Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile
An in-depth look at the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile. On one hand, the WS Aurora Clear is known for its smooth and high-pitched typing experience. With a transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing, these linear switches allow for maximum RGB lighting customization. The lightly lubed POM stem ensures minimal friction and a satisfyingly smooth keystroke. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile introduces a profound and pronounced tactile bump, providing a satisfying resistance as you type. These switches have a tactile force of 70g, making each keystroke an engaging and immersive journey. Additionally, the nylon housings of Wuque Studios' Heavy Tactile Switches contribute to a "thocky" resonance, creating a satisfying auditory feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
53g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile have different housing materials that result in distinct sound profiles. The WS Aurora Clear features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile. In contrast, the WS Heavy Tactile's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. While both switches offer unique sound characteristics, the WS Aurora Clear's polycarbonate top housing is especially advantageous for those planning to use RGB lighting due to its translucency.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both switches have different materials that contribute to their distinct sound signatures. The WS Aurora Clear features a UHWMPE bottom housing, a newer material for switch housings. This material produces a bright sound signature and offers resonant clacks when typing. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Depending on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will be felt and heard during the bottom-out sound and feel of keystrokes.
Overall, the WS Aurora Clear and the WS Heavy Tactile offer different sound profiles due to their varying housing materials. The WS Aurora Clear's polycarbonate top and UHWMPE bottom housings create a sharper and brighter sound, while the WS Heavy Tactile's nylon top and bottom housings result in a deeper and fuller sound. However, it is worth noting that both switches utilize nylon in their top housing, which contributes to a rounder sound and absorbs more sound compared to stiffer plastics. Despite the differences, both switches offer high-quality sound experiences that can be tailored to individual preferences when selecting a housing material.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, there are notable differences. The WS Aurora Clear exhibits an actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile has an actuation force that is unavailable, making it difficult to define precisely. However, its bottom out force is recorded at 45 grams, indicating a lighter touch compared to the WS Aurora Clear.
For individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience that allows them to type for extended periods, the WS Heavy Tactile may be a suitable choice. This lighter actuation force can make it ideal for use in workplaces or during lengthy gaming sessions. On the contrary, those seeking a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel may gravitate towards the WS Aurora Clear. Its heavier actuation force can provide the desired tactile feedback and assurance with each keystroke.
While the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches differ, it is important to consider that both options are capable of delivering satisfying results. Depending on personal preferences and typing style, the appropriate choice can be made to ensure an enjoyable typing or gaming experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch is 3.8 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. In comparing these two switches, the WS Heavy Tactile has a slightly shorter travel distance than the WS Aurora Clear. While both switches fall within the range of modern travel distances, with 4.0mm being the most traditional and 3.0mm being the most shallow, the WS Aurora Clear offers a deeper travel experience compared to the WS Heavy Tactile. This can be advantageous for those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on the key. On the other hand, gamers, in particular, may prefer the WS Heavy Tactile with its shorter travel distance, as it allows for faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and whether one values responsiveness or a deeper key press experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear comes in at $8.00, whereas the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile comes in at $3.50.
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
The WS Aurora Clear linear switch is best known for its smooth and high-pitched typing experience. When pressed, these switches produce a sharp and crisp sound, which is ideal for those who prefer a higher-pitched sound profile. The transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing allow for maximum RGB lighting customization, making these switches visually appealing. The lightly lubed POM stem ensures minimal friction and a satisfyingly smooth keystroke. Overall, the WS Aurora Clear provides a buttery and mild feel, offering a seamless and effortless typing sensation with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch offers a remarkable and engaging typing experience. These switches feature a profound and pronounced tactile bump, providing a satisfying resistance with each keystroke. With a tactile force of 70g, typing on the WS Heavy Tactile switches feels invigorating and immersive. In terms of sound, these switches generate a clacky and resonant sound profile, which is sharp, snappy, and clean. The nylon housings contribute to a thocky resonance, enhancing the auditory feedback of each keypress. The WS Heavy Tactile offers an accented, bouncy, and snappy feel, with a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be distinctly felt.
In conclusion, the WS Aurora Clear and WS Heavy Tactile switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The WS Aurora Clear provides a high-pitched sound profile and a buttery, mild typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile offers a clacky and resonant sound, combined with an accented, bouncy, and snappy feel. Both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience and provide satisfaction to users. Whether you prefer a smooth and high-pitched typing experience or a tactile and engaging journey, these switches deliver exceptional performance. It is important to consider other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps to further tailor the sound and feel to your preference.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are seeking a smooth and high-pitched typing experience with maximum RGB lighting customization, the WS Aurora Clear linear switch is an excellent choice for you. With its medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams, this switch provides a satisfyingly smooth keystroke and minimal friction due to its lightly lubed POM stem. Additionally, the WS Aurora Clear offers a high-pitched sound profile, which produces a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. On the other hand, if you prefer a more engaging and immersive journey while typing, the WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch would be the ideal option. With its light bottom out force of 45 grams, this switch offers a pronounced tactile bump, making each keystroke satisfyingly resistant. The nylon housings of the WS Heavy Tactile contribute to a "thocky" resonance, resulting in a captivating sound profile described as clacky, high-pitched, and resonant. Furthermore, the WS Heavy Tactile provides a range of descriptors for its feel, including accented, bouncy, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, ensuring an immersive and reactive typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your preferences for typing experience and sound profile, allowing you to find the perfect fit for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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