Durock Koala vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Durock Koala, a tactile switch, and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear, a linear switch, there are some key differences to consider. The Koalas are known for their balanced feel, providing a satisfying bump without being overly loud, making them a great option for those who enjoy a tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear linear switches offer a smooth and high-pitched typing experience, perfect for those who prioritize a buttery and polished keystroke. Both switches have unique features that cater to different preferences, making them appealing choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Double-staged stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Koala and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This material is particularly useful for switches with RGB lighting as its translucency allows for the light to shine through. However, the Koala has a nylon bottom housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Aurora Clear's UHWMPE bottom housing. The nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound, while the UHWMPE offers a bright sound signature with resonant clacks when typing.
While both switches have a similar polycarbonate top housing for a sharp sound profile, the difference comes in the choice of bottom housing material. The Koala's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, creating a different typing experience compared to the Aurora Clear's UHWMPE bottom housing, which provides brighter and more resonant clacks. This contrast in sound profiles can make a difference in the overall typing experience, as the bottom housing has more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when typing on the switch.
Overall, the choice between the Durock Koala and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear will come down to personal preference in sound profile. The Koala offers a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon bottom housing, while the Aurora Clear provides a brighter sound with its UHWMPE bottom housing. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and crisp sound profile, making them both suitable choices for those looking for a distinct typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel while typing.
Weight
The Durock Koala tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch offer different experiences in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Koala has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is slightly heavier than the WS Aurora Clear's 63.5 grams. However, the actuation force of the Koala is listed as None, while the WS Aurora Clear has an actuation force of 53 grams. This means that while the Koala may require a bit more force to fully press a key, the WS Aurora Clear has a higher initial force needed to trigger a keystroke. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the WS Aurora Clear, while those looking for a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Durock Koala. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Durock Koala tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Koala has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the WS Aurora Clear. The difference may not be significant, but it could potentially affect the typing experience for some users. Those who prefer a deeper key press may lean towards the Koala, while those who prefer a slightly shorter travel distance may opt for the WS Aurora Clear. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, and users are likely to get similar results regardless of the slight variance in travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Koala has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Koala for $4.21.
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 Durock Koala offers a low-pitched and neutral typing experience, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for various uses. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch offers a high-pitched sound that is sharp and crisp, perfect for those who prefer a more vibrant sound profile. Both switches can be customized further based on the keyboard and keycaps used, allowing for a tailored auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Durock Koala provides a polished, accented, stepped, and stiff typing sensation. These features result in a smooth and refined finish, with a medium amount of tactility that is not overpowering. The slight stiffness of the switch requires a higher amount of force, contributing to a more deliberate typing experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switch offers a buttery, mild, and polished feel, with a smooth and fluid keystroke that is gentle and approachable to most users. The consistent and effortless typing sensation ensures a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience.
Overall, the Durock Koala and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Koala provides a balanced and pronounced tactile feedback with a low-pitched sound, the WS Aurora Clear offers a smooth and gentle linear experience with a high-pitched sound. Both switches excel in different aspects, catering to varying preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you want a switch with a pronounced tactile bump that is not too overwhelming and has a low-pitched sound, the Koala may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and buttery typing experience with a high-pitched sound and maximum RGB lighting customization, the WS Aurora Clear could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize tactility and resonance or smoothness and customization in your mechanical keyboard switches.
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