Kailh Berry vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a multitude of options to choose from. Two popular choices, the Kailh Berry and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear, both belong to the linear switch category. The Berry switches are well-known for their hefty typing experience, offering a springy type feel with a chalk-like texture. Furthermore, they produce a fairly deep sound profile, categorized as textured, low-pitched, and bassy. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear switches are favored for their smooth and high-pitched typing experience. These switches feature a transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing, enabling maximum RGB lighting customization. With a lightly lubed POM stem, they offer minimal friction and satisfyingly smooth keystrokes. With these general pointers in mind, let's now delve deeper beyond generalities, so that you can make an informed decision on the best switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Kailh Berry Linear

Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear Linear

$6.25 per 10

$8.00 per 10

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Housing materials

The Kailh Berry and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear both feature polycarbonate top housings, which results in similar characteristics for the sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, allowing for a more clear and resonant sound profile. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. Therefore, both the Kailh Berry and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear will provide similar sound profiles and visual effects due to their polycarbonate top housings.

However, where these two switches differ is in the material of their bottom housings. The Berry utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a relatively softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear features a UHWMPE bottom housing, a newer material for switch housings. This material offers a very bright sound signature, resulting in resonant clacks when typing on switches with such housings. Therefore, while the top housings may offer similar sound profiles, the bottom housings of the Kailh Berry and the WS Aurora Clear contribute to distinct sound qualities.

When comparing the overall feel of these switches, the impact of the bottom housing becomes apparent. Pressing down on the switch will reveal the qualities of the bottom housing, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Since the Berry utilizes a nylon bottom housing, it will provide a deeper and potentially softer bottom-out sound and feel. In contrast, the WS Aurora Clear's UHWMPE bottom housing will give a more impactful and potentially brighter bottom-out experience. However, when releasing a key, the top housing will have a stronger impact on the sound produced. Therefore, the differences in bottom housing material between the Kailh Berry and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear contribute to variations in overall typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, there are both similarities and differences. The actuation force of the Berry switch is not available, while the WS Aurora Clear has an actuation force of 53 grams. Both switches have a bottom out force that falls under the category of medium-heavy, with the Berry switch measuring at 70 grams and the WS Aurora Clear at 63.5 grams.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the WS Aurora Clear would be the better choice with its lower actuation force. This lighter actuation force would allow for longer periods of comfortable typing, which is particularly beneficial for work keyboards or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, for individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience, the Berry switch may be preferred, as it has a higher bottom out force of 70 grams. This heavier force provides a satisfying resistance when pressing the keys fully.

Although the specific actuation force of the Berry switch is not known, it is safe to assume that it would provide a similar actuation force result to the WS Aurora Clear, given that both switches fall within the medium-heavy bottom out force range. In terms of weight considerations, those who favor a lighter switch for prolonged typing sessions would opt for the WS Aurora Clear, while individuals seeking a more robust and substantial typing experience would lean towards the Berry switch.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, it is evident that they have different distances. The Berry has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the WS Aurora Clear has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. If responsiveness is your priority, then the Berry switch would be a suitable choice with its shorter travel distance. However, it is important to note that some individuals find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt, preferring a deeper feel during key presses. In such cases, the WS Aurora Clear switch with its slightly longer travel distance may be the more suitable option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of key press depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Kailh Berry linear switch offers a low-pitched and bassy sound profile. This means that when you press the keys, you can expect a deeper and mellow tone reminiscent of bass tones. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch provides a high-pitched sound. This results in a sharp and crisp sound during key presses. If you prefer a richer and bassy sound, the Berry switch would be the better choice. However, if you prefer a more crisp and high-pitched sound, the WS Aurora Clear switch is the way to go. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Kailh Berry switch offers a textured typing experience. This means that there is noticeable friction when pressing the keys. Some users prefer this subtle texture, while others prefer a smoother and friction-free typing experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switch provides a buttery, mild, and polished feel. This implies a smooth, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. With the WS Aurora Clear switch, you can expect a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone. The switch's polished finish and reduced friction contribute to a sleek typing experience.

In conclusion, the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Berry switch delivers a low-pitched, bassy sound profile and a textured typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear switch provides a high-pitched sound and a buttery, mild, and polished feel. Depending on your personal preferences, you can choose between a deeper, mellow sound with noticeable friction or a crisper sound with a smooth and effortless typing sensation. Both switches have their own unique qualities, so it's important to consider your preferences and desired typing experience when making a decision. However, it's worth noting that the information provided suggests that the WS Aurora Clear switch may offer a smoother keystroke, similar to the Berry switch's textured feel.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams and a texturized typing experience, then the Kailh Berry switch is the better option for you. These switches provide a hefty and springy typing experience, with a chalk-like texture. In terms of sound, the Berry switch has a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, offering a deeper and richer tone during key presses.

On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a slightly lighter bottom out force of 63.5 grams and a smooth, high-pitched typing experience, then the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switch is the right choice. These switches have a transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing, allowing for maximum RGB lighting customization. With a lightly lubed POM stem, the WS Aurora Clear switches provide minimal friction and a satisfyingly smooth keystroke. In terms of sound, the WS Aurora Clear switch produces a sharp and crisp high-pitched sound when pressed.

Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Berry and Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches depends on your personal preferences for typing experience, bottom out force, sound profile, and feel. Consider your desired level of tactility, texture, smoothness, sound pitch, and typing force when making your decision. Both switches offer unique characteristics and advantages, so choose the one that aligns with your individual preferences and typing style.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Berry Linear

$6.25 per 10

Learn more

Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear Linear

$8.00 per 10

Learn more