HMX EMO vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear
An in-depth look at the HMX EMO 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, two popular options that stand out are the HMX EMO and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear. The HMX EMO switch is known for its lively, clacky feel with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force, offering an effortless typing experience that's both satisfying and smooth. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear linear switches are favored for their smooth, high-pitched typing experience, with a transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing allowing for maximum RGB lighting customization. The POM stem is lightly lubed, ensuring minimal friction and a satisfyingly smooth keystroke. Each switch offers its own unique qualities, but ultimately, the best choice comes down to personal preference and typing style. 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
40g
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
Polycarbonate
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-stage spring
Spring
Double-staged stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX EMO and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear both feature polycarbonate top housings, which provide a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. This makes them ideal for switches with RGB lighting, as the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows the lighting to shine through. However, they differ in their bottom housings - the EMO has a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the WS Aurora Clear's UHWMPE bottom housing offers a very bright sound signature with resonant clacks.
While both switches have polycarbonate top housings that provide similar sound qualities, their bottom housings offer distinct differences in sound profiles. The EMO's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound, while the WS Aurora Clear's UHWMPE bottom housing produces exceptionally resonant clacks when typing. This shows how the choice of bottom housing material can significantly impact the overall sound experience of a switch.
In terms of functionality, the impact of each housing material is felt differently depending on where it is located in the switch. The qualities of the bottom housing material play a larger role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key. This highlights the importance of considering both the top and bottom housing materials when selecting a switch to achieve the desired sound profile and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX EMO linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, it becomes apparent that the EMO is lighter in terms of both actuation and bottom out force. The EMO has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, making it a lighter option compared to the WS Aurora Clear, which has an actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams. The EMO provides a more lightweight typing experience, ideal for longer typing sessions or extended gaming periods. In contrast, the WS Aurora Clear offers a heavier push feel, providing a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference, with some users opting for the lighter EMO for extended use and others preferring the heavier WS Aurora Clear for a more tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
The HMX EMO 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 WS Aurora Clear has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the EMO. Generally, a shorter travel distance is favored by gamers for quicker response times, while longer travel distances provide a more satisfying depth when typing. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those who prefer quicker key presses. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX EMO has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the EMO for $2.79.
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
Overall, when comparing the subjective qualities of the HMX EMO linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, both switches offer a unique typing experience. The EMO switch provides a clacky feel with a feather-light bottom-out force, while the WS Aurora Clear offers a smooth, high-pitched typing experience with maximum RGB lighting customization. In terms of sound, the WS Aurora Clear produces a sharp and crisp high-pitched sound, while the sound profile of the EMO switch is not specified. When it comes to feel, the WS Aurora Clear is described as buttery, mild, and polished, providing a seamless and refined typing experience. While the feel of the EMO switch is not specified, based on its features, it is likely to offer a lively and bouncy feel. Overall, both switches offer their own unique characteristics, and the choice between them would ultimately depend on personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and customization options. If you prefer a smooth and high-pitched typing experience with RGB lighting customization, the WS Aurora Clear would be the ideal choice. Alternatively, if you enjoy a clacky and lively feel with a feather-light bottom-out force, the EMO switch would be a great option.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX EMO linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, consider the bottom out force that best suits your typing preference. If you prefer a lighter touch with a lively and smooth typing experience, the EMO with its 46g bottom out force may be the ideal choice for you. However, if you prefer a slightly heavier feel with a high-pitched sound profile and maximum RGB lighting customization, the WS Aurora Clear with its 63.5g bottom out force could be more appealing. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and preferences to ensure a comfortable and satisfying typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
