HMX Cheese vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese 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 Cheese and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear are both linear switches with unique characteristics. The HMX Cheese is renowned for its unmatched smoothness and pristine typing experience, offering a satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear provides a smooth, high-pitched typing experience with its transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing, allowing for maximum RGB lighting customization. While the Cheese is lighter than 90% of switches and offers a unique typing feel, the WS Aurora Clear is known for its buttery, mild, high-pitched, and polished characteristics. 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
43g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
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-staged spring
Spring
Double-staged stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear, it is evident that they present contrasting characteristics. The Cheese's nylon top and bottom housings offer a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound. In contrast, the WS Aurora Clear's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile thanks to its stiffer composition. Similarly, the Cheese's nylon bottom housing and the WS Aurora Clear's UHWMPE bottom housing also exhibit distinct qualities, with nylon offering a duller and rounder sound while UHWMPE delivers a bright sound signature with resonant clacks.
Despite their differences, both the Cheese and the WS Aurora Clear share the common feature of clear housings. This transparency allows for the incorporation of RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switches. Additionally, while nylon and UHWMPE are more traditional housing materials, polycarbonate stands out as a newer material for switch housings. The combination of these materials in the two switches results in a diverse range of sound profiles, catering to different preferences for typing experiences. Ultimately, the choice between the HMX Cheese and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear will depend on individual preferences for sound characteristics and aesthetics.
In terms of functionality, the top and bottom housings of a switch play distinct roles in shaping the typing experience. The bottom housing, whether nylon or UHWMPE, affects the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. Conversely, the top housing, whether polycarbonate or nylon, influences the sound when releasing a key. Understanding the impact of housing materials on sound profiles can help users make informed decisions when selecting switches for their keyboards. Whether seeking a deeper, fuller sound with nylon or a sharper, crisper sound with polycarbonate, both the HMX Cheese and the WS Aurora Clear offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in typing experiences.
Weight
The HMX Cheese linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, while the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams. The Cheese switch provides a lighter typing experience overall, making it ideal for those who prefer a more effortless keystroke. In contrast, the WS Aurora Clear switch offers a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Both switches offer different weight options to cater to different preferences, with the Cheese being lighter and the WS Aurora Clear being heavier. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference based on whether one prefers a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The HMX Cheese linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Aurora Clear has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Cheese. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for gamers looking for faster response times. The shorter travel distance of the Cheese may appeal to those seeking a more responsive feel, while the slightly longer travel distance of the Aurora Clear may provide a bit more depth in each keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and how much travel distance is preferred for a comfortable typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cheese has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cheese for $3.79.
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
In terms of sound, the HMX Cheese linear switch offers a satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound when pressed, providing a unique auditory experience. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear linear switch is described as producing a high-pitched sound, creating a sharp and crisp typing experience. Depending on personal preference, users may gravitate towards the more distinct sound profile of the Cheese switch or the higher-pitched sound of the WS Aurora Clear.
Moving on to feel, the HMX Cheese linear switch is known for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, offering a seamless and effortless keystroke feel. Unfortunately, specific descriptors for feel are not available for the WS Aurora Clear switch, but it is mentioned that it provides a smooth and fluid keystroke experience due to its buttery sensation. With a mild and polished finish, users can expect a comfortable and refined typing experience with the WS Aurora Clear switch.
In conclusion, both the HMX Cheese linear switch and the WS Aurora Clear linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Cheese switch provides a satisfyingly clacky sound and smooth typing experience, the WS Aurora Clear switch offers a high-pitched sound and buttery feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between these switches to enhance their mechanical keyboard typing experience. Ultimately, both switches aim to provide a premium typing experience, ensuring that users will get similar results in terms of overall satisfaction and performance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter typing experience with a satisfyingly crisp sound, the HMX Cheese switch with its 46 grams of bottom out force may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier keystroke with a high-pitched sound profile and a buttery, polished feel, the WS Aurora Clear switch with its 63.5 grams of bottom out force may be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal typing preferences and the overall experience you're looking to achieve.
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