Cherry MX Black vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Black and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Cherry MX Black switches and Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switches are both popular choices when it comes to mechanical keyboard switches. The MX Black switches are best known for their classic textured smoothness, perfected by Cherry's new Hyperglide tooling. Typing on these switches produces a familiar deep sound profile, and they are categorized as low-pitched, textured, and stiff. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear switches are known for providing a smooth and high-pitched typing experience. These switches have a transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing, allowing for maximum RGB lighting customization. The POM stem is lightly lubed, ensuring minimal friction and a satisfyingly smooth keystroke. Categorized as buttery, mild, high-pitched, and polished, these switches offer a different typing experience compared to the MX Black switches. 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
60g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
No
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 Cherry MX Black and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches offer distinct differences in sound profiles and aesthetics. The MX Black switch features a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder tone. In contrast, the WS Aurora Clear switch utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant tone. Additionally, the translucent nature of the polycarbonate housing makes it ideal for RGB lighting effects.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both switches diverge even further in their material choices. The MX Black employs a nylon bottom housing, which again provides a deeper and fuller sound experience. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a dull and round sound profile. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear incorporates a UHWMPE bottom housing, a newer material in switch housings. This material produces a bright sound signature, offering resonant clacks when typing. The distinct characteristics of the bottom housing contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switch, particularly during bottom-out actions.
It is essential to note that when a switch utilizes different materials for its top and bottom housing, the qualities of each material are distributed accordingly. The bottom housing has a more pronounced impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed. In contrast, the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. Despite their differences, both switches offer unique attributes that enhance typing experiences, whether it be the deeper and fuller sound of the MX Black's nylon housing or the resonant clacks provided by the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear's UHWMPE bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, it is evident that the MX Black is the heavier option. The MX Black has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a strong and substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear offers a lighter touch with an actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy option. While the MX Black requires a stronger push for keystrokes, the WS Aurora Clear offers a slightly lighter feel for those who prefer a more comfortable typing experience over prolonged periods. In terms of weight preference, those who enjoy a lighter switch may find the WS Aurora Clear more suitable, allowing them to type for longer periods without strain. However, for individuals who value a stronger push feel for a substantial typing experience, the MX Black would be a better choice. Overall, while they have different actuation and bottom out forces, both switches provide their own unique typing experience, ensuring that users with varying preferences can achieve similar results accordingly.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, we can see that the MX Black has a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0mm compared to the WS Aurora Clear's 3.8mm. While both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the MX Black being slightly longer, it is essential to consider personal preferences and use cases. Gamers, for instance, often prefer shorter travel distances for quicker response times, making the WS Aurora Clear an attractive option. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a deeper, more satisfying keystroke may opt for the MX Black with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the user's preference for either a more responsive or a more impactful typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00, 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 Cherry MX Black switch is known for its low-pitched profile, which offers a bass-heavy and mellow tone when typing. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear switch has a high-pitched sound, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. If you prefer a rich and bassy sound, the MX Black would be a suitable choice. However, if you enjoy a more vibrant and sharp sound, the WS Aurora Clear would be a better option. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the MX Black switch is described as textured and stiff. The textured aspect refers to noticeable friction when the switch is pressed, which can be preferred by some users. The stiffness of the MX Black switch requires more force to actuate and bottom-out, resulting in a more demanding typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear switch offers a buttery, mild, and polished feel. The buttery experience implies a smooth and fluid keystroke, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The mild characteristic indicates a gentle typing experience, suitable for most users. Lastly, the polished aspect of the switch ensures a sleek and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Considering all the available information, the Cherry MX Black and WS Aurora Clear switches offer distinct subjective qualities. The MX Black provides a low-pitched sound and a textured, stiff feel, suitable for those who prefer a bass-heavy sound and noticeable friction when typing. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear switch offers a high-pitched sound, along with a buttery, mild, and polished feel, providing a vibrant sound and a smooth and effortless keystroke. If you are looking for similar results in terms of sound and feel, you can expect comparable characteristics between the two switches, such as smoothness. However, the specific sound and feel qualities mentioned above may differ between the two switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a heavy switch with a deep sound profile and a textured, stiff feel, the Cherry MX Black would be a great choice for you. With its Hyperglide tooling and classic smoothness, typing on these switches will feel familiar and satisfying. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a high-pitched sound and a buttery, mild, and polished feel, the WS Aurora Clear from Wuque Studio is a perfect option. Its transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing allow for maximum RGB lighting customization, while the lightly lubed POM stem ensures minimal friction and a smooth keystroke. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on personal preferences for sound and feel, so consider these factors carefully before making your choice.
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