Wuque Studio WS Dash vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the Wuque Studio WS Dash 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 between the Wuque Studio WS Dash and the WS Pearl often boils down to personal preference and typing style. The WS Dash, known for its captivating re-color of the Magnetic Jade, offers a bright and clacky sound profile that delivers a satisfying auditory feedback alongside a silky smooth keystroke, thanks to its innovative Hall Effect technology. This makes it an appealing option for those who desire a lively typing experience, especially in gaming scenarios. On the other hand, the WS Pearl distinguishes itself with its unique ball-bearing mechanism, which significantly reduces friction during keystrokes for an incredibly smooth typing experience. Its medium-high pitched sound adds an elegant touch, making it a great choice for those who prioritize a quieter, yet responsive feel during long typing sessions. Both switches have their distinct advantages, appealing to different types of users; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
30g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
16mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Wuque Studio WS Dash and WS Pearl exhibit notable differences in their top housing materials, which significantly influence their sound profiles and overall tactile experience. The WS Dash features a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its stiffer plastic composition. This characteristic contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, perfect for users seeking a more pronounced auditory feedback during typing or gaming sessions. The translucency of polycarbonate also enhances RGB lighting effects, making it a visually appealing option for those who appreciate aesthetics in their keyboard setups. In contrast, the WS Pearl employs a nylon top housing, a classic switch material that delivers a deeper, fuller sound profile. This choice results in a softer sound that absorbs more vibrations, offering a more subdued auditory experience. Thus, while the WS Dash shines in clarity and brightness with its polycarbonate design, the WS Pearl excels in providing a rich and rounded sound quality.
Interestingly, both switch models share the same nylon bottom housing, which plays a crucial role in shaping their sound profiles when the keys are pressed. The nylon material, being softer, tends to absorb sound waves and create a deeper and fuller typing experience, regardless of the top housing material. This shared bottom housing ensures a certain degree of consistency in the tactile feedback and bottom-out sound across both switches, allowing users to enjoy a plush experience when typing. Thus, while the top housing materials diverge in aesthetics and tonal qualities, the WS Dash and WS Pearl maintain a common foundation in terms of the tactile sensations provided by their nylon bottoms.
Overall, the combination of different top housing materials in the WS Dash and WS Pearl leads to unique sound profiles while maintaining a semblance of coherence due to the similar nylon bottom housing. The WS Dash, with its polycarbonate top housing, caters to users desiring a brighter soundscape accentuated by potential RGB lighting, whereas the WS Pearl appeals to those who favor a smoother, more subdued auditory experience. Regardless of the distinct characteristics attributed to their top housings, the underlying nylon makeup of both switches ensures that users will experience a consistent bottom-out feel, making either choice suitable based on individual auditory preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch and the WS Pearl linear switch, we find that both switches share the same actuation force of 30 grams, making them equally light for triggering a keystroke. This allows for comfortable and extended typing sessions, ideal for those who frequently use their keyboards for long periods, whether at work or during gaming marathons. However, while their actuation forces match, the bottom out forces differ slightly: the WS Dash has a bottom out force of 55 grams, whereas the WS Pearl is slightly heavier at 58 grams. This means that while both switches provide a similar initial push to actuate, the WS Pearl offers a slightly firmer resistance when bottomed out, catering to users who prefer a more substantial typing feel. In summary, both switches are light in actuation, but if you're looking for a bit more heft in the overall experience, the WS Pearl is the heavier option.
Travel distance
The Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch both feature an identical travel distance of 3.5 mm, meaning that users will experience the same amount of key movement when pressing down on either switch. This similarity in travel distance leads to comparable tactile feedback and overall key feel, providing a consistent experience regardless of the switch choice. As a result, both switches will deliver similar performance in terms of distance traveled, making them equally effective for typists and gamers alike.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Wuque Studio WS Dash has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Dash for $7.49.
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 WS Dash switch produces a bright and clacky sound signature that many typists find engaging and satisfying. This acoustic character can be appealing for users who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback, making each keystroke feel lively and dynamic. On the other hand, the WS Pearl has a medium-high pitched sound that provides a more subdued auditory experience compared to the WS Dash. While the Pearl's sound is unique in its own right, it tends to blend more seamlessly into the typing experience without the exuberance of the Dash, catering to users who might prefer a quieter yet distinct sound environment.
When it comes to feel, the WS Dash offers a silky smooth keystroke, despite its clacky audio profile. This smoothness allows for effortless typing, giving the user a refined experience as they navigate their keyboard. Conversely, the WS Pearl switches stand out due to their use of ball-bearings, which dramatically reduce friction during keystrokes. As a result, the feel of the Pearl switches is described as surreally smooth, providing an almost gliding sensation that can enhance typing speed and comfort significantly. Although both switches provide a smooth keystroke experience, the mechanisms behind that smoothness offer distinct tactile profiles for users to enjoy.
In conclusion, if you're seeking a switch that provides an energetic auditory experience with a silky smooth keystroke, the WS Dash may be the ideal choice. Its bright sound and refined feel could easily satisfy typists looking for a more dynamic feedback. Alternatively, the WS Pearl offers a quieter, medium-high pitched sound with an extraordinary smoothness thanks to its innovative ball-bearing design, perfect for those prioritizing a frictionless typing experience. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences with their unique sound profiles and tactile sensations, making them excellent choices in the realm of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch and the WS Pearl linear switch, your decision largely depends on your preferred typing experience and the specific attributes you're looking for in a switch. If you enjoy a bright and clacky sound signature with a lightweight feel, the WS Dash might be the ideal option for you, especially if you value the smooth keystrokes provided by the hall effect technology. This switch also excels in providing a refined touch, making it suitable for a more dynamic typing experience and gaming alike. On the other hand, if you're after a medium-grade actuation with a surreal smoothness that comes from ball-bearing mechanics, the WS Pearl is an excellent choice. It delivers a more muted sound and provides a tactile, satisfying experience that is particularly enjoyable for extended typing sessions. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal preferences: go with the WS Dash for a livelier, more engaging interaction, or the WS Pearl for that buttery-smooth, effortless keystroke feel.
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