TTC Venus vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the TTC Venus and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Venus and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl, both linear switches, keyboard enthusiasts will find themselves drawn to the distinct characteristics each switch offers. The TTC Venus is celebrated for its innovative internal design that promises a uniquely smooth and frictionless typing experience, with a light actuation that facilitates rapid keystrokes, making it ideal for those who prioritize speed and subtlety in their typing. The muted sound signature of the Venus ensures a more subdued environment, perfect for shared workspaces or late-night sessions. In contrast, the WS Pearl captivates users with its use of ball-bearings, allowing for an impressively silky and incredibly smooth keystroke that feels almost effortless. Additionally, its medium-high pitched sound adds a lively element to each tap, appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback when typing. While the Venus offers a “gummy” texture akin to a delightful mochi, the Pearl's “creamy” feel caters to those longing for a more dynamic experience. Both switches have their unique strengths, aligning with different typing experiences and preferences. 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
45g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Spring
16mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The TTC Venus and Wuque Studio WS Pearl exhibit distinct differences in their top housing materials, which ultimately shape their sound profiles. The Venus utilizes POM (Polyoxymethylene) for its top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and more muted sound. This unique characteristic stems from POM's rigid structure, allowing for a sound that feels rich and complex. In contrast, the WS Pearl employs a nylon top housing. Nylon is celebrated for its softer texture, which translates to a fuller sound profile that is inherently rounder and less sharp than that produced by POM. Therefore, while both housings can deliver satisfactory auditory experiences, they do so in markedly different ways, with the Venus leaning toward a nuanced depth and the Pearl offering a warm, enveloping sound.
The bottom housing contributes significantly to the overall auditory experience, and here, both switches take divergent paths as well. The TTC Venus features a polycarbonate bottom housing, known for its stiffer composition which generates a sharper and crisper sound. The rigidity of polycarbonate results in clear resonance and enhanced brightness, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate a more pronounced acoustic response. Meanwhile, the WS Pearl opts for a nylon bottom housing, similar to its top counterpart, which allows for the maintenance of a fuller, rounded sound characteristic throughout the keypress. This consistency in material creates a cohesive audio signature in the Pearl, echoing themes of warmth and depth, complementing the sound profile produced by its top housing.
In essence, while TTC Venus and WS Pearl use different materials for their top and bottom housings, they both achieve harmoniously pleasing results tailored to their distinct sound profiles. The Venus effectively marries the depth of POM in the top housing with the clarity of polycarbonate below, creating a balanced sound experience suitable for those who appreciate nuances. On the other hand, the WS Pearl maintains a unified sound with nylon used in both housings, producing a thicker auditory presence. Ultimately, users seeking a particular sound signature will find that these materials influence their typing dynamics, enabling a personalized experience dependent on individual preferences for clarity versus fullness.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Venus linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, notable distinctions emerge. The Venus boasts an actuation force of 45 grams, which is heavier than the WS Pearl's lighter actuation force of 30 grams. This difference may lead to a more substantial typing experience for users who prefer firmer resistance in their switches, making the Venus more suitable for those who appreciate a stronger push feel. In contrast, the WS Pearl's lighter actuation force allows for easier typing, ideal for prolonged use, such as during long work hours or gaming sessions. In terms of bottom out force, the Venus measures 52 grams while the WS Pearl has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 58 grams. This means that while the WS Pearl allows for an easy initial actuation, it still requires more force to fully depress the key compared to the Venus. Ultimately, while both switches have their unique appeal, the TTC Venus is the heavier option overall, while the WS Pearl leans towards a lighter feel, offering a different typing experience catered to individual preferences.
Travel distance
The TTC Venus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference means that the Venus provides a more pronounced depth when pressed, which can be more appealing for users who appreciate a more substantial feel in their typing experience. In contrast, the WS Pearl, with its 3.5 mm travel distance, may cater to those seeking a quicker response time often preferred by gamers and individuals who favor a snappier keystroke. While both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to the traditional 4.0 mm standard, the TTC Venus is the longer option, ideally suited for those who enjoy a heartier depth, whereas the WS Pearl is more suitable for users looking for a faster, more responsive feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Venus has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Venus for $5.09.
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
In terms of sound, the TTC Venus switch offers a muted and subdued typing experience, resulting in a quieter and less intrusive sound profile. This allows users to engage in typing without drawing too much attention, making it suitable for office environments or shared spaces. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switch produces a more vibrant acoustic experience with its high-pitched and clacky sound signature. This results in sharp, resonant keystrokes that are more likely to turn heads, adding a level of auditory feedback that some typists find exhilarating, but it may not be ideal for quieter settings.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Venus switch is characterized by its buttery and frictionless keystrokes, creating a seamless typing experience that minimizes resistance. Users can expect a smooth glide as they type, akin to the satisfaction of a refined, polished interface. On the other hand, the WS Pearl switch is described as silky and creamy, delivering a similarly smooth and luxurious typing sensation. The incorporation of ball-bearings reduces friction even further, enhancing the effortless motion during keystrokes. Both switches prioritize smoothness, making them appealing for those who thrive on fluid typing.
In conclusion, both the TTC Venus and the WS Pearl linear switches excel in delivering a smooth typing experience, but they diverge significantly in sound profile. The Venus provides a quiet, subdued acoustic presence, making it suitable for more discreet environments, while the WS Pearl offers a brighter, more attention-grabbing sound. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference regarding acoustics and the subtle nuances in their tactile experiences, but both can facilitate an enjoyable typing journey.
Conclusion
In conclusion, your choice between the TTC Venus linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and typing environment. If you prefer a medium-light operation and a subtle, muted sound profile that allows for rapid, effortless typing without disrupting a quiet workspace, the TTC Venus could be the ideal switch for you. Its frictionless glide combined with the unique Q-texture creates a delightful, pleasant keystroke experience, making it suitable for long typing sessions or for use in quieter settings. On the other hand, if you lean towards a slightly heavier actuation force and a more pronounced, lively sound, the WS Pearl is an excellent choice, particularly if you enjoy a unique and silky typing sensation. Its incorporation of ball-bearings provides a remarkably smooth keystroke, reflecting a more resonant character that can add an exciting auditory element to your typing. Ultimately, by considering factors like sound, feel, and your typing habits, you can find the switch that best aligns with your preferred typing experience.
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