Gateron Ink Box Black vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear. The Ink Box Black is best known for its incredibly smooth and creamy feel, while the WS Aurora Clear offers a smooth and high-pitched typing experience. Both switches have a polished finish and fall into the high-pitched category. The WS Aurora Clear also stands out with its transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing, allowing for maximum RGB lighting customization. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide which switch is the perfect fit for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Double-staged stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Box Black and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear have different housing materials, which significantly impact their sound profiles. The Ink Box Black features a proprietary INK blend top housing, known for its pointed and relatively high-pitched sound. This creates a clacky and satisfying thin sound when typing. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound. However, both switches provide a similar thin and clacky experience, ensuring a satisfying typing sound.
In terms of bottom housing, the Ink Box Black and WS Aurora Clear diverge again. The Ink Box Black utilizes its proprietary INK blend bottom housing, which shares the same pointed and high-pitched sound profile as its top housing. This consistency ensures a cohesive audio experience throughout typing. In contrast, the WS Aurora Clear features UHWMPE bottom housing, which offers a unique bright sound signature. This results in resonant clacks when typing, providing a distinct auditory feedback compared to the Ink Box Black.
When considering the impact of housing materials, it is important to note that the top and bottom housings play different roles. While the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, the top housing affects the sound when the key is released. Therefore, although the Ink Box Black and WS Aurora Clear have different housing materials, each housing contributes to the overall sound profile differently. Whether it is the clacky and thin sound of the Ink Box Black's INK blend or the bright and resonant clacks of the WS Aurora Clear's UHWMPE, the typing experience is enriched by the unique qualities of each housing material.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, a few notable differences can be observed. The Gateron Ink Box Black exhibits a slightly higher actuation force of 60 grams compared to the WS Aurora Clear's 53 grams. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Ink Box Black is 70 grams while the WS Aurora Clear requires 63.5 grams for bottoming out. As such, the Gateron Ink Box Black can be considered slightly heavier in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Considering the impact of weight, the lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the WS Aurora Clear may be preferable for individuals seeking a keyboard that offers a lighter typing experience. This can be particularly advantageous for individuals looking to type for extended periods, such as those using a keyboard in a professional setting or engaging in prolonged gaming sessions.
On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces can provide a more substantial and pronounced typing feel. This may appeal to individuals who prefer a stronger push sensation when they type, resulting in a more tactile feedback experience. These heavier forces can add a sense of assurance and precision for those who desire a keyboard with a weightier feel.
While there are slight differences in actuation and bottom out forces between these two switches, both can offer similar results in terms of providing a medium-heavy typing experience. The variations in forces are subtle enough that users seeking a keyboard with a medium-heavy feel will find satisfaction with either the Gateron Ink Box Black or the WS Aurora Clear. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for either a slightly lighter or slightly heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, it is clear that the WS Aurora Clear has a slightly longer travel distance at 3.8 mm, while the Ink Box Black has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming increasingly popular. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer switches with shorter travel distances due to the faster response times they provide. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Gateron Ink Box Black with its slightly shorter travel distance may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, the WS Aurora Clear's slightly longer travel distance may be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific feel one desires while typing or gaming.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Box Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Box Black for $7.65.
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
The Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch is best known for its incredibly smooth and creamy feel, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience. It can be likened to a silky and polished switch, with minimal friction and smooth key travel. The sound signature of the Ink Box Black is described as clacky and high-pitched, producing a crisp, bright, and percussive sound when pressed. This switch is a great choice for those who prefer a sharp and snappy sound profile.
On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch provides a smooth and high-pitched typing experience. With a transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing, these switches allow for maximum RGB lighting customization. The WS Aurora Clear switch has a POM stem that is lightly lubed, ensuring minimal friction and a satisfyingly smooth keystroke. The sound of the WS Aurora Clear switch is also described as high-pitched, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed.
In terms of sound, both switches have a high-pitched profile, delivering a sharp and crisp sound. This makes them suitable for those who prefer a bright and sharp sound profile rather than a more rich and bassy one. It's worth noting that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, both switches offer a smooth and refined typing experience. The Ink Box Black provides a silky and polished feel, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing experience and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Similarly, the WS Aurora Clear offers a buttery and mild typing experience, providing a seamless, effortless, and uniform sensation when typing. Both switches have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear are excellent linear switches with smooth and refined typing experiences. While the Ink Box Black is best known for its clacky sound and creamy feel, the WS Aurora Clear offers a high-pitched sound and a buttery, mild feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of sound and feel. However, it's important to note that due to their similarities in feel and sound profile, using either of these switches will give you similar results of a smooth and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are looking for a slightly lighter bottom out force and a high-pitched sound, the WS Aurora Clear linear switch would be a great choice for you. These switches offer a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, with a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Additionally, the transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing allow for maximum RGB lighting customization. However, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a clacky, high-pitched sound, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch would be more suitable. These switches are incredibly smooth and creamy, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience. Both switches are described as having a polished finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your personal preferences for bottom out force, sound, and typing feel.
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