Gateron Lunar Probe vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear
An in-depth look at the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Lunar Probe and Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer a smooth typing experience with unique features that cater to different preferences. The Lunar Probe is praised for its stable and consistent keypresses due to Gateron's dual rail mechanism, providing a pre-lubed linear sensation and a subtle sound signature. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear stands out with its high-pitched typing experience, transparent polycarbonate top housing, and UHMWPE bottom housing for maximum RGB lighting customization. While the Lunar Probe offers a more stable and consistent typing experience, the WS Aurora Clear presents a smoother and high-pitched keystroke with additional customization options. 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
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
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
Double-staged spring
Spring
Double-staged stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Lunar Probe and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear both feature polycarbonate top housing, which delivers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiff nature. This material is ideal for switches with RGB lighting as its translucency allows for vibrant lighting effects. In contrast, while the Lunar Probe utilizes a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound profile, the WS Aurora Clear opts for a UHWMPE bottom housing, providing a bright sound signature with resonant clacks during typing. The choice of bottom housing material significantly impacts the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.
Although both switches share the same polycarbonate top housing material, their different choices for the bottom housing create distinct typing experiences. The Lunar Probe's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound, making it suitable for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear's UHWMPE bottom housing offers a brighter sound signature, making each keystroke more pronounced and impactful. These differences in bottom housing materials cater to varying preferences for sound and feel when typing.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear depends on personal preference for sound profile and typing feel. While both switches leverage the benefits of polycarbonate top housing for a clear and resonant sound, their differing bottom housing materials provide unique typing experiences. Whether you prefer a deeper, fuller sound with the Lunar Probe's nylon bottom housing or a bright and resonant sound with the WS Aurora Clear's UHWMPE bottom housing, each switch offers a distinct typing experience to cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
The Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch when typing or gaming. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who enjoy a stronger push feel. The actuation force of both switches is different, with the Lunar Probe being lighter and the WS Aurora Clear being heavier. The bottom out force is also varying, with the Lunar Probe being lighter than the WS Aurora Clear. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing experience and keypress weight.
Travel distance
The Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for gamers looking for fast response times. The Lunar Probe is slightly shorter in travel distance compared to the WS Aurora Clear, but the difference is minimal. Both switches offer a responsive typing experience, with the Lunar Probe providing a slightly quicker key press due to its shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of typing feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Lunar Probe has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lunar Probe for $4.19.
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 Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch is known for its subtle and smooth sound signature, while the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch provides a high-pitched typing experience. This means that the Lunar Probe switch may have a quieter and more understated sound compared to the WS Aurora Clear switch, which produces a sharper and crisper sound when pressed. However, individual preferences for sound can vary, so it's important to consider other factors like keyboard construction and keycap material for the overall sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch offers an incredibly smooth and pre-lubed linear sensation for stable and consistent keypresses. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch is described as buttery, mild, and polished, providing a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. This suggests that the Lunar Probe switch may offer a more refined and consistent typing feel, while the WS Aurora Clear switch prioritizes a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation with a gentle touch for most users to enjoy.
Considering all available information, the Gateron Lunar Probe and Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Lunar Probe switch focuses on providing stability and consistency with a subtle sound profile, the WS Aurora Clear switch prioritizes a high-pitched typing experience with a buttery, mild, and polished feel. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing style, ensuring that you will get different but equally satisfying results based on your specific needs and preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch or the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a subtle sound profile, the Lunar Probe may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a high-pitched typing experience with maximum RGB customization, the WS Aurora Clear may be the right switch for you. Both switches offer smooth keystrokes, but the Lunar Probe has a more stable and consistent keypress due to its dual rail mechanism, while the WS Aurora Clear provides a buttery and polished typing experience. Consider these factors carefully when making your decision to ensure you choose the switch that best suits your typing style and preferences.
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