Akko Fairy vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Fairy and Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear offer unique experiences for users. The Akko Fairy, a linear switch, stands out for its refined lubrication and medium weight, making it a great choice for office settings where a smooth typing experience is paramount. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear from Wuque Studio boasts a transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing, ideal for those who prioritize RGB lighting customization and a high-pitched typing sound. The POM stem of the WS Aurora Clear is lightly lubed for minimal friction, providing a buttery smooth keystroke. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
50g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
17mm stainless steel spring
Spring
Double-staged stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Fairy and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear, it is clear that they have distinct differences in their sound profiles. The Fairy's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound for a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the WS Aurora Clear's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile with a higher pitch, thanks to its stiffer plastic properties. The top housing of these switches plays a significant role in the overall sound experience, with nylon offering a more muffled sound compared to the clear and resonant quality of polycarbonate.
Moving on to the bottom housings of these switches, the differences continue to stand out. The Fairy's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile similar to its top housing counterpart. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear's UHWMPE bottom housing offers a very bright sound signature, providing resonant clacks when typing. This newer material for switch housings brings a unique sound profile to the switch, distinct from the softer and more absorbing nature of nylon. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, adding another layer of complexity to the overall typing experience.
While the Akko Fairy and WS Aurora Clear may differ in their housing materials, both switches showcase the importance of top and bottom housing in determining the sound profile of a switch. Whether it be the deep and dull sound of nylon or the bright and resonant sound of UHWMPE, these materials play a crucial role in shaping the typing experience. Understanding the impact of housing materials on sound can help enthusiasts and users alike choose the switch that best suits their preferences, whether they prefer a softer, fuller sound profile or a sharper, crisper one. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities based on their housing materials, providing a diverse range of options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Akko Fairy linear switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 50 grams and bottom out force of 60 grams compared to the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, which has an actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams. Both switches fall within the medium range for actuation force, but the WS Aurora Clear leans towards the medium-heavy side for bottom out force. The Fairy switch may be preferred by those who enjoy a lighter typing experience, making it suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear offers a slightly heavier feel, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Akko Fairy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Akko Fairy has a shorter travel distance compared to the WS Aurora Clear. The Fairy's 3.3 mm travel distance falls on the shorter end of the spectrum, making it ideal for those who prefer faster response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear's 3.8 mm travel distance provides a bit more depth to the keystrokes, which some users may find more comfortable and tactile. Both switches offer unique benefits based on their travel distances, so it ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style when deciding between the two.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko Fairy has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Fairy for $3.10.
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
When it comes to sound, the Akko Fairy linear switch offers a muted and neutral experience, making it ideal for those seeking a quieter typing environment without sacrificing tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch provides a high-pitched sound profile, catering to users who prefer a sharper and more distinctive typing sound. Both switches excel in different sound characteristics, allowing users to choose based on their personal preference.
In terms of feel, the Akko Fairy linear switch is described as polished, mild, and subtle, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with gentle resistance and a muted sound signature. Meanwhile, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch offers a buttery, mild, and polished typing feel, emphasizing a fluid and effortless keystroke with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches prioritize comfort and smoothness in their feel, catering to users who prioritize a comfortable typing experience.
Overall, when comparing the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, users can expect different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Akko Fairy switch is best suited for a quiet office setting with its muted sound and polished feel, while the WS Aurora Clear switch caters to those looking for a high-pitched typing experience with a buttery and smooth feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between these two switches to achieve their desired typing experience.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when choosing between the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, it's important to consider your priorities and preferences. If you value a smoother and quieter typing experience for office settings, the Akko Fairy switch with its medium bottom out force and refined lubrication may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a high-pitched sound profile with maximum RGB lighting customization and a buttery smooth keystroke, the WS Aurora Clear switch could be more to your liking. Both switches have their own strengths and characteristics, so it ultimately comes down to what you prioritize in your mechanical keyboard experience. Consider your environment, typing style, and personal preferences to determine which switch aligns best with your needs.
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