KTT Cream Yellow vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that offer distinct typing experiences are the KTT Cream Yellow and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear. The Cream Yellow is renowned for its unmistakably clacky sound, thanks to its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem that provides resonant audio feedback. Additionally, its lengthened spring contributes to a uniquely bouncy typing feel. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear linear switches offer a smooth and high-pitched typing experience. With their transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing, these switches allow for maximum RGB lighting customization. The POM stem is lightly lubed, ensuring minimal friction and a satisfyingly smooth keystroke. Both switches have their stand-out qualities, offering different typing sensations. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can decide the best switch for your specific preferences.

By the numbers

KTT Cream Yellow Linear

Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear Linear

$2.75

$2.55 per 10

$8.00 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The KTT Cream Yellow and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear both feature a polycarbonate top housing. This material choice creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The translucency of polycarbonate is especially beneficial for those planning to use RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through the housing. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound quality and aesthetic appeal with the top housing of these switches.

However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Cream Yellow utilizes nylon while the WS Aurora Clear utilizes UHWMPE. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its relatively softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, UHWMPE is a newer material that produces a very bright sound signature with resonant clacks. This material choice brings a unique sound experience to the WS Aurora Clear, distinct from the Cream Yellow.

Considering the fact that the top housing mainly influences the sound when releasing a key, while the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel, the differences in the Cream Yellow's nylon bottom housing and the WS Aurora Clear's UHWMPE bottom housing will result in varying experiences. Users can expect a deeper and fuller sound with a duller and rounder effect from the Cream Yellow, while the WS Aurora Clear will provide a brighter and more resonant sound with distinct clacking. Thus, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound profiles.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Cream Yellow has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Aurora Clear's 53 grams, making the Cream Yellow slightly easier to trigger. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Cream Yellow requires a force of 58 grams, while the Aurora Clear has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This means that the Aurora Clear will provide a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the Cream Yellow allows for a lighter experience. It's important to consider these differences when deciding which switch to choose. If you prefer a lighter switch for extended typing periods or gaming, the Cream Yellow would be more suitable. However, if you prefer a heavier push feel and a more substantial typing experience, the Aurora Clear would be the better choice. Both switches provide a medium actuation force, but their bottom out forces differ, resulting in distinct typing experiences.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, it is evident that the Cream Yellow has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the WS Aurora Clear has a longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. In terms of the traditional range, where 4.0 mm is considered the norm and 3.0 mm is the shallowest, both these switches fall within the category of shorter travel distances. This is appealing to gamers who prioritize faster response times as shorter travel distances allow for quicker key presses. However, it is worth noting that the Cream Yellow offers a slightly more shallow depth, which some individuals might find too abrupt. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear provides a slightly deeper travel distance, which can be preferable for those seeking a more substantial feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches would depend on individual preferences for responsiveness and depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Cream Yellow linear switch is best known for its distinctively clacky sound. This means that when you press the keys, you will hear a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear linear switch offers a high-pitched typing experience. Pressing these switches will produce a sharp and crisp sound. If you prefer a sound profile that is not too rich or bassy, the high-pitched sound of the WS Aurora Clear switch may be more appealing to you. However, it is important to keep in mind that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Cream Yellow linear switch provides a uniquely bouncy typing experience. The shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem of this switch contribute to a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. When you press the keys, they have a lively feel and give you a rebound. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear linear switch is described as buttery, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. These switches provide a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Additionally, the WS Aurora Clear switch is mild in its characteristics, providing a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Moreover, these switches are polished, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.

In conclusion, the Cream Yellow and WS Aurora Clear linear switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cream Yellow switch provides a clacky sound and a bouncy typing feel, while the WS Aurora Clear switch offers a high-pitched sound and a buttery, mild, and polished typing experience. These differences provide users with options depending on their preferences. However, it is important to consider other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used, as they can also impact the overall sound and feel. With either switch, you can achieve similar results if you pair them with the appropriate components for your desired sound and feel.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you're looking for a distinctively clacky sound and a uniquely bouncy feel, the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch is the way to go. With its shortened bottom-out distance, long-pole stem, and lengthened spring, this switch provides resonant audio feedback and a lively typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth, high-pitched typing experience with maximum RGB lighting customization, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch is an excellent choice. Its transparent polycarbonate top housing, UHMWPE bottom housing, and lightly lubed POM stem ensure minimal friction and a satisfyingly smooth keystroke. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal preference for sound and feel.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Cream Yellow Linear

$2.75

$2.55 per 10

Learn more

Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear Linear

$8.00 per 10

Learn more