Gateron North Pole V2 vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear
An in-depth look at the Gateron North Pole V2 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, the Gateron North Pole V2 and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear are both noteworthy options to consider. The North Pole V2 is praised for its gummy linear switch that offers a deep and muted sound profile alongside a satisfyingly chewy typing feel. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear stands out for its smooth, high-pitched typing experience. With a transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing, this switch allows for maximum RGB lighting customization. Additionally, the lightly lubed POM stem ensures minimal friction and a satisfyingly smooth keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Ink Housing Material
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
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 Gateron North Pole V2 and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear both utilize polycarbonate, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, both switches benefit from the translucency of polycarbonate, making them ideal for use with RGB lighting.
However, the WS Aurora Clear stands apart with its UHWMPE (Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene) bottom housing. This newer material offers a unique bright sound signature, providing resonant clacks when typing on switches with this housing. The Aurora Clear showcases innovation in switch housing materials, offering a distinct auditory experience compared to the North Pole V2.
When it comes to the impact on typing experience, the bottom housing plays a significant role. The qualities of the bottom housing material are felt when pressing down on the switch, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. In this aspect, the Aurora Clear's UHWMPE bottom housing may provide a different tactile feedback compared to the North Pole V2's polycarbonate bottom housing.
On the other hand, the top housing material primarily affects the sound when releasing a key. Both switches benefit from the polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharp and crisp sound profile when keys are released. This similarity ensures that users will enjoy comparable sound qualities when using either the North Pole V2 or the Aurora Clear.
In conclusion, while both the Gateron North Pole V2 and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear share the use of polycarbonate for their top housings, the Aurora Clear stands out with its UHWMPE bottom housing, providing a unique bright sound signature. The different bottom housing materials may result in varied tactile feedback. However, the top housings' similar qualities ensure that users will experience comparable crisp sound profiles when releasing keys.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, there are noticeable similarities and differences. In terms of actuation force, the North Pole V2 requires 50 grams of force, while the WS Aurora Clear requires slightly more at 53 grams. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy range, providing a decent amount of resistance for typists seeking a substantial typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the North Pole V2 requires 65 grams of force to fully depress the key, whereas the WS Aurora Clear requires 63.5 grams. While the difference is slight, it signifies that the North Pole V2 has a slightly heavier bottom out force. This may be preferred by individuals who prefer a more solid and satisfying keystroke, as it provides a bit more resistance upon full depression.
Considering the importance of weight for different typing preferences, those who prefer lighter switches may find the WS Aurora Clear to be more suitable as it requires slightly less force for actuation. This lighter actuation force can be beneficial for extended typing sessions, such as in a work environment or during longer gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals seeking a heavier actuation force for a more substantial typing experience might lean towards the North Pole V2.
Overall, while the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron North Pole V2 and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear differ slightly, they both fall within the medium-heavy range. The distinction in weight between the two switches may provide subtle variations in typing feel, allowing users to choose based on their individual preferences.
Travel distance
The Gateron North Pole V2 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. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the North Pole V2 being on the longer side and the WS Aurora Clear on the shorter side. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the WS Aurora Clear with its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial and deeper keypress experience may find the North Pole V2 more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for either a shorter or longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron North Pole V2 has an MSRP of $6.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the North Pole V2 for $5.70.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch offers a deep and muted profile, creating a gummy typing experience. The sound produced is not completely silent, but it provides a more subtle and dampened sound compared to most switches. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear linear switch delivers a high-pitched typing experience with a sharp and crisp sound. If you prefer a brighter and more lively sound profile, these higher-pitched switches are a great choice. However, 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 Gateron North Pole V2 switch provides a unique gummy typing experience. When bottoming out, it feels like pressing on a trampoline or a gummy bear, offering a chewy sensation. Additionally, it also offers a creamy and bouncy feedback due to the lubrication and materials used. These features combine to create smooth and refined keystrokes with reduced friction. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear switch offers a buttery typing experience, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke with a seamless and effortless sensation. It falls under the mild category, offering a gentle typing experience that most people will find approachable. Like the North Pole V2, the WS Aurora Clear switch also boasts a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Gateron North Pole V2 and WS Aurora Clear linear switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The North Pole V2 delivers a gummy typing experience with a deep and muted sound profile, while the WS Aurora Clear provides a high-pitched typing experience with a buttery feel. While both switches offer a polished finish and smooth key travel, they cater to different preferences and typing styles. If you prefer a subdued sound and a gummy feel, the North Pole V2 is an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you lean towards a high-pitched sound and a buttery feel, the WS Aurora Clear switch is the way to go. Based on the available information, it is clear that these switches will provide different subjective qualities and it's important to choose the one that aligns with your preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a deep, muted sound profile, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch would be a great choice for you. These switches provide a satisfying and chewy typing feel, reminiscent of bottoming out on a trampoline or a gummy bear. 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 linear switch is the way to go. With a transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing, these switches offer a light lubed POM stem for minimal friction and a satisfyingly smooth keystroke. Additionally, they produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, which is ideal if you prefer a higher-pitched and more vibrant typing sound. Ultimately, the decision between the Gateron North Pole V2 and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear will depend on your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel.
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