KTT Grapefruit vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear
An in-depth look at the KTT Grapefruit and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the KTT Grapefruit and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear. The Grapefruit switches are known for their unique characteristics, offering a soft and light feel during typing. They also produce a "baritone" deep sound profile that adds a touch of sophistication to your keystrokes. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear switches provide a smooth and high-pitched typing experience. With their transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing, these switches allow for maximum RGB lighting customization, perfect for those who love to personalize their keyboard aesthetics. The POM stem of the WS Aurora Clear switches is lightly lubed, ensuring minimal friction and a satisfyingly smooth keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so that you can make an informed decision on which switch is the best fit for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.90 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 KTT Grapefruit and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear share similarities in their use of polycarbonate top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate as their top housing material, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic and provides a clear and resonant sound, making it suitable for switches that prioritize a distinct typing experience. Additionally, the clear nature of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switches. Therefore, users can expect similar sound and visual effects when using either the Grapefruit or the WS Aurora Clear.
However, the housing materials used for the bottom housing differ between the two switches. The Grapefruit employs a nylon bottom housing, which is recognized as a classic switch housing material. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound during typing. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear incorporates a UHWMPE bottom housing, a newer material specifically designed for switch housings. This material provides a very bright sound signature, delivering resonant clacks when typing. The UHWMPE bottom housing adds a unique element to the WS Aurora Clear, offering a distinct auditory experience that sets it apart from the Grapefruit.
The contrasting bottom housing materials of nylon and UHWMPE contribute differently to the overall sound and feel of the switches. The bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down. In the case of the Grapefruit, the nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, providing a more cushioned and subdued typing experience. For the WS Aurora Clear, the UHWMPE bottom housing produces a bright and resonant clack, resulting in a more pronounced and tactile typing experience. On the other hand, when releasing a key, the impact on the sound is predominantly influenced by the top housing. Therefore, while both switches offer unique sound profiles, the specific characteristics of their top and bottom housing materials contribute to different aspects of the typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, there are noticeable differences in their weight levels. The Grapefruit has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the WS Aurora Clear's 53 grams. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Grapefruit is lighter at 53 grams, while the WS Aurora Clear has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Grapefruit switch would be a suitable choice. Its lower actuation and bottom out forces allow for a smoother and more effortless keystroke. This can be beneficial for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions, as it requires less strain on the fingers and hands.
On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear switch offers a more substantial and tactile typing experience due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. This can provide a stronger push feel for individuals who enjoy a more pronounced feedback when typing. The increased force required for actuation and bottoming out can give a sense of stability and precision, making it ideal for tasks that require a more deliberate and controlled keystroke.
In terms of weight comparison, the Grapefruit switch is lighter overall, both in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. This lighter weight allows for a faster and more responsive typing experience, making it a suitable option for those who prefer speed and agility in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear switch is heavier, providing a more deliberate and deliberate feel during typing, which can be beneficial for those who prioritize accuracy and precision.
In conclusion, the actuation and bottom out forces of the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch differ in weight. The Grapefruit switch is lighter in both categories, offering a smoother and more effortless typing experience, while the WS Aurora Clear switch is heavier, providing a more substantial and tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, it is evident that the Grapefruit has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Aurora Clear has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Grapefruit the longer switch in terms of travel distance.
Considering the traditional standards, a travel distance of 4 mm falls within the average range, whereas a shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm is becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers who require faster response times. Those who prioritize responsiveness may find the WS Aurora Clear to be the ideal option due to its shorter travel distance.
However, it is important to note that personal preferences play a significant role in switch selection. Some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel abrupt or lacking in depth. For those who prefer a more substantial feeling when pressing down on a key, the longer travel distance of the Grapefruit switch may be a better fit. Ultimately, choosing between these switches depends on whether one prioritizes faster response times or a more substantial key press experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the KTT Grapefruit comes in at $3.41, whereas the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear comes in at $8.00.
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 KTT Grapefruit switches offer a low-pitched sound profile, which gives them a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. This makes them a popular choice for those who prefer a deeper and more soothing sound while typing. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear switches have a high-pitched sound profile, which produces a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. If you prefer a more bright and lively sound, the WS Aurora Clear switches are a great option. It's important to note that the sound of the switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, both the KTT Grapefruit and WS Aurora Clear switches offer a polished typing experience. A polished switch indicates that the switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. This leads to a sleek and effortless typing experience, making them highly desirable for users who prioritize smoothness in their keystrokes. Additionally, the WS Aurora Clear switches are described as buttery, implying a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that provides a seamless and uniform typing sensation. Both switches fall within the safe middle-ground zone, offering a pleasant and approachable typing experience.
Considering all the available information, the KTT Grapefruit and WS Aurora Clear switches each have their unique qualities. The Grapefruit switches are known for their soft and light feel, accompanied by a baritone yet not bass-deep sound profile. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear switches offer a smooth and high-pitched typing experience, with maximum RGB lighting customization due to their transparent polycarbonate top housing. Both switches provide a polished typing experience, ensuring minimal friction and smooth keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preferences regarding sound and feel. If you prefer a deeper and more mellow tone, the Grapefruit switches are the way to go. However, if you favor a brighter and crisper sound, the WS Aurora Clear switches are a great option.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a soft and light typing experience with a unique sound profile, then the KTT Grapefruit linear switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 53 grams, it falls in the medium-light range and offers a neutral sound profile with a tarty, "baritone" sound. Additionally, the Grapefruit switch provides a polished feel, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and high-pitched typing experience with maximum RGB lighting customization, then the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch is a great choice. This switch has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy. It offers a high-pitched sound when pressed and a buttery feel, ensuring a seamless and uniform typing sensation. The transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing allow for vibrant RGB lighting customization, enhancing the aesthetics of your keyboard.
Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience, sound profile, and lighting customization. Both switches have their own unique qualities to offer, so consider what matters most to you when making your choice. In the end, whether you go for the soft and light Grapefruit switch or the smooth and high-pitched WS Aurora Clear switch, you can expect a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.
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