Durock Blue Lotus vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Durock Blue Lotus, a tactile switch, and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear, a linear switch. The Blue Lotus switches by Durock are known for their unique blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness. These switches deliver a satisfying click with a slightly reduced travel distance, making them perfect for those who enjoy a marked tactile feel. Additionally, the detachable light column offers vibrant and customizable RGB illumination, adding a captivating visual appeal to your keyboard setup. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear linear switches from Wuque Studio provide a smooth and high-pitched typing experience. With a transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing, these switches allow for maximum RGB lighting customization. The lightly lubed POM stem ensures minimal friction, resulting in a satisfyingly smooth keystroke. Ultimately, both switches have their distinct advantages and cater to different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 long spring
Spring
Double-staged stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Durock Blue Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches offer contrasting characteristics that contribute to the overall user experience. In terms of the top housing, the Blue Lotus utilizes a modified PC & UPE Blend, providing a unique and premium feel to the switch. This blend offers a tactile experience that is distinct from other switches. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear incorporates a polycarbonate top housing, which brings out a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While both materials offer their unique advantages, the Blue Lotus' modified PC & UPE Blend provides a more exclusive and luxurious tactile sensation, while the WS Aurora Clear's polycarbonate housing caters to those who prioritize a clear and resonant auditory experience.
Moving to the bottom housing, the Blue Lotus features a nylon housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on the switch. Conversely, the WS Aurora Clear employs a UHWMPE bottom housing, a newer material that offers a very bright sound signature. With this housing, users can expect resonant clacks when typing. These contrasting characteristics indicate that the Blue Lotus leans towards a more subdued typing experience with its nylon bottom housing, while the WS Aurora Clear aims to provide a bolder and more impactful auditory feedback with its UHWMPE bottom housing.
In terms of functionality, the top housing plays a crucial role in the sound produced when releasing a key, while the bottom housing influences the sound and feel during the bottom-out action. Therefore, for those seeking a switch that offers a premium and exclusive tactile feel when pressing down and a softer and fuller sound when releasing, the Blue Lotus with its modified PC & UPE Blend top housing and nylon bottom housing combination would be an ideal choice. On the other hand, if one prioritizes a clearer, higher-pitched, and resonant sound profile when typing, the WS Aurora Clear's polycarbonate top housing and UHWMPE bottom housing pairing would deliver similar results to the Blue Lotus.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. In terms of actuation force, the Blue Lotus requires slightly more force at 55 grams, while the WS Aurora Clear has a slightly lower actuation force of 53 grams. However, these variances are relatively small and users can expect similar results in terms of triggering keystrokes.
Moving on to the bottom out force, both switches are in the medium-heavy range, with the Blue Lotus requiring 65 grams and the WS Aurora Clear requiring 63.5 grams. Here, the Blue Lotus has a slightly heavier bottom out force.
Weight is an important factor to consider when choosing switches, as it affects the overall typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the WS Aurora Clear may be a better option as it has a slightly lower actuation force. This lighter touch can be beneficial for extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, for individuals who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience, the Blue Lotus with its slightly heavier forces may be more suitable.
Overall, both the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch offer medium-heavy actuation and bottom out forces. The slight differences in force requirements may result in a slightly different typing experience, but users can expect similar results in terms of triggering keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on individual preferences for a lighter or stronger push feel.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch have different travel distances. The Blue Lotus has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the WS Aurora Clear has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. While both switches offer shorter travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, they still provide a satisfying typing experience. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer switches with shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. If you prioritize quick and responsive typing, the Blue Lotus with its 3.7 mm travel distance would be a suitable choice. However, if you prefer a deeper and more satisfying key press, the WS Aurora Clear with its slightly longer 3.8 mm travel distance may be more appealing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Blue 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 Blue 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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Blue Lotus switches provide a bassy profile. This means that the sound produced during key presses has a deeper and richer tone, similar to the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches have a high-pitched sound. When pressed, they produce a sharp and crisp sound. If you prefer a more rich and bassy sound, the Blue Lotus switches would be a suitable choice. However, if you prefer a sharper and crisper sound, the WS Aurora Clear switches are a better option. It's important to note that the sound of the switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Durock Blue Lotus switches offer an accented tactile experience. This means that they provide a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. They have a medium level of tactility that is satisfying to typists. Additionally, these switches are snappy and responsive, thanks to longer or dual-staged springs. This makes typing with the Blue Lotus switches feel more lively. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches have a buttery feel. This implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is seamless and effortless. These switches provide a uniform typing sensation. They are also classified as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe and approachable middle-ground zone. Furthermore, the WS Aurora Clear switches are polished, which means they have a smooth and refined finish resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switches and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switches offer different subjective qualities. The Blue Lotus switches are known for their marked tactile feel, snappiness, and vibrant RGB illumination. They provide a bassy sound and an accented tactile experience. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear switches are characterized by a smooth, high-pitched typing experience and maximum RGB lighting customization. They offer a high-pitched sound and a buttery, mild, and polished feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference, considering factors such as the desired level of tactility, sound profile, and smoothness of keystrokes.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who enjoys a marked tactile feel and vibrant RGB illumination, the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch would be a great choice for you. These switches offer a combination of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, making them a popular option for those who want a snappy typing experience. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switches have a bottom out force of 65 grams, which falls within the medium-heavy range. In terms of sound, they provide a deep and rich bassy sound profile during key presses.
On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and high-pitched typing experience with maximum RGB lighting customization, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch would be a better fit for you. These switches have a transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing, allowing for a visually appealing RGB lighting setup. With a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, they also fall within the medium-heavy range. The WS Aurora Clear switches have a lightly lubed POM stem, ensuring minimal friction and a satisfyingly smooth keystroke. They produce a sharp and crisp high-pitched sound when pressed.
Ultimately, the decision between the Durock Blue Lotus and Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches depends on your personal preferences. Consider factors such as tactile feel, typing experience, sound profile, and visual appeal to make an informed choice that aligns with your specific needs and preferences. Happy typing!
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