| Switch Type: | Linear |
| Mount Type: | PCB Mount |
| Travel Distance: | 2mm Actuation |
| Force: | 63g Operating |
| Price: | ~$23 (35 pieces) |
The Tecware Pearl Teal is a medium weighted linear 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 “full travel”, Teal switch.
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: 5/10
On-center keypresses aren’t the smoothest with significant inconsistencies present between all the switches. Although, these pretty much disappear at faster keypresses.
Off-centre keypresses are slightly worse in comparison to the Tecware Pearl Clear with these switches suffering from considerable amounts of scratchiness and minor binding in some cases. However, when typing at normal speeds, it’s almost unnoticeable.
Overall, these clearly aren’t the best option in the market if you’re looking for a hyper smooth linear switch. These are average at best.
Tecware Pearl Teal switch disassembled.
Weighting: 8/10
According to the manufacturer, these switches have an actuation force of 63g at 2mm and a total travel of 3.8mm. Similar to the Pearl Clear. Nothing out of the ordinary here.
In terms of the actual key feel, they are very nicely weighted. Just like Pearl Clear, these remind me of the Gateron Black which I really enjoyed typing on.
Tecware Pearl Teal force curve.
One thing I’ve noticed with these switches is that they have very slight weighting inconsistencies most likely due to the slightly more inconsistent smoothness performance, but you probably won’t notice it unless you were really looking for it. I wouldn’t worry about this if I were you.
Overall, just like the Pearl Clear, if you’re familiar with the Gateron Black’s weighting, these would be a nice alternative. And as far as linear switches go, the Pearl Teal is very close to my ideal weighting, but I would still want something a little heavier.
Sound: 6/10
If you like your switches to be on the quiet side of things, this is a decent option. It’s not silenced, but you’d think they are just from how much quieter they are compared to the competition. Other than that, they aren’t anything special.
Also, I’d say these are on the clacky side of things too. So, if you want thock, you would have to modify them.
Overall, these switches sound decent. If they were louder and more clacky, I’d probably enjoy them more, but as a stock switch, they’re good enough.
Typing Performance: 8/10
One of the first things I noticed was the softer than usual typing experience. I wouldn’t describe it as “mushy” per se. Though after a few days, I got used to it, and you probably will too. It’s not that different from the usual.
Now, just like the Pearl Clear these switches aren’t the smoothest, but when typing at a decent speed, almost all the imperfections disappear.
Additionally, I found the weighting to be pleasant. I would have liked a heavier spring, but just like the Pearl Clear, I can probably get used to these after a while.
Overall, they have very little downsides. I like them; they’re very good. If you’re looking for a medium weighted switch with a strong focus on typing performance over everything else, this is a very good choice.
Gaming Performance: 7/10
Gaming performance is pretty much the same with the Pearl Clear switch apart from one thing; these are worse, but only slightly.
Now, just like the Pearl Clear if you’re looking for a switch you can use for slower and more precise movements, there are plenty of better options on the market. This isn’t one of them.
However, the faster paced the game and the less accurate you need to be, the better. (Yes, exactly the same with the Pearl Clear).
Now, for the part that is different: There are some instances where you can feel the scratchiness of these switches at medium speed keypresses. This is something I didn’t feel with the Pearl Clear, so I figured I’d mention it here. Oh, and if you’re wondering if it’s a big difference or not…it’s not.
Overall, same conclusion as the Pearl Clear. If you play games that are slower paced or need precision movements, consider a different switch. If not, this is a good option, especially given the price.
Final Score = 34/50 (68%)