Dareu Violet Gold Pro vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the Dareu Violet Gold Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the diverse world of mechanical keyboard switches, two noteworthy options stand out: the Dareu Violet Gold Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl. The Violet Gold Pro is celebrated for its medium tactile feedback, offering typists a balanced experience that combines a light touch with a neutral sound signature, making it a popular choice for those seeking a "Goldilocks" tactile option. This switch is ideal for users who appreciate a slight tactile bump without overly loud or jarring sounds during typing. On the other hand, the WS Pearl takes a different approach with its innovative use of ball-bearings, resulting in an exceptionally smooth keystroke experience. This linear switch caters to those who prioritize a seamless feel and a medium-high pitched sound, appealing to gamers and typists looking for fluidity in their keystrokes. Each switch has its unique appeal depending on your personal preferences and needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
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
Gold-plated spring
Spring
16mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Violet Gold Pro and Wuque Studio WS Pearl employ distinct materials for their top housings, which significantly influence the tactile and auditory characteristics of each switch. The Violet Gold Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This characteristic facilitates a clear and resonant output that is particularly advantageous for utilizing RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate enhances visual illumination effects. In contrast, the WS Pearl incorporates a nylon top housing, which brings forth a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound more effectively than polycarbonate, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. This fundamental difference in the choice of top housing materials establishes a stark contrast in the sound dynamics of the two switches.
When examining the bottom housings, both the Violet Gold Pro and WS Pearl utilize nylon, leading to a shared characteristic in the auditory experience they provide. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a fuller and deeper sound profile in both switches, as it absorbs sound waves more effectively due to its softer composition. This overlap in material choice allows for similarities in the overall tactile feedback experienced during key presses, such that both switches will provide a depth of sound when bottoming out. While the top housings produce differing sound signatures, the bottom housings effectively unify the auditory profiles by enhancing the roundedness associated with nylon.
In terms of overall performance, the differences brought about by the varying materials in the top housings of the Violet Gold Pro and WS Pearl lead to distinct sound profiles when engaging with each switch. While the WS Pearl's nylon top housing allows for a softer, warmer auditory experience, the Violet Gold Pro's polycarbonate top provides a crisper, brighter sound. However, both switches maintain a common thread due to their nylon bottom housings, which focus on delivering depth and fullness. Users seeking versatility in their typing experience will find that while each switch offers a unique sound upon key release, the complementary qualities of their nylon bottom housings ensure that both switches can yield satisfying results when pressing down, thereby benefiting from a well-rounded auditory foundation despite their differences in top housing material.
Weight
The Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Violet Gold Pro boasts an actuation force of 45 grams, while the WS Pearl features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams, making the WS Pearl easier to press. This lighter feel may appeal to users who type for extended periods, providing comfort during long sessions. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro's heavier actuation force may be preferred by those seeking a more substantial typing experience. Regarding bottom out forces, the WS Pearl has a defined bottom out force of 58 grams, while the bottom out force for the Violet Gold Pro remains unknown. Because of the definitive bottom out force in the WS Pearl, users will experience a more tactile feedback upon reaching the keystroke's limit, while the absence of this information for the Violet Gold Pro leaves uncertainty in that regard. Overall, users looking for a lighter switch may gravitate towards the WS Pearl, while those preferring a heavier feel might opt for the Violet Gold Pro, despite not having comprehensive information about its bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch features 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 means that the Violet Gold Pro offers a deeper keystroke, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. In contrast, the WS Pearl's shorter travel distance can provide a snappier response, making it a favorable choice for gamers seeking quicker actions. If you prioritize responsiveness in your typing experience, the WS Pearl might be the better option. However, if you enjoy a more pronounced depth with each keystroke, the Violet Gold Pro would suit your preferences better. Overall, the Violet Gold Pro is the longer of the two, while the WS Pearl offers a shorter, more immediate travel experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Violet Gold Pro has an MSRP of $7.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet Gold Pro for $4.76.
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
When it comes to sound, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch offers a neutral profile, characterized by a moderate actuation force requirement and a sound signature that makes it versatile for various environments, whether it be at home or in a workplace. This neutrality ensures that the sound won't be jarring to those nearby, making it suitable for both beginners and more advanced users who appreciate a balanced auditory experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switch features a medium-high pitched sound. While specifics regarding its sound profile may be less detailed than those of the Violet Gold Pro, the unique construction featuring ball bearings likely adds a distinct tonal quality to its keystrokes, though the exact nuances remain less defined.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro exhibits a stepped tactile sensation, meaning that typists will experience a noticeable distinction between the pre-travel and post-travel stages of the switch. This mild tactile feedback provides a satisfying confirmation of keystroke activation, appealing to users who enjoy a more controlled typing experience. Conversely, the WS Pearl switch is designed for an incredibly smooth feel thanks to its ball-bearing mechanism, which effectively reduces friction during typing. This results in a more fluid keystroke that can feel almost weightless, making it ideal for users who prioritize slick movement over tactile feedback.
In summary, while both the Dareu Violet Gold Pro and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches cater to different preferences, they each offer unique advantages. The Violet Gold Pro presents a balanced acoustic profile and a stepped tactile feel, making it versatile for various users, while the WS Pearl is distinguished by its exceptionally smooth keystrokes and higher-pitched sound. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on whether one prefers a tactile experience with a neutral sound or a more fluid, linear typing sensation with distinct auditory characteristics.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch ultimately hinges on your specific typing preferences and use cases. If you seek a balanced typing experience with a moderate tactile feedback that doesn't overwhelm, the Violet Gold Pro is an excellent choice. Its neutral sound profile makes it suitable for any environment, whether you're typing at home or in an office setting, creating a pleasant yet non-disruptive experience. The mildly stepped tactile feedback offers enough engagement without sacrificing comfort, which can be ideal for both newcomers and seasoned typists looking for a versatile switch. On the other hand, if you are drawn to a smoother, incredibly fluid typing experience, the WS Pearl is brilliantly designed for that. The unique ball-bearing mechanism significantly reduces friction during keystrokes, delivering an almost effortless motion that caters to those who crave a serene and fast-paced typing experience. This switch is perfect for gamers or typists who prioritize speed and smoothness over tactile feedback, especially in fast-paced scenarios where quick keystrokes matter. Ultimately, your choice boils down to whether you prioritize tactile feedback and balanced sound with the Violet Gold Pro or seek an ultra-smooth linear feel with the WS Pearl.
Mentioned in this article
