SP-Star Ayara vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options come to mind: the SP-Star Ayara and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear. Both switches offer a linear typing experience, but they have distinct characteristics that make them unique. The Ayara switch is known for its medium heftiness, providing a hearty typing experience for those who prefer a bit of weight behind their keystrokes. With a soft bottom-out feel and a satisfyingly clacky sound profile, it offers a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear switch is revered for its smoothness and high-pitched typing experience. Its transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing allow for maximum RGB lighting customization. Additionally, the lightly lubed POM stem ensures minimal friction and a buttery, satisfyingly smooth keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Two-stage
Spring
Double-staged stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Ayara and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear differ significantly, affecting the overall sound profile of the switches. The Ayara utilizes a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound when typing. This is due to nylon's softer composition, allowing it to absorb more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the WS Aurora Clear features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Polycarbonate's stiffer nature leads to a clearer and resonant sound profile. Furthermore, the translucency of the polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting.
In terms of bottom housings, the Ayara employs a nylon material, similar to its top housing. This nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound when typing, as nylon's softness allows for greater sound absorption. Conversely, the WS Aurora Clear utilizes UHWMPE as its bottom housing material. UHWMPE is a newer material for switch housings and offers a very bright sound signature, resulting in resonant clacks when typing. The contrasting qualities of the nylon and UHWMPE bottom housings contribute to different sound profiles when pressing the switches.
When considering the overall impact of both top and bottom housing materials, it becomes clear that the Ayara and the WS Aurora Clear will provide distinct typing experiences. The Ayara's nylon housing, present in both the top and bottom, creates a deeper and rounder sound throughout the keystroke, while the WS Aurora Clear's polycarbonate top housing adds sharpness and clarity. Similarly, the Ayara's nylon bottom housing enhances the bottom-out sound and feel, while the WS Aurora Clear's UHWMPE bottom housing generates resonant clacks. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound profiles, whether one prefers a softer, duller sound or a sharper and crisper one.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, there are a few noteworthy differences. The Ayara's actuation force is currently unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare with the WS Aurora Clear's actuation force of 53 grams. However, both switches have a medium range bottom out force, with the Ayara measuring at 62 grams and the WS Aurora Clear measuring slightly heavier at 63.5 grams.
When considering weight, some individuals prefer a lighter switch to allow for longer typing sessions, making it more suitable for work or extended gaming periods. In this regard, the overall force required for actuation may not differ significantly between the two switches. However, for those seeking a more pronounced tactile feel and a heavier push during typing, a switch with a heavier force is recommended.
Although the specific actuation force for the Ayara is currently unknown, the similar range of bottom out forces between the two switches suggests that users can expect comparable results in terms of the strength and weight necessary for a keystroke. Ultimately, the decision between the Ayara and WS Aurora Clear will depend on individual preferences for typing experiences and desired force requirements.
Travel distance
The SP-Star Ayara linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances for switches, with the Ayara being on the longer side and the WS Aurora Clear being on the shorter side. Gamers and individuals seeking faster response times may prefer the WS Aurora Clear with its shorter travel distance, as it allows for quicker key presses. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial depth to their key presses may find the Ayara's longer travel distance more to their preference. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for either a shorter and more responsive feel, or a slightly longer and more pronounced key press.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Ayara has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ayara for $5.40.
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
When it comes to sound, both the Ayara and WS Aurora Clear switches have a high-pitched profile. This means that they produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, making them suitable for those who prefer a more attention-grabbing typing experience. However, it's important to note that the actual sound of a switch can be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, if you're looking for a switch with a high-pitched sound, both the Ayara and WS Aurora Clear will deliver similar results.
In terms of feel, the Ayara switch is described as having a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. This means that you can expect reduced friction and smooth key travel when using these switches. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear switch is described as having a buttery feel, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Additionally, the WS Aurora Clear switch is also characterized as mild, offering a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. These qualities of the WS Aurora Clear switch make it approachable to most users. Overall, while the specific feel may vary slightly, both the Ayara and WS Aurora Clear switches offer smooth and comfortable typing experiences.
Taking all the available information into account, the Ayara switch is best known for its hearty typing experience due to its medium heftiness and soft bottom-out feel. It also offers a clacky sound profile, providing a satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear switch offers a smooth and high-pitched typing experience, thanks to its transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing. It allows for maximum RGB lighting customization and comes with a lightly lubed POM stem for minimal friction and satisfyingly smooth keystrokes. While the Ayara and WS Aurora Clear switches differ in some aspects, such as their specific feel, they both provide enjoyable typing experiences. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preferences and the desired sound and feel for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch is a great choice for those who prefer a hearty typing experience. With its medium bottom out force and soft bottom-out feel, it provides a satisfyingly clacky sound profile. The Ayara is suitable for most intents and purposes, making it a versatile option for both beginners and advanced users. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch offers a smooth and high-pitched typing experience. With its transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing, it allows for maximum RGB lighting customization. The lightly lubed POM stem ensures minimal friction and a satisfyingly smooth keystroke. Both switches produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, making them suitable for those who prefer a high-pitched sound profile. However, the WS Aurora Clear is particularly known for its buttery and mild feel, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a clacky typing experience with a moderate actuation force (Ayara) or a smooth and high-pitched typing experience with maximum lighting customization (WS Aurora Clear).
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