KTT Ash Gray vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray 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 plenty of options to choose from. Two notable switches to consider are the KTT Ash Gray, a tactile switch, and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear, a linear switch. The Ash Gray switch is designed to provide a tactile response that strikes the perfect balance between being noticeable but not obtrusive. With an easy-to-press feel and a crisp actuation, it offers a delightful blend of tactile feedback. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear linear switch offers a smooth and high-pitched typing experience. It allows for maximum RGB lighting customization with its transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing. Additionally, the POM stem is lightly lubed, ensuring minimal friction and a satisfyingly smooth keystroke. Both switches have their unique qualities, catering to different preferences. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision and find the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
18mm spring
Spring
Double-staged stainless steel
Housing materials
The KTT Ash Gray and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear have similar polycarbonate top housings. Both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housings, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, leading to a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, both switches benefit from the translucency of polycarbonate, making it ideal for RGB lighting purposes. Therefore, if you are looking for a switch with a polycarbonate top housing, both the Ash Gray and the WS Aurora Clear would provide similar results.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Ash Gray uses nylon, while the WS Aurora Clear features UHWMPE (Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene). Typing on the Ash Gray with its nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear's UHWMPE bottom housing introduces a newer material for switch housings. It offers a very bright sound signature, producing resonant clacks when typing. Therefore, the choice between the two switches would depend on whether you prefer a deeper and fuller sound (Ash Gray) or a brighter sound with resonant clacks (WS Aurora Clear).
It is worth noting that the impact of each housing material is split between the top and bottom of the switch. While the bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, the top housing has a more significant impact on the sound when releasing a key. So, even if the top and bottom housings differ for a switch, both the Ash Gray and the WS Aurora Clear still provide a combination of the qualities brought by their respective housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, one notable difference is in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Ash Gray has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams, while the WS Aurora Clear requires a slightly heavier 53 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Ash Gray measures at 53 grams, which is the same as its actuation force. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is slightly heavier than its actuation force.
Considering weight as an important factor, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Ash Gray switch, as its actuation and bottom out forces are both on the lighter side. This can be beneficial for individuals who type for longer periods or engage in extended gaming sessions. However, for those who desire a more substantial typing experience and enjoy a stronger push feel, the WS Aurora Clear switch may be the preferred choice. With its medium-heavy actuation force and even heavier bottom out force, it provides a more robust keystroke. Overall, the comparison between the two switches demonstrates the range of options available to cater to different preferences and typing styles.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, it is clear that there is a slight difference between the two. The Ash Gray has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the WS Aurora Clear has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Although both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, they do vary slightly in terms of depth. Gamers, who often prioritize faster response times, may gravitate towards the Ash Gray with its slightly shorter travel distance. This shorter distance allows for quicker keystrokes, ideal for gaming scenarios. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial feel to their keystrokes may opt for the WS Aurora Clear with its longer travel distance. This added depth can provide a sense of reassurance and a more deliberate typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness or depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Ash Gray has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ash Gray for $2.55.
The Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear comes in at $8.00 per 10 switches.
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 Ash Gray switch is known for its tactile feedback, providing a substantial yet unobtrusive tactile response. It offers a light touch with a crisp actuation, resulting in a delightful blend of tactile feedback that is not overwhelming but also far from unnoticed. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear switch is a linear switch that offers a smooth and high-pitched typing experience. It features a transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing, allowing for maximum RGB lighting customization. The POM stem is lightly lubed, ensuring minimal friction and a satisfyingly smooth keystroke.
In terms of sound, the Ash Gray switch has a neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, or using the switch at home or work. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear switch produces a high-pitched sound when pressed. This results in a sharp and crisp sound profile that some individuals may prefer if they do not like richer and bassier sound profiles.
When it comes to feel, the Ash Gray switch offers an easy-to-press experience. It has a light actuation force, requiring minimal force to activate the keys. This makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the Ash Gray switch provides a mild typing experience, appealing to most users due to its characteristics that stand in a safe, middle-ground zone. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear switch offers a buttery and polished typing experience. It has a smooth and fluid keystroke, providing a seamless and uniform typing sensation. The switch's mild characteristics also make it approachable to most users.
In conclusion, the Ash Gray and WS Aurora Clear switches offer different qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ash Gray switch provides a tactile and easy-to-press experience with a neutral sound profile, while the WS Aurora Clear switch offers a smoother and high-pitched typing experience with a buttery and polished feel. Depending on personal preferences, one may favor the Ash Gray switch for its tactile feedback and light actuation force, or the WS Aurora Clear switch for its smooth keystrokes and high-pitched sound. It is important to choose the switch that aligns with your typing preferences and the overall typing experience you desire. However, keep in mind that factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used can also influence the sound and feel of the switches.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are looking for a medium-light switch with a delightful blend of tactile feedback, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch is the way to go. With its easy-to-press and mild feel, this switch offers a low-impact and effortless typing experience. The neutral sound profile of the Ash Gray makes it suitable for various environments, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or work.
On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, high-pitched typing experience with maximum RGB lighting customization, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch is the better choice for you. These switches have a medium-heavy bottom out force, providing a more pronounced keystroke feel. With its buttery, mild, and polished qualities, the WS Aurora Clear switch offers a seamless and refined typing sensation.
Ultimately, your choice between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch depends on your personal preferences for tactile feedback, sound profile, and typing experience. Consider what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for you when making your decision. Happy typing!
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