Kailh Box White vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a plethora of options available to suit different preferences. Two notable switches that offer distinct typing experiences are the Kailh Box White and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear. The Box White switch is well-known for its clicky nature, providing maximum audio feedback that mimics the sound of stepping on autumn leaves. With a crunchy, resonant feel and a polished texture, these switches offer an accented tactility that some typists crave. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear linear switch is ideal for those who prioritize a smooth and high-pitched typing experience. Crafted with a transparent polycarbonate top housing and a UHMWPE bottom housing, these switches allow for vibrant RGB lighting customization. The POM stem is also lightly lubed to ensure minimal friction and a satisfyingly buttery keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Double-staged stainless steel
Housing materials
The Kailh Box White and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This material choice contributes to a similar sound profile in both switches, characterized by sharpness, higher pitch, and crispness. Polycarbonate is known for being a stiffer plastic, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for effective RGB lighting, making it a practical choice for users who desire illuminated keyboards.
While the top housings of the two switches share similarities, their bottom housings differ. The Box White features a nylon bottom housing, while the WS Aurora Clear incorporates UHWMPE (Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene). Typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and therefore produces a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the UHWMPE bottom housing of the WS Aurora Clear provides a bright sound signature, resulting in resonant clacks during typing.
It is important to note that the qualities brought by the top and bottom housings are distinct and affect different aspects of the typing experience. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and the feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, despite any similarities in housing materials, the resulting overall experience can differ due to the variations in the top and bottom housings of the Kailh Box White and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Box White has a slightly lighter actuation force of 50 grams, while the WS Aurora Clear has a slightly higher actuation force of 53 grams. However, both switches fall into the medium range, providing a satisfying tactile response without being too heavy.
In terms of bottom out force, the Box White requires a force of 60 grams to fully press the key, while the WS Aurora Clear requires a slightly heavier force of 63.5 grams. This makes the WS Aurora Clear slightly heavier in terms of bottom out force.
Considering weight as a factor, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Box White, as its lower actuation and bottom out forces allow for extended typing sessions without causing fatigue. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial and pronounced typing experience may opt for the WS Aurora Clear, with its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces.
However, it is worth noting that while the forces of the two switches differ slightly, they still fall within the same medium range. This means that users can expect similar results in terms of overall feel and typing experience, regardless of whether they choose the Kailh Box White clicky switch or the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch have different travel distances. The Box White has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the WS Aurora Clear has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both of these distances fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have become increasingly popular in recent times. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer switches with shorter travel distances as they offer faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, then the Kailh Box White would be a suitable choice due to its shorter travel distance. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial key press, the longer travel distance of the WS Aurora Clear may be more appealing. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preference in terms of desired depth and speed of key presses.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Box White comes in at $2.76, 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, the Kailh Box White switch is well-known for its resonant and high-pitched profile. Typing on these switches produces a clean and sharp sound, similar to the feeling of stepping on piles of crisply autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switch is also described as high-pitched, delivering a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. Both switches offer a satisfying auditory experience, although the Box White may provide a slightly richer and more immersive sound due to its clicky nature.
Moving on to feel, the Kailh Box White switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience. The use of materials and factory lubing reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switch is characterized as buttery, providing a seamless and effortless keystroke experience. It offers a uniform and gentle typing sensation, falling in a safe middle-ground zone that is approachable to most users. Both switches prioritize smoothness and comfort during typing, although the Wuque Studio switch may have a slightly softer and more uniform feel compared to the Box White.
Considering all the available information, the Kailh Box White switch excels in audio feedback, delivering a resonant and immersive sound reminiscent of crushing autumn leaves. It also offers a polished feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switch provides a high-pitched sound and a buttery typing experience for those seeking a smooth and fluid keystroke. While they differ in sound and feel, both switches are designed to offer a satisfying typing experience, highlighting the importance of personal preferences and individual choices. It is worth noting that the sound and feel can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on the specific preferences of the user, with both options providing a quality typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who craves maximum audio feedback and enjoys a distinct tactile response when typing, the Kailh Box White switch would be the better choice for you. With its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, you can expect a medium-clicky feel that mimics the sound of crunching autumn leaves. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and high-pitched typing experience with customizable RGB lighting, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switch is the way to go. With a slightly heavier bottom-out force of 63.5 grams, these linear switches provide a clean and sharp sound profile, along with a satisfyingly smooth and buttery keystroke. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel.
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