SP-Star Meteor White vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor White and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the SP-Star Meteor White and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear. On one hand, the Meteor White is known for its gentle linear feel and subdued sound profile. This switch offers easy actuation and a soft pitter-patter sound, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear provides a smooth and high-pitched typing experience with its transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing. Not only does it offer maximum RGB lighting customization, but its POM stem is also lightly lubed for minimal friction and a satisfyingly smooth keystroke. Both switches have their unique strengths, but let's delve deeper into their qualities to help you make the best choice for your needs.
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
Gold plated
Spring
Double-staged stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Meteor White and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches differ significantly, resulting in distinct sound profiles and aesthetics. The Meteor White utilizes a nylon top housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound when typing due to its softer plastic composition. This nylon housing material absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound profile. In contrast, the WS Aurora Clear incorporates a polycarbonate top housing, offering a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances clarity and resonance, making it ideal for switches featuring RGB lighting. Aesthetically, the clear polycarbonate housing adds a visually attractive element to the WS Aurora Clear switch.
As for the bottom housing, the Meteor White employs nylon, while the WS Aurora Clear utilizes the newer material called UHWMPE. Nylon, being a classic switch housing material, offers a deeper and fuller sound similar to the top housing characteristics. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a dull and round sound profile when typing. On the other hand, UHWMPE, a newer material in switch housings, contributes to a very bright sound signature with resonant clacks. This material choice gives the WS Aurora Clear switch a distinctly different sound experience compared to the Meteor White.
When examining the impact of these housing materials on the overall switch experience, it is important to note that the top and bottom housings play different roles. The qualities of the bottom housing, such as impact and bottom-out sound, are felt when pressing down on the switch. In contrast, the sound when releasing a key is influenced by the characteristics of the top housing. Therefore, the contrasting qualities of the nylon and polycarbonate materials in the top housing will result in different sound experiences when compared to the brighter sound signature brought by the UHWMPE bottom housing. However, if both switches were to feature the same material in their top and bottom housings, such as nylon, the similarities in sound profiles and feel would be more apparent upon use.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, there are some notable differences. The actuation force of the Meteor White switch is unavailable, while the Aurora Clear switch has an actuation force of 53 grams. This means that the Aurora Clear switch requires a slightly lighter touch to trigger a keystroke.
In terms of bottom out force, the Meteor White switch has a force of 57 grams, which is considered medium-light. On the other hand, the Aurora Clear switch has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy. This indicates that the Aurora Clear switch requires a slightly stronger push to fully press the key down.
Considering weight, some individuals prefer lighter switches as it allows for longer typing sessions, making them suitable for work or extended gaming. However, others may prefer a heavier switch to provide a more substantial typing experience. In this case, the Meteor White switch can be considered lighter, while the Aurora Clear switch is heavier.
Overall, the actuation force and bottom out force of the Meteor White and Aurora Clear switches differ slightly, with the Aurora Clear switch requiring a lighter touch for actuation and a stronger push for bottoming out. The specific actuation force of the Meteor White switch is unknown, but based on the available information, it is safe to say that these switches provide different typing experiences.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch can be compared and contrasted based on their respective measurements. The Meteor White has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is the more traditional choice. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm.
If you are someone who prefers a more traditional feel and depth when pressing down on a key, the Meteor White with its 4 mm travel distance would be a suitable choice. However, if you are a gamer or someone who values faster response times, the WS Aurora Clear with its slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm would be more favorable. The shorter travel distance allows for quicker key presses, which can be advantageous in competitive gaming scenarios.
It is important to note that personal preference plays a significant role in the choice between these two switches. Some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt, while others may appreciate the heightened responsiveness it provides. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches boils down to whether you prioritize a more traditional, deeper feel or a faster response time. Regardless of the choice, both switches offer their own unique advantages, and you can expect similar results in terms of their overall performance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Meteor White has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor White 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 White linear switch provides a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of purposes. It offers a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making it versatile for both beginners and advanced users in different settings. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch produces a high-pitched sound when pressed. This switch is perfect for those who prefer a sharp and crisp sound rather than a deeper and more bassy sound profile. 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.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the SP-Star Meteor White is known for offering a mild and gentle typing experience. It falls into the category of mild switches, which provide a more approachable typing sensation with a safe middle-ground feel. Additionally, it is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. This is achieved through either the materials used or factory lubing, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Similarly, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switch also falls into the category of mild switches, providing a gentle typing experience. It is described as buttery, implying a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. This switch offers a seamless and effortless typing sensation, allowing for uniform key presses. Like the Meteor White, the WS Aurora Clear switch is also described as polished, ensuring a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, while the SP-Star Meteor White and Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switches have different sound profiles, they both offer a gentle typing experience with a mild feel and polished finish. The Meteor White provides a more neutral sound, suitable for various purposes, while the WS Aurora Clear produces a high-pitched sound. Nevertheless, both switches deliver similar soft and smooth keystrokes, making them a great choice for those who prefer a more subdued and refined typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a gentler and softer typing experience, along with a pitter-patter sound profile, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. With its medium-light 57-gram bottom out force, it is easy to push and provides a subdued typing experience. This switch is suitable for both beginners and advanced users, whether you plan to use it at home or work. Additionally, if you prefer a more neutral or thocky sound profile, the Meteor White switch delivers. On the other hand, if you are seeking a smooth and high-pitched typing experience with maximum RGB lighting customization, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch would be a great option. With a slightly heavier 63.5-gram bottom out force, these switches offer a satisfyingly smooth keystroke and produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. The transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing contribute to the overall sleek typing experience, while the lightly lubed POM stem ensures minimal friction. Ultimately, the WS Aurora Clear switches are recommended for those who value customization and enjoy higher-pitched sound profiles.
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