Kailh Box Royal vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Kailh Box Royal and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear. While both switches offer unique features and advantages, they differ in terms of tactility and sound profile. The Box Royal is renowned for its unparalleled tactility, providing a sharp and binary feel that is ideal for those seeking an aggressive typing experience. Additionally, its relatively higher pitched sound profile adds to the overall tactile experience. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear is a linear switch, offering a smooth and high-pitched typing experience. With its transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing, this switch not only provides maximum RGB lighting customization but also ensures minimal friction due to the lightly lubed POM stem. However, let's delve deeper into these switches to help you make the best decision based on your personal preferences and typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Double-staged stainless steel
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Royal and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear differ in their housing materials, with the former utilizing a nylon top housing while the latter features a polycarbonate top housing. The nylon top housing of the Box Royal creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches using nylon. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing in the WS Aurora Clear produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate leads to a more clear and resonant sound overall. Aesthetically, the WS Aurora Clear's clear polycarbonate housing is especially beneficial for those using RGB lighting. While the top housing materials have different sound characteristics, pressing down on both switches will still provide a similar typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both the Box Royal and the WS Aurora Clear have different materials. The nylon bottom housing of the Box Royal creates a similar deep and full sound as its top housing counterpart, due to its softness and sound-absorbing properties. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear features a UHWMPE bottom housing, which produces a very bright sound signature. This results in resonant clacks when typing on switches with such housings. When typing on these switches, the impact and sound during the bottom-out movement will be influenced more by the bottom housing material. Therefore, using switches with nylon or UHWMPE bottom housings will provide a different typing experience in terms of sound.
It is worth noting that the qualities brought by the top and bottom housings of a switch will be split when they are made of different materials. When pressing down on a switch, the bottom housing material will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, when releasing a key, the top housing material will have a more noticeable effect on the sound. Therefore, the overall sound and typing experience of the Kailh Box Royal and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear will be influenced differently by their respective housing materials. Nonetheless, both switches will provide a satisfying typing experience, albeit with distinct sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, there are some noticeable differences. The Box Royal has a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the WS Aurora Clear's 53 grams. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Box Royal requires a heavier 70 grams compared to the WS Aurora Clear's 63.5 grams. This means that the Box Royal provides a slightly lighter initial keystroke but requires a stronger push when fully pressed.
In terms of weight, the Box Royal can be considered medium-heavy, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear can also be considered medium-heavy, making it suitable for users who enjoy a tactile switch but with a slightly lighter actuation force.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time, the WS Aurora Clear may be more suitable as its actuation force is lower. However, for those who want a more substantial typing experience and don't mind the heavier bottom out force, the Box Royal would be a good option. Overall, while the forces differ slightly between the two switches, both can provide similar results depending on individual preference.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is 3.6 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. In terms of traditional travel distances, both switches fall within the range, with the Box Royal being slightly shallower and the WS Aurora Clear being slightly deeper. Gamers who prioritize faster response times often prefer shorter travel distances, so if you are looking for a more responsive switch, the Box Royal would be a good choice. On the other hand, some individuals find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt and prefer switches with more depth. In such cases, the WS Aurora Clear, with its longer travel distance, would be a better option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on personal preferences for travel distance and the desired level of responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Box Royal comes in at $6.25, whereas the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear comes in at $8.00.
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, both the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch have a high-pitched profile. This means that they produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, which is preferred by those who do not like rich and bassy sound profiles. However, it's worth noting that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used, so your overall experience may vary.
Moving on to feel, the Box Royal switch is known for its sharp and intense tactile feedback. The tactile bump is strong and crisp, providing a distinct sensation with each keypress. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear switch is described as buttery, implying a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. It offers a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Additionally, these switches have a mild and polished characteristic, meaning they provide a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. This polished aspect can be achieved through factors like the materials used or factory lubing.
Taking all the available information into account, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is highly tactile and produces a higher pitched sound, making it suitable for those seeking an aggressive tactility and a sharp sound profile. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch offers a smooth and high-pitched typing experience. It allows for maximum RGB lighting customization and ensures a satisfyingly smooth keystroke with its lightly lubed POM stem. While the sound profile of both switches is similar, the feel differs significantly, with the Box Royal being sharper and the WS Aurora Clear being buttery, mild, and polished. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preferences regarding tactility, sound, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're someone who craves an intense and forceful tactile experience, the Kailh Box Royal switches would be the better choice for you. With their sharp and binary tactility, these switches provide a nearly aggressive tactile bump with each keypress. Additionally, their relatively higher pitched sound profile adds to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and more gentle typing experience, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches would be the ideal option. These switches have a buttery and polished feel, offering a seamless and effortless keystroke experience. The WS Aurora Clear switches also boast maximum RGB lighting customization and a high-pitched sound profile. Ultimately, the decision between the Kailh Box Royal and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches boils down to your preference for tactile intensity and typing smoothness.
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