TTC Gold Brown vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown 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 TTC Gold Brown and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear offer two distinct typing experiences. The Gold Brown switches are best known for their balanced nature, providing a slight bump and moderate weightiness. With a rounded sound profile that is softer than most switches, they strike a perfect middle ground. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear linear switches are all about a smooth and high-pitched typing experience. Featuring a transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing, these switches allow for maximum RGB lighting customization. The POM stem is also lightly lubed, ensuring minimal friction and a gratifyingly smooth keystroke. While both switches have their unique qualities, it's important to dive deeper and consider individual preferences before settling on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Double-staged stainless steel
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Brown and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing material. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in switches. Its relatively stiffer nature allows for a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, polycarbonate is translucent, making it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. Therefore, both switches will provide similar results in terms of sound quality and visual appeal when it comes to their top housing.
However, the bottom housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown and the WS Aurora Clear differ. The Gold Brown utilizes nylon, a classic switch housing material that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear features a newer material called UHWMPE for its bottom housing. This material offers a very bright sound signature, producing resonant clacks when typing on switches with such housings.
As a result, the bottom housing will have a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. For the TTC Gold Brown, the nylon bottom housing will contribute to a deeper and fuller sound, while for the WS Aurora Clear, the UHWMPE bottom housing will produce brighter and more resonant clacks. Meanwhile, the impact on the sound when the key is released will be influenced by the top housing material in both switches.
In conclusion, while the top housing of the TTC Gold Brown and the WS Aurora Clear switches share similar qualities due to their polycarbonate material, their differences lie in the bottom housing materials. The nylon bottom housing of the Gold Brown elicits a deeper and fuller sound, while the UHWMPE bottom housing of the WS Aurora Clear offers a brighter and more resonant clacking sound. Thus, users can expect distinct sound profiles and experiences based on the housing materials used in these switches.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Gold Brown has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, which falls into the medium range. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear has a slightly lighter actuation force of 53 grams but a slightly heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the WS Aurora Clear may be more suitable as it has a slightly lower actuation force. This can be beneficial for individuals who need to type for extended periods of time or engage in long gaming sessions, as it can reduce fatigue. Conversely, the Gold Brown with its medium actuation force can provide a more substantial typing experience, offering a stronger push feel. This may be desirable for individuals who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback while typing.
In terms of bottoming out, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Gold Brown at 63 grams and the WS Aurora Clear at 63.5 grams. This means that when the keys are pressed all the way down, they provide a comparable level of resistance. Therefore, if a user desires a similar bottom out force, both switches can deliver similar results.
Considering weight is important as it impacts the typing experience. Some individuals prefer a lighter actuation force to type for longer durations, while others enjoy a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Gold Brown and WS Aurora Clear will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4.0mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8mm. This means that the Gold Brown has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the WS Aurora Clear. The Gold Brown's 4.0mm travel distance is more traditional, providing a balance between depth and responsiveness. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear's 3.8mm travel distance is slightly shallower, which can be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. However, it's important to note that the difference in travel distance between the two switches is minimal, so in terms of practical usage, you can expect similar results from both switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a slightly longer or slightly shallower travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown for $3.28.
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 TTC Gold Brown switch offers a rounded and softer sound profile that is generally quieter than most switches without being completely silent. This makes it a suitable choice for those who prefer a more neutral sound experience. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear switch produces a high-pitched and sharp sound when pressed. This can be appealing to individuals who enjoy a more crisp and vibrant sound profile. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, if you're aiming for a similar sound experience, both options provide smooth and buttery keystrokes that result in a satisfying typing sensation.
In terms of feel, both the TTC Gold Brown and WS Aurora Clear switches offer a buttery and polished typing experience. This indicates a smooth and fluid keystroke, resulting in a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The Gold Brown switch is also described as mild and accented, meaning it provides a gentle and approachable typing experience with a prominent amount of tactility. Similarly, the WS Aurora Clear switch is categorized as mild, further supporting its comfortable and user-friendly feel. With both options, you can expect reduced friction, smooth key travel, and a safe middle-ground typing experience.
Taking into account all the available information, the TTC Gold Brown and WS Aurora Clear switches offer balanced qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Gold Brown switch provides a rounded and neutral sound profile with a moderate weightiness, the WS Aurora Clear switch offers a high-pitched and sharp sound experience. In terms of feel, both switches deliver buttery, mild, and polished typing experiences, ensuring a smooth and refined keystroke with minimal friction. Overall, if you're looking for a reliable and satisfying switch, opting for either of these options will likely result in similar positive outcomes.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when considering the choice between the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you value a balanced switch with a moderate weightiness and a slight, satisfying bump, the Gold Brown is an excellent choice. It offers a rounded sound profile that is softer than most switches without being completely silent. Additionally, if you prefer a switch that is described as mild, buttery, accented, and polished in terms of feel, the Gold Brown will provide a smooth and refined typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and high-pitched typing experience with maximum RGB lighting customization, the WS Aurora Clear is worth considering. With its transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing, this switch allows for vibrant RGB lighting customization. The POM stem is lightly lubed, ensuring minimal friction and a satisfyingly smooth keystroke. Furthermore, if you enjoy switches that are described as buttery, mild, and polished in terms of feel, the WS Aurora Clear will provide a seamless and gentle typing sensation.
In summary, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch is a great choice for those seeking a well-balanced switch with a moderate weightiness and a slight, satisfying bump. It offers a softer sound profile and a typing experience that is described as mild, buttery, accented, and polished. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch is ideal for individuals who desire a smooth and high-pitched typing experience, along with maximum RGB lighting customization. It provides a gentle typing feel, described as buttery, mild, and polished. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and customization options.
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