KTT Laurel vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear
An in-depth look at the KTT Laurel and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the KTT Laurel and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear, two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique typing experiences. The KTT Laurel is a medium-light linear switch that strikes the perfect balance between responsiveness and comfort. With its full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design, this switch ensures a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, it emits a subtly low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear is a linear switch that guarantees a smooth and high-pitched typing experience. Its transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing allow for maximum RGB lighting customization. The lightly lubed POM stem minimizes friction and provides a buttery and satisfyingly smooth keystroke. Both switches offer their own unique advantages, however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so that you can make an informed decision on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22m spring
Spring
Double-staged stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Laurel and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear differ significantly. The Laurel utilizes POM for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound profile. On the contrary, the WS Aurora Clear consists of a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The translucent nature of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for RGB lighting. In terms of the bottom housing, the Laurel continues to use POM, while the WS Aurora Clear incorporates UHWMPE. This newer material offers a very bright sound signature and produces resonant clacks during typing.
With the different housing materials, the sound and feel of the switches will also vary. When pressing down on either switch, the bottom housing will play a significant role in influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. As the Laurel employs POM for its bottom housing, it contributes to a deeper and more muted sound. Conversely, the WS Aurora Clear's UHWMPE bottom housing creates a bright and resonant clack while typing. On the other hand, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. The POM top housing of the Laurel results in a relatively muted sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the WS Aurora Clear produces a sharper and crisper sound.
In summary, the housing materials of the KTT Laurel and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear yield different outcomes. The use of POM in the Laurel's top and bottom housings creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the polycarbonate and UHWMPE materials in the WS Aurora Clear's top and bottom housings generate a sharper and brighter sound. However, both switches offer unique sound profiles that can be appreciated by keyboard enthusiasts seeking distinct auditory experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Laurel has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Aurora Clear's 53 grams. This means that the Laurel requires less force to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, the Laurel also has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams compared to the Aurora Clear's 63.5 grams. This indicates that when fully pressed, the Laurel provides a lighter and less resistant typing experience.
On the other hand, the Aurora Clear offers a slightly heavier actuation force and bottom out force, making it more suitable for individuals who prefer a stronger push feel. With an actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, the Aurora Clear provides a more substantial typing experience compared to the Laurel.
In terms of weight, the Laurel is lighter overall compared to the Aurora Clear. This lighter weight may benefit individuals who need to type for longer periods of time, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Laurel contribute to a smoother and potentially less fatiguing typing experience.
Overall, while the Laurel offers a lighter actuation force and bottom out force, providing a lighter typing experience, the Aurora Clear offers a heavier and more substantial feel. The choice between the two would depend on personal preference, with those who prefer a lighter touch opting for the Laurel, while individuals seeking a stronger push feel would lean towards the Aurora Clear.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, it is clear that the Laurel has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the WS Aurora Clear has a longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. In terms of traditional standards, both switches fall within an acceptable range. The 3.5 mm travel distance of the Laurel is on the shorter end, which is preferred by gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear with its 3.8 mm travel distance provides a deeper and more substantial feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference - whether one prefers the quick and nimble response of the Laurel or the more pronounced and immersive feel of the WS Aurora Clear. Both switches are equally capable of delivering satisfactory results based on individual preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Laurel has an MSRP of $4.42 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Laurel for $3.95.
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 KTT Laurel switch is best known for its medium-light linear switch. It has a full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design, resulting in a balanced and comfortable typing experience. When it comes to sound, the Laurel switch is described as having a subtly low-pitched sound profile. This means that it produces a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switch is known for providing a smooth and enjoyable high-pitched typing experience. It features a transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing, allowing for maximum RGB lighting customization. The POM stem is lightly lubed, ensuring minimal friction and a satisfyingly smooth keystroke. The WS Aurora Clear switch produces a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, which is ideal for those who prefer a more rich and crisp sound profile.
In terms of feel, the KTT Laurel switch is described as snappy, indicating it is super responsive. This is possibly due to longer or dual-staged springs, making the typing experience feel more alive. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear switch is described as buttery, mild, and polished. This implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The switch offers a gentle typing experience in a safe middle-ground zone, making it approachable for most users. The polished finish and reduced friction result in smooth key travel, enhancing the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, the KTT Laurel and WS Aurora Clear switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Laurel provides a subtly low-pitched sound and a snappy typing experience, while the WS Aurora Clear offers a high-pitched sound, buttery feel, and polished finish. Depending on personal preference, users can choose the switch that best matches their desired sound and feel. However, it is important to mention that other factors, such as the keyboard board and keycaps, can also influence the sound produced by the switches. Ultimately, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience with their unique characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-light linear switch that offers both responsiveness and comfort, the KTT Laurel is a great choice. With its full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design, it strikes a perfect balance. The Laurel also provides a subtly low-pitched sound profile, which might be appealing if you prefer a more bass-heavy and mellow tone.
On the other hand, if you value a smooth and high-pitched typing experience with maximum RGB lighting customization, the WS Aurora Clear is worth considering. Its transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing allow for stunning lighting effects. The lube on the POM stem ensures minimal friction and a satisfyingly smooth keystroke, providing a buttery and polished feel. Additionally, the WS Aurora Clear produces a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, which is ideal if you prefer a higher-pitched switch.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Laurel and the WS Aurora Clear depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a medium-light switch with a subtly low-pitched sound and snappy feel, the Laurel is the way to go. However, if you value a smooth and high-pitched typing experience with customizable RGB lighting, along with a buttery and polished feel, the WS Aurora Clear is the better option for you.
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