Gateron Ink Yellow vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Yellow 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 Gateron Ink Yellow and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear. While both switches fall under the category of linear switches, they offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Ink Yellow is known for its shorter travel, providing a typing experience that falls between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. With its pleasant smoothness and clackiness, this switch offers a unique blend of comfort and tactile feedback. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear is renowned for its smooth and high-pitched typing experience. What sets this switch apart is its transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing, allowing for maximum RGB lighting customization. Additionally, the lightly lubed POM stem ensures 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 your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Gold-plated
Spring
Double-staged stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear, one noticeable difference lies in their top housing materials. The Ink Yellow utilizes a proprietary INK blend, resulting in a thin and higher-pitched sound that is often described as clacky. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate, known for its stiffness, leads to a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the WS Aurora Clear's translucent housing is well-suited for RGB lighting. Overall, the top housing materials differ between the two switches, with the Ink Yellow offering a slightly less rigid sound compared to the WS Aurora Clear's polycarbonate construction.
In terms of bottom housing materials, both the Ink Yellow and the WS Aurora Clear have unique characteristics. The Ink Yellow utilizes its proprietary INK blend, resulting in a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. This satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound is often described as clacky. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear employs UHWMPE bottom housing, a newer material that offers a very bright sound signature. This material provides a resonant clack when typing on switches with such housings. While both switches offer distinct sound profiles due to their bottom housing, the Ink Yellow leans towards a slightly higher-pitched sound, while the WS Aurora Clear provides a bright and resonant clack.
When considering the overall impact of the housing materials, it is worth noting that if the top and bottom housings are different for a switch, the qualities of each will influence different aspects of the switch's sound and feel. The bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed down, while the top housing influences the sound when letting go of a key. Therefore, while the Ink Yellow and WS Aurora Clear have differing housing materials for their top and bottom housings, the ultimate sound and feel of pressing down and letting go of a key will be influenced accordingly. This distinction allows for unique typing experiences and further customization possibilities for users seeking specific sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. The Ink Yellow has a slightly higher actuation force of 60 grams compared to the WS Aurora Clear's 53 grams, making the Ink Yellow slightly heavier to actuate. However, both switches fall within the medium to heavy range, providing a substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel.
In terms of bottom out force, the Ink Yellow has a weight of 67 grams, while the WS Aurora Clear has a slightly lighter weight of 63.5 grams. This means that when fully pressed down, the Ink Yellow requires a slightly heavier force.
Considering weight as an important factor, those who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions may lean towards the WS Aurora Clear. Its lighter actuation force and bottom out force make it a suitable option for comfortable and prolonged use. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience, with a stronger push feel, may find the Ink Yellow to be a better fit.
While the actuation and bottom out forces differ slightly between the two switches, they both fall within the medium to heavy range, providing similar results in terms of the typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, it is evident that there is a slight difference between the two. The Ink Yellow has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the WS Aurora Clear has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have become increasingly popular, particularly among gamers seeking faster response times. For those who prioritize quick and responsive keystrokes, the Ink Yellow with its 3.5 mm travel distance would be the suitable choice. However, it is important to note that some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel abrupt. In such cases, the WS Aurora Clear with its slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm would provide a deeper and more substantial tactile experience. Ultimately, the decision between these switches boils down to individual preference for responsiveness or depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Yellow has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Yellow for $7.35.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Ink Yellow is known for having a neutral sound profile, which means it produces a moderate sound when pressed. This makes it suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or work. Additionally, the Ink Yellow has a clacky sound, which means it produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, giving it a crisp, bright, and percussive tone. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear has a high-pitched sound profile, resulting in a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. If you prefer a keyboard switch with a more rich and bassy sound profile, the WS Aurora Clear might be a good choice for you.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Ink Yellow offers a mild typing experience. This means it provides a gentle and approachable feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The Ink Yellow also has a polished finish, resulting in smooth and refined key travel. With reduced friction, the typing sensation on this switch is sleek and effortless. Similarly, the WS Aurora Clear provides a buttery typing experience. This implies a smooth and fluid keystroke with seamless and uniform sensation. Like the Ink Yellow, the WS Aurora Clear also offers a mild typing experience and has a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Considering all the available information, it is clear that both the Gateron Ink Yellow and the WS Aurora Clear switches have their unique qualities. If you prefer a shorter travel and a typing experience between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard, the Ink Yellow would be a good choice. It offers a smooth and clacky sound and a mild and polished feel. On the other hand, if you desire a smooth, high-pitched typing experience with maximum RGB lighting customization, the WS Aurora Clear would be a great option. It offers a high-pitched sound and a buttery, mild, and polished feel. While they have different sound profiles, both switches provide smooth key travel and a satisfying typing experience. Overall, the Ink Yellow and WS Aurora Clear switches offer distinct qualities, allowing you to choose based on your sound and feel preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a shorter travel and a pleasant smoothness and clackiness, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch is the way to go. It provides a typing experience that falls between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. The Ink Yellow also offers a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for most purposes. In terms of feel, it is described as mild and polished, offering a gentle and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and high-pitched typing experience with maximum RGB lighting customization, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch is a great option. With its transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing, this switch allows for vibrant lighting effects. The WS Aurora Clear produces a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, perfect for those who prefer a higher-pitched sound profile. In terms of feel, it is described as buttery, providing a seamless and fluid keystroke experience. It also falls into the mild and polished category, offering approachable qualities with smooth and refined key travel.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear depends on your preferences for travel distance, sound profile, and typing feel. Consider what factors are most important to you and choose the switch that aligns with your desired typing experience.
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