Kailh NovelKeys Cream vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear
An in-depth look at the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, different features can greatly impact your typing experience. Two switches that offer distinct characteristics are the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switches. The Cream switches are well-known for delivering a heavier linear typing experience, with a fairly deep sound profile that adds an invigorating texture to your keystrokes. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear switches provide a smooth and high-pitched typing experience, thanks to their transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing. These switches also allow for maximum RGB lighting customization, making them a great choice for users who enjoy personalized aesthetics. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
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 Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the WS Aurora Clear provide unique characteristics to the switches. The NovelKeys Cream features a POM top housing, which creates a deeper and more muted sound profile compared to the WS Aurora Clear's polycarbonate top housing. The use of polycarbonate leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, making it a great choice for users who prefer a more distinct and resonant typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate housing allows for the use of RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switch.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream utilizes the same POM material as its top housing, resulting in a consistent sound profile. This contributes to a pleasing and unique sound that is on the deeper side. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear's UHWMPE bottom housing introduces a newer material to switch housings. This material offers a very bright sound signature, giving users a resonant clack while typing. The UHWMPE bottom housing brings a refreshing sound profile to the WS Aurora Clear, setting it apart from the NovelKeys Cream.
It's essential to note that the qualities brought by the top and bottom housings will have an impact on different aspects of the switch. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while the top and bottom housings of the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the WS Aurora Clear differ, they both contribute to delivering a satisfying typing experience. Users can expect similar overall results with these switches, although the sound profiles may vary due to the contrasting characteristics of POM and polycarbonate/UHWMPE materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, there are slight differences between the two. The NovelKeys Cream has an actuation force of 55 grams, slightly heavier than the WS Aurora Clear's 53 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Cream requires 70 grams, while the Aurora Clear requires 63.5 grams. Both switches can be classified as medium-heavy, providing a satisfying tactile experience for typists. However, the Cream switch offers a slightly stronger push feel with its heavier forces. For those who enjoy a lighter typing experience, the Aurora Clear may be the preferable option. Overall, both switches offer a similar level of performance, with slight variations in the force required for actuation and bottoming out.
Travel distance
The Kailh NovelKeys Cream 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 difference may seem minimal, but it can have an impact on the overall typing or gaming experience. The NovelKeys Cream falls into the more traditional range of travel distances at 4 mm, offering a satisfying depth when pressing down on the keys. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear provides a slightly shallower travel distance at 3.8 mm, which may appeal to gamers who value faster response times and a more immediate tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference, whether you prefer a deeper and more tactile experience or a quicker and more responsive feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Kailh NovelKeys Cream has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the NovelKeys Cream for $6.25.
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
The Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch have different sound profiles. The NovelKeys Cream offers a fairly deep sound profile, which is lower-pitched compared to the average switch. It provides a mellow and bass-heavy tone while typing. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear has a high-pitched sound profile, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. This switch is a good choice for those who prefer a more rich and higher-pitched sound. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
When it comes to feel, both switches are described as "buttery," indicating a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. They provide a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. However, the NovelKeys Cream also has descriptors such as "textured" and "invigorating." This means that it may have noticeable friction when pressed, appealing to users who prefer a slightly textured feel. It also offers pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel, creating an immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear is described as "mild" and "polished." It offers a more gentle and approachable typing experience, standing in a safe middle-ground zone. The switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switches have different subjective qualities. The Cream switch provides a deeper and more bass-heavy sound profile, while the WS Aurora Clear produces a sharp and crisp high-pitched sound. Both switches offer a buttery and smooth typing feel, but the NovelKeys Cream can also have a slightly textured and invigorating sensation, while the WS Aurora Clear is milder and polished. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, each switch offers a distinct typing experience. It's worth noting that individual typing experiences may vary based on additional factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a heftier and deep sound profile as well as a seamless and uniform typing sensation, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch would be the better choice for you. These switches provide a high-quality linear typing experience with a bottom out force of 70 grams. 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 bottom out force of 63.5 grams and a transparent polycarbonate top housing, these switches offer a satisfyingly smooth keystroke and a visually stunning keyboard. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your personal preferences for sound and feel when typing.
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