Cherry MX Red vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Red and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to comparing the Cherry MX Red and the WS Aurora Clear linear mechanical keyboard switches, each has its own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The MX Red is praised for its slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, providing a robust typing experience that is both responsive and satisfying. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear offers a smooth and high-pitched typing experience with its transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing, allowing for maximum RGB lighting customization. The POM stem of the WS Aurora Clear is lightly lubed, ensuring minimal friction and a buttery smooth keystroke. While these general pointers can help you in considering which switch may be best for you, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these brief descriptions to help you make the best decision for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Red and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear, we see a significant difference in the materials used. The MX Red features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon housing. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the differences between the MX Red and the WS Aurora Clear are equally distinct. The MX Red's nylon bottom housing also contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to its top housing. The softer plastic of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and duller sound when typing. In contrast, the WS Aurora Clear features a UHWMPE bottom housing, which offers a very bright sound signature with resonant clacks when typing. This newer material for switch housings provides a unique sound experience compared to the more traditional nylon.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for switches can greatly impact the sound and feel of typing. While the MX Red and WS Aurora Clear both offer distinct characteristics based on their housing materials, they also share similarities in their use of different materials for the top and bottom housings. This division allows for a more balanced experience, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing influencing the sound when releasing a key. Whether it's the softer nylon of the MX Red or the stiffer polycarbonate and UHWMPE of the WS Aurora Clear, each housing material brings its own unique qualities to enhance the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, it becomes evident that the MX Red is lighter compared to the WS Aurora Clear. The MX Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it lighter than the WS Aurora Clear which has an actuation force of 53 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the MX Red does not provide information on this metric, while the WS Aurora Clear has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams. The lighter actuation force of the MX Red may be preferred by users who enjoy typing or gaming for long periods without fatigue, while the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the WS Aurora Clear can provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In either case, both switches offer a unique typing experience based on the force required to trigger a keystroke and bottom out.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, the MX Red has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the WS Aurora Clear's 3.8 mm. While both switches offer a similar linear typing experience, the MX Red provides a slightly deeper press before actuation than the WS Aurora Clear. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the WS Aurora Clear, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the Cherry MX Red. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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 Cherry MX Red switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deep and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switch produces a high-pitched and sharp sound, offering a different auditory sensation that may appeal to those looking for a crisper tone. It's important to note that individual preferences for sound can vary, so trying out both switches in person is recommended to determine which sound profile suits your preference best.
Moving on to feel, the Cherry MX Red switch is often described as textured, providing a noticeable friction when pressed that some users may find appealing for a more tactile typing experience. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switch offers a buttery, mild, and polished feel, delivering a smooth and fluid keystroke that is gentle and approachable for most users. The choice between a textured or buttery feel ultimately depends on personal preference for the level of friction and smoothness desired during typing.
Considering all the available information, the Cherry MX Red and Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the MX Red provides a slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, the WS Aurora Clear offers a smoother and high-pitched typing experience with maximum RGB lighting customization. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to individual preferences for sound depth, tactile feedback, and typing smoothness. Experimenting with both switches on different keyboards and keycap setups will help in determining which switch better suits your typing style and preference.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, consider your preferences in terms of typing experience. If you enjoy a slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile with a thocky and low-pitched sound, along with a textured feel, then the MX Red may be the right choice for you. However, if you prefer a smooth, high-pitched typing experience with a buttery, mild, and polished feel, along with high-pitched sound, then the WS Aurora Clear could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what type of typing sensation and sound profile you find most pleasing.
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