SP-Star Meteor Orange vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear are two standout options. The Meteor Orange is well-known for its exquisite gentleness, boasting a soft and seductive tactility, as well as a neutral sound profile. Categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', and 'Polished', these switches offer a pleasant typing experience for those who prefer a quieter and more subtle switch. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear linear switches are perfect for those seeking a smooth and high-pitched typing experience. Featuring a transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing, these switches allow for maximum RGB lighting customization. Additionally, the lightly lubed POM stem ensures minimal friction and a satisfyingly smooth keystroke. Categorized as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'High-pitched', and 'Polished', these switches provide a unique and visually appealing option. 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
57g
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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Double-staged stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Meteor Orange and Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches differ in terms of the top and bottom housings. The Meteor Orange features a nylon top housing, which is known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon's softer nature, allowing it to absorb more sound and create a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Aurora Clear utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffer plastic composition leads to a more clear and resonant sound.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Meteor Orange utilizes nylon once again, contributing to the switch's deep and full sound profile. As mentioned earlier, nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a dull and round sound. On the other hand, the Aurora Clear incorporates UHWMPE (Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene) as its bottom housing material. This newer material offers a very bright sound signature, creating resonant clacks when typing on switches with such housings.
However, it is important to note that while the top and bottom housings have distinct characteristics, each housing material contributes to different aspects of the switch's sound and feel. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing are more prominent, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will have a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, although the housing materials differ, users can expect similar deep and full sound profiles from both switches due to the nylon used in their top and bottom housings.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch reveals some interesting differences. The Meteor Orange switch has an unavailable actuation force, whereas the WS Aurora Clear has a relatively light actuation force of 53 grams. This means that it requires less force to trigger a keystroke on the WS Aurora Clear compared to the Meteor Orange. On the other hand, when it comes to bottoming out, the Meteor Orange has a bottom out force of 57 grams, which is considered medium-light. In contrast, the WS Aurora Clear has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which falls into the medium-heavy category.
Considering weight, some individuals may prefer a lighter switch like the WS Aurora Clear as it allows for extended typing periods without fatigue. This would be ideal for situations such as bringing the keyboard to work or engaging in long gaming sessions. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience and prefer a stronger push feel, the Meteor Orange with its slightly heavier bottom out force might be the better choice.
Ultimately, the differences in actuation force and bottom out force between these two switches will result in distinct typing experiences. While the exact actuation force of the Meteor Orange is unknown, it is clear that the WS Aurora Clear requires less force to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, the WS Aurora Clear has a slightly heavier bottom out force compared to the Meteor Orange. Therefore, individuals seeking a lighter switch should opt for the WS Aurora Clear, while those desiring a heavier switch should consider the Meteor Orange.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, we can see that the Meteor Orange has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Aurora Clear has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances for mechanical keyboards.
If you prefer a shorter travel distance for faster response times, the WS Aurora Clear would be the better option with its 3.8 mm travel distance. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances for quicker key presses. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more substantial and deeper feel when pressing down on the keys, the Meteor Orange with its 4 mm travel distance would be the preferable choice. Some individuals find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt, so the longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, it depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Meteor Orange has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor Orange for $5.00.
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 SP-Star Meteor Orange switches are known for having a neutral sound profile. This means that they produce a moderate and balanced sound when pressed and released, making them suitable for most purposes and environments. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches have a high-pitched sound. When pressed, they produce a sharp and crisp sound, which is particularly appealing to those who prefer a brighter and more distinct typing experience. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used, but overall, these switches offer different sound profiles.
Moving on to feel, the SP-Star Meteor Orange switches are described as mild. This means that they provide a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. The switches have a soft and seductive tactility, offering a smooth and refined feeling while typing. The Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches, on the other hand, are described as buttery and mild. This indicates that they provide a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, resulting in a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The switches have a polished finish, reducing friction and ensuring smooth key travel. Both switches offer a mild typing experience, but the WS Aurora Clear switches provide an added level of buttery smoothness.
In conclusion, the SP-Star Meteor Orange switches are best known for their soft and seductive tactility, neutral sound profile, and polished feel. They offer a gentle and approachable typing experience that is suitable for most users. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches excel in their high-pitched sound, transparent polycarbonate top housing, and UHMWPE bottom housing. They provide a smooth, buttery, and uniform typing sensation with a sleek and refined finish. While both switches have a mild typing experience, they differ in terms of sound profile and the added buttery smoothness of the WS Aurora Clear switches. Depending on your preferences, either switch can provide a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-light switch with a soft and seductive tactility, as well as a neutral sound profile, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch would be a great choice for you. It provides a moderate actuation force and a safe, middle-ground typing experience that is suitable for both beginners and advanced users. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a smooth and high-pitched typing experience, along with maximum RGB lighting customization, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch is an excellent option. It produces a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, making it ideal for those who prefer a higher-pitched sound profile. Both switches offer a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the decision between the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear comes down to your personal preferences for actuation force, sound, and feel.
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