KTT Mint vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear
An in-depth look at the KTT Mint 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 KTT Mint and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear. Both switches fall into the linear category, meaning they provide a smooth keystroke with no tactile bump. The Mint is celebrated for its satisfyingly smooth linear switch that delivers a poppy thockiness due to its long pole stem. It offers a light and fleeting typing feel, making it a great choice for those who prefer a low-pitched, neutral, and mild typist experience. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear boasts a transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing, allowing for maximum RGB lighting customization. This switch offers a smooth, high-pitched typing experience, with its lightly lubed POM stem ensuring minimal friction and a satisfyingly smooth keystroke. If you are looking for a buttery, mild, and high-pitched typing experience, the WS Aurora Clear may be the switch for you. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision about the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
Double-staged stainless steel
Housing materials
The KTT Mint and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear both feature polycarbonate top housings, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, allowing for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. In terms of aesthetics, both switches offer a visually appealing clear housing. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and appearance from the polycarbonate top housings of both the Mint and the WS Aurora Clear.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Mint features a nylon material while the WS Aurora Clear incorporates a UHWMPE material. The use of nylon in the Mint creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear's UHWMPE bottom housing offers a brighter sound signature, producing resonant clacks when typing. These differences in bottom housing materials provide distinct auditory experiences, with the Mint emphasizing a deeper sound and the WS Aurora Clear delivering a brighter sound.
It is important to note that the qualities of each housing material contribute differently to the overall sound and feel of the switch. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, which means the differences between the nylon and UHWMPE materials will be more noticeable when pressing down on the switch. Conversely, the top housing has a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, users can expect variations in sound profiles when using the Mint and the WS Aurora Clear depending on which housing material is utilized for the top and bottom of the switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Mint linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, there are notable differences to consider. The Mint has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, while the WS Aurora Clear requires a slightly heavier 53 grams to trigger a keystroke. As for bottom out force, the Mint measures 53 grams, while the WS Aurora Clear requires a more substantial 63.5 grams. This makes the Mint switch a medium-light option, while the WS Aurora Clear falls into the medium-heavy category.
Considering the weight of the switches is crucial for individuals who have specific preferences when it comes to typing experiences. For those who prefer a lighter feel, the Mint allows for comfortable and extended sessions of typing, which is ideal for work or prolonged gaming sessions. On the other hand, some users may prefer a more substantial push feel, which provides a satisfying typing experience. They would benefit from the WS Aurora Clear switch, with its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces.
Comparing the two switches, it is evident that the WS Aurora Clear requires a greater amount of force to trigger a keystroke, making it a heavier option in comparison to the Mint. However, the Mint does not fall far behind and still provides a satisfying medium-light typing experience. Although the forces vary between the two switches, the distinction between medium-light and medium-heavy ensures that users can select the switch that caters to their individual preferences.
Travel distance
The KTT Mint linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. The 4.0mm travel distance of the Mint falls into the more traditional range, while the 3.8mm travel distance of the WS Aurora Clear is on the shallower side. This means that the Mint provides a slightly more substantive feel when pressing down on the keys compared to the WS Aurora Clear. However, it is important to note that shorter travel distances have become popular, particularly among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive typing experience, opting for the WS Aurora Clear with its slightly shorter travel distance would be advisable. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper and more substantial key press, the Mint's longer travel distance would be the better choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on personal preference and the specific typing experience one desires.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the KTT Mint comes in at $2.91, whereas the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear comes in at $8.00.
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 KTT Mint linear switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. The low-pitched switches provide a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches, while the neutral sound profile makes it suitable for most intents and purposes. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear linear switch provides a high-pitched sound when pressed, producing a sharp and crisp sound. If you prefer a more rich and bassy sound, the WS Aurora Clear switch is a good choice.
In terms of feel, both switches offer a mild and polished typing experience. The Mint switch provides a gentle typing experience with its mild characteristics, placing it in a safe middle-ground zone that most users will find approachable. It also has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the WS Aurora Clear switch offers a buttery and mild typing experience. The buttery switch implies a smooth and fluid keystroke, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Like the Mint switch, it also has a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Considering all the available information, the KTT Mint linear switch is best known for its satisfyingly smooth and poppy thocky sound. It offers a light and fleeting type feel. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear linear switch excels in providing a smooth and high-pitched typing experience. It allows for maximum RGB lighting customization with its transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing. Both switches have similar mild and polished characteristics, ensuring a comfortable typing experience.
Whether you choose the KTT Mint or the WS Aurora Clear, you can expect a smooth typing experience with refined finishes and reduced friction. The sound profiles differ, with the Mint offering a low-pitched and neutral sound, while the WS Aurora Clear provides a high-pitched sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for sound and RGB lighting customization options.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a satisfyingly smooth linear switch with a light and fleeting type feel, the KTT Mint would be the ideal choice for you. Its long pole stem contributes to a poppy thockiness when typing. In terms of sound, the Mint offers a low-pitched and neutral profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone without being too overpowering. The Mint also offers a mild and polished feel, creating a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and high-pitched typing experience with maximum RGB lighting customization, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear would be a great option. Its transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing allow for vibrant RGB lighting effects. The POM stem is lightly lubed, ensuring minimal friction and a satisfyingly smooth keystroke. In terms of sound, the WS Aurora Clear produces a sharp and crisp high-pitched tone, perfect for those who prefer a more vibrant and crisp sound profile. The WS Aurora Clear also offers a mild and polished feel, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Mint and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a smoother and poppy thockiness typing experience with a light and fleeting type feel, the Mint is the way to go. On the other hand, if you value a smooth and high-pitched typing experience with vibrant RGB lighting customization, the WS Aurora Clear would be the better choice for you.
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