HMX Lotus vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX Lotus linear switch with the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, it is evident that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Lotus switch, with its medium weight of 50g bottom out and bright, resonant sound, provides a super bouncy feeling that enhances every keystroke. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear switch boasts a smooth, high-pitched typing experience with a transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing for maximum RGB lighting customization. While the Lotus switch offers a delightful typing experience, the WS Aurora Clear switch provides a buttery and polished feel. 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
45g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Double-staged stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear, we can see that they offer contrasting sound profiles due to their different properties. The Lotus's nylon top and bottom housings create a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear's polycarbonate top housing and UHWMPE bottom housing produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound with clear and resonant qualities. While the Lotus focuses on providing a softer typing experience, the Aurora Clear offers a brighter sound signature with resonant clacks when typing.
Interestingly, the choice of housing materials in the Lotus and Aurora Clear also influences their aesthetic appeal. The Lotus's nylon top housing may not offer the translucency and RGB lighting capabilities that the polycarbonate top housing of the Aurora Clear does. The clear housing of the Aurora Clear allows for a more visually impressive experience, especially for those looking to customize their keyboards with RGB lighting effects. However, both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences in typing experience, whether it be a deeper and fuller sound from the Lotus or a brighter and sharper sound from the Aurora Clear.
Overall, while the HMX Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear employ different housing materials, they both aim to enhance the typing experience through their unique sound profiles. The nylon housing of the Lotus creates a softer and deeper sound, while the polycarbonate and UHWMPE housings of the Aurora Clear offer a crisper and brighter sound. Despite their differences, both switches are designed to provide users with a high-quality typing experience that caters to individual preferences in sound and aesthetics. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in typing feel and sound profile.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch differ in terms of weight. The Lotus has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the WS Aurora Clear has a heavier actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams. Those looking for a switch that is easier to type on for longer periods of time may prefer the Lotus due to its lighter weight. On the other hand, those seeking a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel may lean towards the WS Aurora Clear for its heavier weight. Both switches offer their own unique typing experiences based on their respective actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The HMX Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it shorter than the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch which has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Lotus offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, which is preferred by gamers looking for speed. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear provides a deeper key press feel with its longer travel distance, making it a better choice for those who enjoy a more substantial key press. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their respective travel distances, so choosing between them ultimately depends on personal preference.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Lotus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus for $2.99.
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 HMX Lotus linear switches are known for their bright and resonant sound, which provides a super bouncy feeling with each keystroke. In contrast, the WS Aurora Clear linear switches offer a high-pitched typing experience, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. Depending on your preference for sound profiles, you can choose between the richer sound of the Lotus or the more high-pitched sound of the WS Aurora Clear.
Moving on to feel, the HMX Lotus switches offer a medium weight of 50g bottom out, providing a delightful and bouncy typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear switches have been described as buttery, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with minimal friction and a satisfyingly smooth key travel. With a POM stem lightly lubed for maximum smoothness, the WS Aurora Clear switches provide an effortless and uniform typing sensation.
In conclusion, the HMX Lotus linear switches and the WS Aurora Clear linear switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Lotus switches provide a bright and resonant sound with a bouncy typing experience, the WS Aurora Clear switches offer a high-pitched sound and a buttery smooth feel with satisfying key travel. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches provide excellent choices for a custom mechanical keyboard build. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a light linear switch with a bouncy feel and bright sound, the HMX Lotus linear switch with its 50g bottom out force would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy linear switch with a smooth, high-pitched typing experience and maximum RGB lighting customization, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch with its 63.5g bottom out force would be more suitable for you. Consider your preferences in terms of bottom out force, sound, and feel when deciding between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences.
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