a more substantial pressing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gazzew U4T 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 U4T tactile switch offers a deep and resonant profile characterized by a bassy thock. This sound signature provides a rich auditory experience, reminiscent of a satisfying “thud” or soft knock with each key press, making it enjoyable for those who appreciate a pronounced auditory feedback during typing. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch presents a unique sound profile that is medium-high pitched. The use of ball-bearings in the WS Pearl contributes to its smooth operation, but details regarding its sound quality are less defined compared to the U4T. However, it's important to note that the overall sound of both switches can be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the U4T excels with its sharp tactile feedback, delivering an intense and crisp bump that can be distinctly felt with every press. This strong tactile sensation enhances the typing experience for users who enjoy a clear response from their switches. On the other hand, the WS Pearl’s feel is characterized by its surreal smoothness, thanks to the innovative ball-bearing mechanism that minimizes friction during keystrokes. While the U4T provides robust tactile feedback, the WS Pearl offers an entirely different experience with its fluidity, appealing to those who prefer linear switches rather than tactile ones.
In conclusion, the Gazzew U4T and Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches present two distinct typing experiences. The U4T showcases a satisfying thocky sound and sharp tactile feedback, ideal for users who seek pronounced auditory and tactile sensations. Meanwhile, the WS Pearl impresses with its smoothness and medium-high pitched sound, catering to those who favor linear switches and a quieter typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two will depend on personal preference regarding sound and feel, as each switch excels in different areas.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gazzew U4T tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing or gaming style. If you enjoy a robust tactile experience and find satisfaction in the deep ‘thock’ sound with every keystroke, the U4T's heavier bottom-out force and pronounced feedback make it an ideal choice, especially for typing or gaming where precision and a satisfying auditory response are key. Conversely, if you prefer a smoother, more seamless keystroke and appreciate the unique ball-bearing design that minimizes friction, the WS Pearl is likely more suited to your typing style. Its lighter touch and medium sound profile can enhance your overall experience, especially if you spend long hours typing or gaming without wanting the added resistance of a heavier switch. Ultimately, it is about matching the switch characteristics to the feel and sound that bring you the most joy while using your mechanical keyboard.
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