Aflion Blue Sky vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky 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 worth comparing are the Aflion Blue Sky and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear. Both switches fall into the linear category, providing a seamless typing experience without any tactile feedback. The Blue Sky is known for its long pole stem, offering a crystal clear linear feel and a sparkling sound profile. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear boasts a transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing, allowing for extensive RGB lighting customization. It also features a lightly lubed POM stem, ensuring minimal friction and a satisfyingly smooth keystroke. While both switches excel in delivering a high-pitched and polished typing experience, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
Double-staged stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Blue Sky and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear share many similarities. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, allowing for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate is especially beneficial for those who plan to use RGB lighting in their keyboards. As a result, both switches offer a visually appealing and acoustically pleasing experience when it comes to their top housing.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Aflion Blue Sky and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear differ in their materials. The Blue Sky employs a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing. In contrast, the WS Aurora Clear features a newer material called UHWMPE for its bottom housing. This material offers a very bright sound signature, resulting in resonant clacks when pressing the switches. Therefore, while the top housing brings similar qualities to both switches, the bottom housing showcases distinct characteristics that cater to different sound preferences.
It's important to note that the distinction between top and bottom housing materials has a direct impact on the overall sound and feel of a switch. When pressing down on either the Aflion Blue Sky or the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear, the qualities of the bottom housing will be more prominent, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Conversely, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while the switches may differ in their bottom housing materials, both provide a comprehensive auditory experience that combines the qualities of both top and bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, there are a few notable differences. The actuation force of the Blue Sky switch is 50 grams, while the WS Aurora Clear switch requires slightly more force at 53 grams. Both switches fall into the medium range in terms of actuation force.
In regards to the bottom out force, the Blue Sky switch has a force of 60 grams, which is also considered medium. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear switch has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy category.
Considering weight as an important factor, individuals looking for a lighter typing experience may find the Blue Sky switch to be more suitable. Its slightly lower actuation force and bottom out force may allow for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. On the contrary, those who prefer a stronger keypress for a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the WS Aurora Clear switch, as its heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a more pronounced tactile feedback.
Overall, while there are differences in actuation and bottom out forces between the two switches, they both fall within the medium to medium-heavy range, ensuring a similar typing experience with slight variations in tactile feedback. The choice between the two would ultimately depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch have distinct travel distances. The Blue Sky has a travel distance of 4 mm, which falls into the traditional range. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, the WS Aurora Clear would be the better choice. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt. If you prefer a deeper, more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, the Blue Sky with its 4 mm travel distance would be more suitable. Overall, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference and the desired balance between responsiveness and depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Aflion Blue Sky has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blue Sky for $4.07.
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 Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch are described as high-pitched. This means that when the switches are pressed, they produce a sharp and crisp sound. If you prefer a sound that is rich and bassy, these switches may not be the best choice. However, if you enjoy a higher-pitched sound profile, both switches will deliver satisfying auditory feedback. 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 Blue Sky switch is described as mild and polished. A mild switch provides a gentle typing experience that appeals to a wide range of users. It offers a safe middle-ground zone in terms of feel, making it approachable for both beginners and advanced typists. Additionally, the Blue Sky switch has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. This adds to the sleekness of the typing experience.
Similarly, the WS Aurora Clear switch offers a mild and polished feel. Just like the Blue Sky switch, it provides a gentle typing experience that is well-suited for most users. The buttery descriptor signifies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, ensuring a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The switch's polished finish, achieved through materials and/or factory lubing, contributes to reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, both the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch offer subjective qualities that can enhance the typing experience. Both switches have a high-pitched sound profile, making them ideal for those who prefer a sharper and crisper sound. Additionally, both switches provide a mild and polished feel, ensuring a gentle and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. While these switches have similar qualities, the WS Aurora Clear switch adds the buttery descriptor, implying an even more fluid keystroke experience. Overall, depending on your personal preference, both switches can deliver satisfying results.
Conclusion
To conclude, both the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch have their unique features and characteristics that make them suitable for different preferences and needs. The Blue Sky switch offers a crystal clear linear typing experience with a sparkling sound profile and smooth push feel. It is best known for its neutral sound profile and polished feel, providing a balanced and approachable typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear switch offers a smooth and high-pitched typing experience, with a transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing that allows for maximum RGB lighting customization. It is best known for its buttery feel and mild typing experience, ensuring a seamless and effortless keystroke sensation.
If you prefer a switch with a slightly lighter bottom out force, then the Blue Sky with its 60 grams force would be a good choice. But if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force, then the WS Aurora Clear with its 63.5 grams force would be more suitable.
In terms of sound, both switches are described as high-pitched, producing sharp and crisp sounds when pressed. So if you enjoy the rich and bassy sound profiles of certain keyboard switches, either switch will meet your preference.
When it comes to feel, the Blue Sky switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a gentle typing sensation with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The WS Aurora Clear switch, on the other hand, provides a buttery and mild typing experience, ensuring a smooth and fluid keystroke with a polished finish.
Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch depends on your personal preferences and what you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch. Consider factors such as bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel to make the best decision for your needs. Happy typing!
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