Kailh Box Navy vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear

Overview

If you are in search of a mechanical keyboard switch that offers a heavy typing experience and a satisfying sound signature, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch is an excellent choice. These switches not only provide a heftiness reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s, but also a sharp and resonant sound that is both invigorating and crunchy. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and high-pitched typing experience, along with the ability to customize your keyboard's RGB lighting to the maximum extent, then the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch is the one for you. With its transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing, this switch allows for stunning lighting effects. The POM stem, lightly lubed for minimal friction, ensures a buttery and polished keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so that you can make the best decision and find the perfect switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Kailh Box Navy Clicky

Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear Linear

$5.50 per 10

$8.00 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Kailh Box Navy and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches showcase some similarities as well as differences. Both switches feature a polycarbonate 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 resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in the top housing is beneficial for those planning to use RGB lighting. Therefore, in terms of sound and aesthetic factors, both switches offer similar results.

However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Box Navy utilizes nylon while the WS Aurora Clear employs UHWMPE. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. It absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear's UHWMPE bottom housing is a newer material that offers a very bright sound signature. Typing on switches with this housing material provides resonant clacks. Therefore, the bottom housing of each switch contributes distinct sound characteristics to the overall typing experience.

It is worth noting that the qualities brought by the different housing materials are split between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing are felt, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing has a more significant impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the interplay of the housing materials in the Kailh Box Navy and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear adds complexity to the overall sound and feel of these switches.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, it is evident that there are notable differences. The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams, meaning it requires a bit more force to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the WS Aurora Clear linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 53 grams, providing a slightly lighter touch.

Moving on to the bottom out force, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch has a heavier bottom out force of 90 grams. This indicates that when fully pressing the key all the way down, there is a substantial resistance and feedback. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear linear switch has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is still relatively heavy, but not as heavy as the Box Navy.

Considering weight in keyboard switches is important as it can impact typing comfort and endurance. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for switches with lower actuation and bottom out forces, as it allows for prolonged typing sessions without excessive strain. This may be suitable for individuals using keyboards for work or engaging in long gaming sessions. Conversely, some users prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. For such individuals, selecting switches with heavier forces would be more suitable.

In summary, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch is heavier in terms of both actuation force and bottom out force, while the WS Aurora Clear linear switch is relatively lighter but still provides a medium-heavy typing experience. Therefore, those seeking a more robust and tactile feel may opt for the Box Navy, while individuals desiring a lighter touch might find the WS Aurora Clear more fitting.

Travel distance

When comparing and contrasting the travel distance of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, it is evident that the Box Navy has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the WS Aurora Clear boasts a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of what is considered traditional, with 4.0 mm being the most common and 3.0 mm being the shallowest.

For those seeking a gaming keyboard or a more responsive typing experience, the shorter travel distance of the Box Navy switch may be preferable. This shorter distance allows for quicker response times, which is highly valued by gamers who require rapid keystrokes. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial and satisfying key press that provides a sense of depth, the WS Aurora Clear switch with its longer travel distance may be the better option. Some individuals find that shorter travel distances feel abrupt and may prefer the smooth and deliberate feel of a longer travel distance.

Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific use case. However, it is worth noting that both options offer a travel distance that falls within the traditional range, ensuring that users will still experience a familiar and comfortable typing or gaming experience regardless of their choice.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch offers a resonant and crunchy typing experience. The higher-pitched sound profile of these switches is reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s. Typing on Box Navy switches provides an immersive auditory experience with a clean and sharp sound. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch produces a high-pitched and crisp sound when pressed. If you prefer a lighter and more crisp sound profile, these switches are a great choice. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Navy switch offers a sharp, invigorating, and stiff typing experience. The strong and crisp tactile bump of these switches provides a high feedback intensity, allowing you to feel each keypress distinctly. With its moderate to firm actuation force, the Box Navy switch creates a snappy and reactive typing sensation. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switch provides a buttery, mild, and polished feel. These switches offer a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, resulting in a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The mild characteristics of the WS Aurora Clear switches make them approachable to most users, providing a safe middle-ground typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.

In conclusion, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch offer contrasting subjective qualities. The Box Navy switch provides a heavy and tactile typing experience, with a resonant and crunchy sound profile. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear switch offers a smoother and more gentle typing experience, with a high-pitched sound profile. Depending on your preferences for typing feel and sound, both switches provide unique options to suit different preferences. Whether you seek a heavy and tactile typing experience or a smooth and gentle one, both switches will deliver satisfying results.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are seeking a heavy typing experience and enjoy the distinct sound and tactile feedback of a clicky switch, then the Kailh Box Navy switches are the perfect fit for you. These switches are reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s and provide a resonant and crunchy sound profile. The sharp and invigorating tactile bump of the Box Navy offers a highly pronounced feedback, creating an immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and high-pitched typing experience with maximum RGB lighting customization, then the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switches are an excellent choice. These switches have a bottom out force that is medium-heavy, offering a buttery and polished keystroke experience. With their transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing, they allow for a seamless and uniform typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch depends on your preference for weight, sound, and feel in your mechanical keyboard switches.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box Navy Clicky

$5.50 per 10

Learn more

Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear Linear

$8.00 per 10

Learn more