Cherry Nixie vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear
An in-depth look at the Cherry Nixie and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Cherry Nixie and the WS Aurora Clear mechanical keyboard switches, both options offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Cherry Nixie is revered for its substantial heft and textured typing experience, thanks to the updated materials and springs from Cherry's recent MX2A update. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear provides a smooth, high-pitched typing experience with its transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing, allowing for maximum RGB lighting customization. While the Nixie is categorized as 'Textured', 'Thocky', and 'Low-pitched', the WS Aurora Clear is described as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'High-pitched', and 'Polished'. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
63.5g
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
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 Cherry Nixie and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear both offer unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch. The Nixie utilizes nylon for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the WS Aurora Clear features a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper and crisper sound profile thanks to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate that produces a clear and resonant sound. While both materials have their own distinct qualities, they each play a crucial role in shaping the typing experience for users.
However, where the Nixie maintains consistency with nylon for both top and bottom housing, the WS Aurora Clear adopts a different approach by using UHWMPE for the bottom housing. This newer material offers a very bright sound signature, producing resonant clacks that contribute to a unique typing experience. The contrast between the nylon and UHWMPE in the bottom housing of the WS Aurora Clear provides users with a varied tactile sensation and sound feedback, adding an extra layer of customization and complexity to the switch.
Although the housing materials of the Cherry Nixie and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear differ, both switches aim to enhance the overall typing experience through the unique qualities of their respective housing materials. While the Nixie's nylon housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, the WS Aurora Clear's polycarbonate and UHWMPE housings offer a sharper and brighter sound signature. Whether you prefer a softer, duller sound or a crisper, more resonant sound, both switches cater to different preferences, ultimately allowing users to customize their typing experience based on their unique preferences and needs.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, it is evident that there are notable differences between the two. The Cherry Nixie has a heavier actuation force of 63.5 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, providing users with a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the WS Aurora Clear features a lighter actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a more suitable option for those who prefer a lighter feel when typing. The Nixie's heavier force may be preferred by individuals who enjoy a stronger push when typing, while the Aurora Clear's lighter force could be more suitable for users who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Cherry Nixie linear switch has a travel distance of 4mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8mm. This makes the WS Aurora Clear slightly shorter in travel distance compared to the Cherry Nixie. While both switches fall within the range of typical travel distances, with the Cherry Nixie being more traditional and the WS Aurora Clear being slightly shallower, the 0.2mm difference may be noticeable to some users. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may lean towards the WS Aurora Clear, while those who prefer a bit more depth in their keystrokes may prefer the Cherry Nixie. Overall, both switches offer a comfortable travel distance, but the slight variation in length may cater to different preferences in typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie for $4.15.
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 Nixie linear switch offers a thocky and low-pitched typing experience, producing a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch provides a high-pitched sound profile, giving off a sharp and crisp tone with each keystroke. Depending on personal preference, individuals may lean towards the deeper, bass-heavy sound of the Nixie or the sharper, more vibrant sound of the WS Aurora Clear.
When it comes to feel, the Cherry Nixie switch is known for its textured typing experience, offering noticeable friction when pressed. This can provide a unique tactile feedback for users who enjoy a bit of resistance in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switch offers a buttery, mild, and polished feel, ensuring a smooth and fluid keystroke with reduced friction and a sleek typing experience. Both switches provide distinct tactile sensations, with the Nixie offering a textured feel and the WS Aurora Clear offering a more seamless and effortless typing experience.
Overall, both the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch offer unique sound profiles and tactile feedback for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users may gravitate towards the deep and textured typing experience of the Nixie or the smooth and polished feel of the WS Aurora Clear. Ultimately, both switches are excellent choices for those looking for a high-quality linear switch option in their mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a heavy bottom out force and enjoy a textured typing experience with a low-pitched and thocky sound, the Cherry Nixie switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and desire a smooth, buttery keystroke with a high-pitched sound, then the WS Aurora Clear switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and bottom out force. Choose the switch that best aligns with your preferences to enhance your typing experience.
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