HMX Blue Topaz vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Blue Topaz and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear both offer unique advantages for users looking for a smooth typing experience. The Blue Topaz stands out for its super smooth actuation and lightweight feel, making typing effortless. With its distinctive glitter housing and clacky sound signature, it provides a visually and audibly pleasing experience. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear offers a smooth, high-pitched typing experience with maximum RGB lighting customization. Its transparent housing and lightly lubed POM stem ensure minimal friction and a satisfyingly smooth keystroke. While the Blue Topaz is categorized as 'Easy-to-press' and 'Clacky', the WS Aurora Clear is labeled as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'High-pitched', and 'Polished'. Each switch has its own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
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
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Double-staged stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX Blue Topaz and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear both feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to their relatively stiffer nature. Additionally, their translucency makes them ideal for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind. However, while the Blue Topaz utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, the WS Aurora Clear opts for a UHWMPE bottom housing, offering a very bright sound signature with resonant clacks when typing.
Despite both switches featuring polycarbonate top housings, the Blue Topaz and the WS Aurora Clear differ in terms of their bottom housing materials. The Blue Topaz's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound due to its softer nature. In contrast, the WS Aurora Clear's UHWMPE bottom housing provides a bright sound signature with resonant clacks, showcasing a newer material for switch housings. This distinction in bottom housing materials results in a variation in sound profiles and typing experiences between the two switches.
Ultimately, the choice between the HMX Blue Topaz and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear may come down to personal preference and desired sound profile. While both switches share a polycarbonate top housing, the Blue Topaz offers a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon bottom housing, whereas the WS Aurora Clear provides a bright and resonant typing experience with its UHWMPE bottom housing. Whether you prefer a sharper, more clear sound profile or a brighter sound signature with resonant clacks, these differences in housing materials cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, it is clear that the Blue Topaz is the lighter option. The Blue Topaz has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear is heavier, with an actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, providing a more substantial push feel for those who prefer a heavier typing experience. For users looking for a similar feel but with a lighter touch, the Blue Topaz would be the better choice, while those who prefer a heavier keystroke would lean towards the WS Aurora Clear. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what feels most comfortable for individual typing needs.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, we can see that the Blue Topaz has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.9 mm compared to the 3.8 mm of the WS Aurora Clear. While both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, the Blue Topaz is the longer of the two. For those who prefer a bit more depth to their keystrokes, the Blue Topaz may be the preferred choice. On the other hand, individuals seeking a faster response time may opt for the slightly shorter travel distance of the WS Aurora Clear. Ultimately, both switches provide a compact and efficient typing experience, with users likely to achieve similar results in terms of performance despite the slight difference in travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Blue Topaz has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blue Topaz for $3.49.
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 HMX Blue Topaz linear switch offers a clacky experience with sharp and snappy sounds, providing a crisp and percussive typing feedback. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch produces a high-pitched sound that is sharp and crisp, perfect for those who prefer a lighter and brighter typing sound. Both switches offer distinct auditory experiences, catering to different preferences, so selecting the one that aligns with your sound preference is crucial for an optimal typing experience.
In terms of feel, the HMX Blue Topaz switch provides an easy-to-press sensation with gentle resistance and minimal force required to activate. This results in a typing experience that is effortless, comfortable, and reduces finger fatigue during prolonged use. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switch offers a buttery and mild typing feel, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is gentle and approachable to most users. The polished finish of these switches also ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel, enhancing the overall typing experience.
Taking into consideration the subjective qualities of sound and feel, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch offer distinct typing experiences tailored to different preferences. While the Blue Topaz provides a clacky sound and easy-to-press feel for those who prefer a lightweight and crisp typing experience, the WS Aurora Clear offers a high-pitched sound and buttery, polished feel for users seeking a smooth and refined typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel, ensuring that you can achieve a satisfying typing experience with either option.
Conclusion
In sum, when deciding between the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and enjoy a clacky sound with smooth actuation, the HMX Blue Topaz may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and are looking for a high-pitched, buttery typing experience with maximum RGB lighting customization, the WS Aurora Clear may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal typing preferences and desired keyboard experience. So, assess your priorities and choose the switch that aligns best with your preferences for an optimal typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
