Durock Black Lotus vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus 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 to consider are the Durock Black Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear. The Black Lotus is known for its silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision, offering reduced housing and stem wobble for maximum typing pleasure. With a 55g actuation weight, it provides a substantial feel without being too hefty. Additionally, the unique light column in the switch allows for customizable in-switch lighting and is fully removable. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear linear switches are ideal for those seeking a smooth and high-pitched typing experience. With a transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing, these switches not only provide a satisfying keypress but also allow for maximum RGB lighting customization. The POM stem is lightly lubed, ensuring minimal friction and a smooth keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your keyboard setup.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Double-staged stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches offer distinct differences in terms of feel and sound profile. The Black Lotus features a modified PC and UPE blend top housing, which gives it a unique and premium feel. This blend of materials creates a switch that is satisfying to press, offering a smooth and responsive keystroke. In contrast, the WS Aurora Clear utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that enhances its sound profile. With its stiffer plastic composition, the polycarbonate housing produces a sharper and crisper sound, making it ideal for those who prefer a more distinct auditory experience.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Black Lotus incorporates a nylon material. This classic switch housing material provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer plastic absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder tone. This can be appealing to typists who enjoy a softer and more cushioned typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear is equipped with a UHWMPE bottom housing. This newer material contributes to a bright sound signature, offering resonant clacks when typing. It provides a satisfying sound feedback that is particularly desirable for users seeking a more vibrant and pronounced typing experience.
Overall, while the Durock Black Lotus and Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches may differ in their housing materials, both offer excellent tactile feedback during use. The Black Lotus's modified PC and UPE blend top housing, combined with the nylon bottom housing, provides a premium feel and a deeper sound profile. Similarly, the WS Aurora Clear's polycarbonate top housing and UHWMPE bottom housing offer a distinct sound profile with sharp feedback. So, whether you prefer a softer, cushioned typing experience or a brighter, resonant sound, both switches are capable of delivering satisfactory results.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. In terms of weight, both switches have a similar bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which falls within the medium-heavy range. This means that when pressing down on the keys, users will experience a comparable level of resistance and tactile feedback. However, the actuation force differs slightly between the two switches. The Durock Black Lotus requires a force of 55 grams to trigger a keystroke, while the WS Aurora Clear requires 53 grams. Although the difference is minimal, this means that the WS Aurora Clear has a slightly lighter actuation force.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience and value prolonged typing sessions or gaming sessions, the WS Aurora Clear might be a more suitable choice. The lighter actuation force can result in less finger fatigue and allow for more comfortable extended usage. On the other hand, if you prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience, the Durock Black Lotus with its slightly heavier actuation force might be the preferred option. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, we find that the Black Lotus has a travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the WS Aurora Clear has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with 4.0 mm being more typical and 3.8 mm slightly shallower. However, it is worth noting that shorter travel distances have become increasingly popular, particularly among gamers who value faster response times. Therefore, if you prioritize a more responsive typing experience, the WS Aurora Clear with its shorter travel distance may be the preferable choice. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt, favoring a switch with a longer travel distance like the Black Lotus. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Black Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Black Lotus for $4.57.
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
In terms of sound, the Durock Black Lotus switch does not have a specific descriptor mentioned in the provided information. As for the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switch, it is described as high-pitched, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. This implies that the WS Aurora Clear switch will provide a more vibrant and sharp sound profile compared to the Black Lotus switch. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard case and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, both the Black Lotus and WS Aurora Clear switches share similar qualities. Both are described as buttery, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. They also fall into the mild category, providing a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Additionally, both switches are described as polished, meaning they have a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. This can be attributed to the materials used and possible factory lubing, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel for both switches.
In conclusion, while the specific sound qualities of the Durock Black Lotus switch are unknown, it can be inferred that it will provide a smooth and precise typing experience with reduced wobble. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear switch is known for its high-pitched sound profile, offering a vibrant and crisp typing experience. Both switches share common attributes of being buttery, mild, and polished, ensuring a smooth and satisfying keystroke. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preference for sound, as well as the desired lighting customization provided by the WS Aurora Clear switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, both the Durock Black Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear are linear switches with a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making them both medium-heavy switches. However, they do have some notable differences.
The Black Lotus is best known for its silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision. It offers a medium-heavy actuation weight of 55g, providing a substantial but not too hefty typing experience. The unique light column feature allows for customizable in-switch lighting and is fully removable. In terms of sound, the Black Lotus is not specifically described.
On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear is best known for its smooth and high-pitched typing experience. The transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing allow for maximum RGB lighting customization. The POM stem is lightly lubed, ensuring minimal friction and a satisfyingly smooth keystroke. In terms of sound, the WS Aurora Clear produces a sharp and crisp high-pitched sound when pressed.
Overall, if you are looking for a switch with a silky smooth feel and precise typing experience, the Durock Black Lotus is a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and high-pitched typing experience with customizable RGB lighting, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear is an excellent option. It ultimately comes down to personal preferences in terms of feel and sound.
Mentioned in this article
