Durock Dolphin vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Durock Dolphin and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear mechanical keyboard switches, it ultimately comes down to your specific preferences and needs. The Durock Dolphin is a linear switch known for its silent operation, making it an ideal choice for office environments or anywhere noise levels are a concern. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, these switches offer a balanced feel that combines precision with a satisfying press. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear linear switches provide a smooth, high-pitched typing experience with maximum RGB lighting customization. With a transparent polycarbonate top housing and a lightly lubed POM stem, these switches offer minimal friction and a satisfyingly smooth keystroke. 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
N/A
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.80 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 spring
Spring
Double-staged stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Dolphin and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear both feature polycarbonate top housings, which result in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which creates a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucent property of polycarbonate is ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. However, while both switches share this top housing material, they differ in their bottom housings. The Dolphin utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound when typing on the switch. In contrast, the WS Aurora Clear features a UHWMPE bottom housing, known for its bright sound signature and resonant clacks.
In terms of sound profile, the nylon bottom housing of the Durock Dolphin creates a duller and rounder sound due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound than harder plastics. On the other hand, the UHWMPE bottom housing of the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear offers a very bright sound signature, resulting in resonant clacks when typing. While the top housings of both switches are made of polycarbonate, the distinct qualities of their bottom housings contribute to the overall sound and feel of each switch. This highlights how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the typing experience and sound output of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Ultimately, the Durock Dolphin and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear showcase how the combination of different housing materials can influence the sound profile and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch. While both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, the unique properties of their bottom housings result in contrasting sound signatures. The Durock Dolphin provides a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon bottom housing, while the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear offers a bright and resonant sound with its UHWMPE bottom housing. By understanding the impact of housing materials on sound and feel, keyboard enthusiasts can tailor their typing experience to their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, the Dolphin has a lighter actuation force of None grams, while the WS Aurora Clear requires 53 grams, making it slightly heavier. Both switches have a similar bottom out force of around 62-63.5 grams, falling in the medium to medium-heavy range. Weight is an important factor to consider when choosing a switch, as a lighter actuation force allows for extended typing sessions, perfect for work or gaming, while a heavier force provides a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the Dolphin offers a lighter touch, while the WS Aurora Clear gives a more substantial push feel.
Travel distance
The Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch both have the same travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance before reaching the bottom. Due to their equal travel distance, both switches will provide a similar typing experience in terms of the distance the key travels when pressed. Therefore, whether you choose the Durock Dolphin or the WS Aurora Clear, you can expect to get consistent results in terms of key travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Dolphin has an MSRP of $6.87 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Dolphin for $5.41.
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 Durock Dolphin linear switch is known for its muted and low-pitched characteristics, making it a quieter option compared to other mechanical switches. This makes it suitable for quiet environments like offices. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch offers a high-pitched sound profile, providing a sharp and crisp typing experience. Depending on personal preference, one may prefer the softer sound of the Dolphin or the more pronounced sound of the Aurora Clear.
In terms of feel, the Durock Dolphin switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switch, on the other hand, is described as buttery and mild, providing a seamless and gentle typing sensation that falls in a safe middle-ground zone. Both switches are designed to offer a satisfying typing experience, with the Dolphin leaning towards a bit more resistance due to its medium-heavy actuation force of 62g.
Overall, the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch offer different sound profiles and tactile feels. If you prefer a quieter and low-pitched typing experience with a bit more resistance, the Dolphin may be more suited to your preferences. On the other hand, if you enjoy a high-pitched sound and a buttery, mild feel, the Aurora Clear may be the better choice for you. Both switches provide a customized typing experience with their unique characteristics, allowing users to find the perfect fit for their mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, consider your workspace environment and typing preferences. If you prioritize a silent switch for office use or enjoy a medium-heavy actuation force, the Durock Dolphin may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and high-pitched typing experience with maximum RGB lighting customization, the WS Aurora Clear may be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should depend on factors such as sound, feel, and personal typing preferences. Choose wisely to ensure a satisfying typing experience tailored to your needs.
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