TTC Gold Red vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the TTC Gold Red and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear. Both switches offer a linear typing experience, but there are some key differences that may sway your decision. The Gold Red is renowned for its buttery smooth feel and light-medium resistance, providing a satisfying and comfortable typing experience. Additionally, its snappy sound profile adds a subtle touch of character without being too attention-grabbing. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear offers a smooth and high-pitched typing experience. Its transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing allow for maximum RGB lighting customization, making it an excellent choice for those who want to personalize their keyboard's aesthetics. The POM stem is also lightly lubed, ensuring minimal friction and a satisfyingly smooth keystroke. However, beyond these generalities, let's dive deeper into the details to help you determine the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
50g
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 housing materials of the TTC Gold Red and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear keyboards have some similarities and differences. Both keyboards utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances clarity and resonance in the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for RGB lighting effects. Therefore, users can expect similar sound profiles and aesthetics from both keyboards when it comes to their polycarbonate top housings.
However, the bottom housings differ between the two keyboards. The Gold Red features a nylon bottom housing, a classic switch housing material. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear opts for a UHWMPE bottom housing, a newer material for switch housings. This material offers a bright sound signature, providing resonant clacks when typing on switches with such housings. Therefore, the typing experience and sound produced by the bottom housings will be noticeably different between the two keyboards.
When it comes to the overall typing experience, the unique qualities of the top and bottom housings will be split between the two keyboards. The impact and sound when pressing down on the switch will be influenced by the bottom housing. In the case of the Gold Red, the nylon bottom housing will contribute to a deeper and fuller sound upon bottoming out. As for the WS Aurora Clear, the UHWMPE bottom housing will provide a bright and resonant clacking sound. On the other hand, the sound when releasing a key will be more influenced by the top housing, which is polycarbonate for both keyboards. Therefore, users can expect differences in the typing feel and sound depending on whether they are pressing or releasing the keys on either keyboard.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Gold Red has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Aurora Clear's actuation force of 53 grams, making the Gold Red require less force to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Gold Red is 50 grams, while the Aurora Clear has a higher bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This means that the Aurora Clear requires more force to fully press the keys down compared to the Gold Red.
Considering weight in selecting a switch is important for various reasons. Those who prefer a lighter switch may find it more suitable for longer typing sessions or extended gaming periods, as it requires less effort to type on. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may opt for options with heavier forces.
In terms of weight, the Gold Red can be considered lighter with its lower actuation and bottom out forces, while the Aurora Clear can be classified as heavier due to its higher force requirements. It is important to note that although the forces differ, both switches offer a linear switch experience. Therefore, for individuals seeking similar results, the Gold Red would provide a lighter touch compared to the medium-heavy feel of the Aurora Clear.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, it is clear that the Gold Red has a slightly longer travel distance at 4.0 mm compared to the WS Aurora Clear's 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Gold Red being closer to the standard 4.0 mm and the WS Aurora Clear being slightly shallower at 3.8 mm. Gamers who prioritize fast response times may prefer the WS Aurora Clear with its shorter travel distance, as it allows for quicker keystrokes. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a greater depth may lean towards the Gold Red with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red 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 Red 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 Gold Red switch is best described as having a thocky and low-pitched sound profile. This means that when pressed and released, the switch produces a deep and satisfying sound, similar to a soft thud or knock. This sound profile adds a touch of personality to the keyboard without being too ostentatious. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear switch is known for its high-pitched sound. When pressed, these switches produce a sharp and crisp sound. If you prefer a more rich and bassy sound, the WS Aurora Clear switch would be the better choice.
In terms of feel, the Gold Red switch offers a mild, silky, subtle, and polished typing experience. The overall feel of these switches is gentle and approachable for most users. They provide a smooth and refined typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The WS Aurora Clear switch, on the other hand, is described as buttery and mild. This implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is seamless, effortless, and uniform. Similar to the Gold Red switch, the WS Aurora Clear switch also has a polished finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Based on the available information, it is clear that the Gold Red and WS Aurora Clear switches offer different sound and feel qualities. The Gold Red switch has a thocky, low-pitched sound profile and provides a mild, silky, subtle, and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear switch has a high-pitched sound and offers a buttery, mild, and polished typing experience. Both switches have their own unique characteristics, allowing users to choose the one that aligns with their preferences. However, if you are looking for similar results, such as a smooth and refined typing experience, both switches with their polished finishes can provide a sleek and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, the TTC Gold Red linear switch is an ideal choice when you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a buttery smooth typing experience. These switches offer a light-medium level of resistance, allowing for a comfortable and effortless typing sensation. They produce a thocky and low-pitched sound, creating a deep and rich tone when pressed. Additionally, the Gold Red switches have a mild and silky feel, providing a gentle typing experience with minimal resistance. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch is perfect for those seeking a medium-heavy bottom out force and a high-pitched typing experience. These switches deliver a smooth and crisp sound that is sharp and satisfying. With a transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing, the WS Aurora Clear switches offer maximum RGB lighting customization. They also have a mild and polished feel, ensuring a refined and sleek typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Gold Red and WS Aurora Clear switches will depend on your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel.
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