Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary 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, the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The CAP Anniversary is praised for its exceptionally smooth keystrokes thanks to its novel CAP structure and aerodynamically designed stem. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear is known for its smooth, high-pitched typing experience and maximum RGB lighting customization. While the CAP Anniversary is categorized as 'Snappy', 'Creamy', and 'Polished', the WS Aurora Clear is labeled as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'High-pitched', and 'Polished'. Each switch has its own strengths and appeal, but diving deeper into their specific characteristics is essential to deciding which one is the best fit for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Gold-plated 20mm spring
Spring
Double-staged stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, leading to a more resonant sound. The translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing aspect to the switch. However, the CAP Anniversary utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear features a UHWMPE bottom housing, offering a bright sound signature with resonant clacks when typing.
While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings that provide a similar sharp and clear sound profile, the choice of bottom housing material sets them apart. The CAP Anniversary's nylon bottom housing creates a duller and rounder sound, adding a different tone to the overall typing experience compared to the WS Aurora Clear's UHWMPE bottom housing. The impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel is a significant factor to consider when choosing between these two switches. Additionally, the top housing's influence on the sound when releasing a key may also play a role in the overall typing feel and sound.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches offer distinct sound profiles due to their different bottom housing materials. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and clear sound, the choice between nylon and UHWMPE for the bottom housing creates different typing experiences. The CAP Anniversary with its nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, while the WS Aurora Clear with its UHWMPE bottom housing offers a bright sound signature with resonant clacks. These differences in sound profiles and typing experiences can make a significant impact on the overall feel of using these switches.
Weight
The actuation force of the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch is 50 grams, while the actuation force of the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch is slightly heavier at 53 grams. Both switches have a medium-heavy actuation force, but the WS Aurora Clear requires a slightly stronger push to register a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Gateron CAP Anniversary has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which is heavier than the WS Aurora Clear at 63.5 grams. Despite these differences, both switches fall within the medium-heavy range for bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the WS Aurora Clear may be the better option, while those looking for a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Gateron CAP Anniversary. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the CAP Anniversary being slightly longer. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the WS Aurora Clear for faster response times, while those who prefer a more substantial feel may opt for the Gateron CAP Anniversary. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CAP Anniversary has an MSRP of $4.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CAP Anniversary for $4.10.
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
The CAP Anniversary linear switch is known for its exceptionally smooth keystrokes due to its unique CAP structure and aerodynamic stem design. This results in a snappy, creamy, and polished feel, providing a responsive and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear linear switch offers a high-pitched sound profile and a buttery, mild, and polished feel, perfect for those seeking a smooth and fluid typing sensation. While both switches excel in smoothness and stability, the CAP Anniversary may appeal more to those looking for a snappier typing experience, while the WS Aurora Clear caters to users who prefer a higher-pitched sound with a buttery feel. Ultimately, both switches offer similar qualities of smoothness and stability, ensuring a pleasant typing experience regardless of choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom-out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom-out force and are looking for exceptionally smooth keystrokes with minimal wobble, the CAP Anniversary would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly lower bottom-out force and are looking for a smooth, high-pitched typing experience with maximum RGB lighting customization, the WS Aurora Clear would be a better fit. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking for.
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