TTC Honey vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear
An in-depth look at the TTC Honey 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, the TTC Honey and the WS Aurora Clear are two options worth considering. The Honey switch is renowned for its smooth and creamy feel, providing a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, it boasts a deep and pleasant sound profile, adding to the overall typing enjoyment. 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 a preferred choice for those seeking aesthetic appeal. The POM stem of the WS Aurora Clear is lightly lubed, ensuring minimal friction and a delightfully smooth keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
25.5 mm lengthened spring
Spring
Double-staged stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Honey and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear differ in terms of their composition. The Honey utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housing, while the WS Aurora Clear features a polycarbonate top housing and a UHWMPE bottom housing.
In terms of sound profile, both switches benefit from the use of polycarbonate in their top housings. The material's stiffness contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, resulting in a clear and resonant typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it particularly advantageous for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows for better light transmission.
However, where these switches diverge is in their bottom housings. The Honey retains the polycarbonate material for its bottom housing, further enhancing the sound profile and providing consistent acoustic qualities throughout the typing process. In contrast, the WS Aurora Clear incorporates UHWMPE, a newer material for switch housings. This alternative material offers a bright sound signature, producing resonant clacks when typing. While the Honey focuses on maintaining the characteristic sound from top to bottom, the WS Aurora Clear embraces experimentation with different materials and sound variations.
Ultimately, the differences in housing materials between the TTC Honey and the WS Aurora Clear give rise to distinct sound profiles. The choice between these switches may come down to personal preference regarding the type of sound desired and the overall typing experience. However, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches ensures a similarity in the crisp and resonant sound produced upon releasing the keys, allowing users to enjoy a satisfying auditory feedback regardless of their selection.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Honey linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, notable differences can be observed. The Honey switch has a relatively lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a suitable option for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear switch requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, providing a more substantial and satisfying push feel. While the Honey switch offers a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the WS Aurora Clear switch caters to individuals who prefer a heavier force for a more pronounced typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Honey linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch have identical travel distances of 3.8 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same amount of distance traveled. Both switches offer a consistent and responsive keystroke, allowing for a smooth typing or gaming experience. Therefore, whether you choose the TTC Honey or the WS Aurora Clear, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Honey has an MSRP of $9.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Honey for $6.78.
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 comparing the sound characteristics of the TTC Honey and the WS Aurora Clear switches, the Honey switch is described as having a subdued sound. This means that it produces a dampened sound when pressed, offering a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear switch is described as high-pitched, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. If you prefer a richer and bassy sound profile, the WS Aurora Clear switch would be a suitable choice. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of these switches, the Honey switch is known to provide a smooth and creamy typing experience. This sensation is achieved through factors such as having lubricant applied in the switch at the factory and specific materials. Typing on a Honey switch feels like gliding your fingers across the keys effortlessly, as they melt into each keystroke. Additionally, the Honey switch is also described as frictionless, offering an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance or friction.
On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear switch is described as buttery and polished in terms of feel. This implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The WS Aurora Clear switch also falls into the category of mild switches, offering a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. It stands in a safe middle-ground zone, making it approachable for most users.
In conclusion, the Honey and WS Aurora Clear switches have some similarities in terms of sound and feel. Both switches are described as buttery and polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience. Additionally, they share the quality of being relatively silent, making them suitable for shared spaces. However, they differ significantly in sound characteristics, with the Honey switch offering a more subdued sound while the WS Aurora Clear switch produces a high-pitched sound. The choice between these switches ultimately depends on personal preference and desired sound and feel experiences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when it comes to choosing between the TTC Honey linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, there are a few factors to consider. If you prefer a lighter touch, then the Honey with its bottom out force of 50 grams would be a suitable choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier touch, the WS Aurora Clear with its bottom out force of 63.5 grams would be more suitable.
In terms of sound, the Honey offers a more subdued and subtle sound profile, making it a good option if you prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear provides a high-pitched sound that is sharp and crisp. If you enjoy a more vibrant and lively sound while typing, then the WS Aurora Clear would be the way to go.
When it comes to feel, both switches offer a buttery and smooth typing experience. However, the Honey is also described as creamy, frictionless, subtle, and polished. These descriptors indicate an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys. The WS Aurora Clear, on the other hand, is described as buttery, mild, and polished, offering a more gentle typing experience that falls in a safe, middle-ground zone.
Lastly, if you prioritize RGB lighting customization, the WS Aurora Clear is the winner, as it features a transparent polycarbonate top housing that allows for maximum RGB lighting customization.
Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Honey and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear really depends on your personal preferences for touch, sound, and feel. Consider your desired bottom out force, sound profile, and typing experience when making your decision. Whether you prefer a lighter touch with a subdued sound like the Honey or a slightly heavier touch with a high-pitched sound like the WS Aurora Clear, both switches offer a smooth and enjoyable typing experience.
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