| Switch Type: | Tactile |
| Mount Type: | PCB Mount |
| Travel Distance: | 2mm Actuation | 3.9mm Total |
| Force: | 56g Operating |
| Price: | ~$23 (35 pieces) |
The Tecware Pearl Purple is a light-weighted tactile switch in the ‘Pearl’ line-up. The line-up consist of 4 switches in total; 2 linear and 2 tactile switches. This review will focus on their 2nd heaviest switch – the Pearl Purple.
Disclaimer | Please Read:
These switches were sent to me for review purposes by Tecware. I was NOT PAID to write this review. I did not ask or receive any compensation. Finally, impartiality will always be my top priority for any reviews, including this one.
Smoothness: 6/10
On-center keypresses are mostly smooth with some switches exhibiting small, but largely unnoticeable scratchiness.
Off-centre keypresses are scratchier than I would like with most switches exhibiting noticeable scratchiness when typing slowly. Though, this isn’t as noticeable when typing at a decent speed.
Overall, they’re slightly above average, but I wouldn’t recommend these to those purely looking for a smooth switch.
Tecware Pearl Purple switch disassembled.
Weighting: 7/10
According to the manufacturer, these switches have an actuation force of 56g at 2mm and a total travel of 3.9mm. Or in plain terms: Very standard.
In terms of the actual key feel, it’s not as tactile as I would like. In fact, these switches are not very tactile at all. They are slightly more tactile than MX Browns with the tactile event at the top of the keypress coupled with a heavier spring, but in reality, they feel quite similar.
The one saving grace for me is the heavier weighting which I don’t find ideal, but it’s manageable. It’s actually very close to its other tactile counterpart – the Pearl Salmon.
Tecware Pearl Purple force curve.
Overall, if you’re looking for slightly heavier, slightly more tactile MX Brown with a ‘top of the keypress’ tactility, these would be a nice choice. Personally, I’m staying away from these.
Sound: 7/10
They’re quieter than usual for a non-silenced tactile switch. I’ve no idea if this is because of my build or if it’s to do with any of the switch characteristics.
I would say these are on the ‘clacky’ side of things just like the Pearl Salmon, though I enjoyed the Pearl Salmon’s sound signature a little better.
Overall, as a non-silenced switch, they’re nice sounding. I’m sure with some modifications, they’ll be even quieter making for a perfect office keyboard build.
Typing Performance: 6/10
I’ll start with the obvious trait: They’re barely tactile.
If you’re planning to buy these for their tactility, you’d be very disappointed. Sure, it’s slightly more tactile than MX Browns, but that’s an incredibly low bar. These just suck at being a tactile switch.
Overall, if you’re looking for a smooth enough, light, tactile switch, these are solid, but there are plenty of other options in the market in this segment.
Gaming Performance: 6/10
Relying on tactility is something I often do when gaming – and it doesn’t matter what type of game it is, I just happen to like tactile feedback from a switch, and I expect tactile switches to provide me with reasonable feedback. However, with these switches, any resemblance of tactility disappears.
If you want tactility when gaming, don’t bother with these.
I’m glad those are all the aspects lacking from these switches. These are at least smooth and heavy enough for me to manage.
Overall, I treated these as linear switches during gaming sessions. Definitely not a fan.
Final Score = 32/50 (64%)