| Switch Type: | Tactile |
| Mount Type: | PCB Mount |
| Travel Distance: | 2.1mm Actuation | 3.1mm Total |
| Force: | 60g Operating |
| Price: | ~$23 (35 pieces) |
The Tecware Pearl Salmon is a medium-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 heaviest switch – the Pearl Salmon.
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: 7/10
On-centre keypresses are buttery smooth with very minor scratchiness.
Off-centre keypresses aren’t as smooth with most of switches showcasing a little bit of scratchiness. It’s not awfully noticeable during normal typing, but it is there if you feel for them.
Overall, they’re consistent performers. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to people who are looking for a consistently smooth tactile switch.
Tecware Pearl Salmon switch disassembled.
Weighting: 7/10
According to the manufacturer, these switches have an actuation force of 60g at 2.1mm and a total travel of 3.1mm. The total travel is very similar Kailh choc switches. Though, these are not classified as ‘low-profile’ by the manufacturer.
In terms of the actual key feel, it’s very similar to the SP-Star Polaris Purple. The tactility level is between the more tactile Durock T1 and the less tactile Cherry MX Brown switch. However, these are definitely closer to the Durock T1.
Tecware Pearl Salmon force curve.
Overall, if you’re looking for a medium-weighted tactile switch, these are solid.
Sound: 8/10
From what I can hear, these are amongst one of the best sounding MX based tactile switches to date! With my case, plate and keycap combo, they sound very “clacky” as expected.
However, I think with the correct case, plate and keycap combo, these can compete with higher-end offerings. And mind you, this is at a stock level. Who knows what they can sound like with additional modifications…
Overall, long story short: I’m impressed. If you need awesome sounding tactile switches for a build, look no further.
Typing Performance: 7/10
As a consistently smooth switch with decent enough tactility, typing on it isn’t too bad. Again, it compares very well to the SP-Star Polaris Purple. But do keep in mind that I had to ‘break-in’ these switches for a few days which you may also have to do.
Additionally (and I don’t mention this a lot), these switches provide minimal keycap wobble. In fact, they are the most stable MX based switch I’ve ever tried. I’ve no idea what Tecware did to manage this, but I’m glad they did it.
However, with all of that said, these Salmon switches still feel a little too light for my taste in terms of weighting, and the tactility is weaker than I’d like too. So, I know it’s not a switch for me by any means.
Overall, if you’re looking for a smooth, very nice sounding, medium-weighted tactile switch, add these on your wish list.
Gaming Performance: 7/10
I’ll start with positives. They are smooth, as we’ve already established and they have a consistent weighting – these two aspects together are the basic building blocks for good gaming switches. And Tecware pretty much nailed it with these.
Now for the negatives. I mentioned that these are very smooth but, that’s only true for 90% of cases. I still felt hints of scratchiness during very slow and precise movements in-game. Although, it didn’t bother me at all, but I figured I’d mention it.
Another downside which applies to me personally is the lack of tactility. During slower parts of gameplay, it’s noticeable and sometimes it’s adequate. However, as gameplay pacing increases, the tactility “decreases” – this is true for any tactile switch, but more so for those that aren’t as tactile.
Overall, I personally wouldn’t pick it as my gaming switch. Still, it’s a decent offering as long as you don’t mind the lack of tactility in faster paced games.
Final Score = 36/50 (72%)