Gateron Oil King (V2) vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear
An in-depth look at the Gateron Oil King (V2) and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the Gateron Oil King and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear. The Oil King is highly regarded for its buttery smoothness and a sound profile that resembles the satisfying snap of a dark chocolate bar. It is known for its low-pitched, creamy, silky, bassy, buttery, and polished characteristics. 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, this switch allows for maximum RGB lighting customization. Additionally, its lightly lubed POM stem ensures minimal friction and a pleasingly smooth keystroke. Categorized as buttery, mild, high-pitched, and polished, the WS Aurora Clear is perfect for those who prioritize customization and a unique typing experience. However, let's dive into a more detailed analysis to help you make the best decision on which switch suits your needs best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
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
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Color coated
Spring
Double-staged stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Oil King and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear exhibit contrasting sound profiles. The Oil King's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound due to its relatively softer plastic composition. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches. In contrast, the WS Aurora Clear's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate allows for a more clear and resonant sound experience. Therefore, if you prefer a softer and more mellow sound, the Oil King with its nylon top housing would be a better choice. Conversely, if you desire a more distinct and precise sound, the WS Aurora Clear with its polycarbonate top housing would be more suitable.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Gateron Oil King utilizes their proprietary INK blend while the WS Aurora Clear implements UHWMPE. The INK blend in the Oil King offers a pointed and high-pitched sound without being overly sharp. This creates a clacky and satisfying thin sound when typing on the switches. On the other hand, the UHWMPE used in the WS Aurora Clear is a newer material that provides a very bright sound signature. The switches with UHWMPE housings produce resonant clacks when each key is pressed. Therefore, if you prefer a switch with a more traditional and clacky sound, the Gateron Oil King with its INK blend bottom housing would be the better choice. However, if you desire a switch with a brighter and more resonant sound, the WS Aurora Clear with its UHWMPE bottom housing would be more suitable.
Although the top and bottom housings of the Gateron Oil King and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear differ, there are similarities in their sound characteristics. Both switches offer a higher-pitched sound profile, albeit with different levels of sharpness. Additionally, they both provide a satisfying and clacky typing experience. Therefore, if you are seeking a switch with a higher-pitched sound and a clacky feel, both the Oil King and the WS Aurora Clear would yield similar results, albeit with slight variations in their sound signatures due to the different housing materials used.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. Both switches have medium-heavy actuation and bottom out forces, with the Oil King having an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, and the WS Aurora Clear having an actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams. Thus, in terms of force required to trigger a keystroke and pressing all the way down, the two switches provide similar results.
However, there are slight variations in the forces between the two switches. The Oil King has a slightly higher actuation and bottom out force compared to the WS Aurora Clear. This means that the Oil King will require a slightly stronger push to trigger a keystroke and to press all the way down.
Weight plays an important role in keyboard preference, as some individuals prefer lighter switches for easier and more comfortable typing over extended periods of time. These lighter switches are ideal for keyboards used for work or during long gaming sessions. On the other hand, there are those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. These individuals would benefit from switches with heavier forces.
In conclusion, while both the Gateron Oil King and Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches have medium-heavy actuation and bottom out forces, the Oil King is slightly heavier in terms of force required. Depending on personal preference and desired typing experience, individuals can choose between these switches to fit their needs.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, it becomes clear that the Oil King has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Aurora Clear has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. The 4.0 mm travel distance of the Oil King falls within the traditional range, whereas the WS Aurora Clear falls on the shallower side with 3.8 mm. This difference in travel distance is important to consider as it directly impacts the feeling and responsiveness of the keys. If you prioritize faster response times, the WS Aurora Clear with its shorter travel distance may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial and deep key press, the Oil King with its longer travel distance would be the suitable option. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gateron Oil King (V2) comes in at $6.50, 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 Gateron Oil King linear switch offers a low-pitched and bassy tone. It delivers a deeper and richer sound profile reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch provides a high-pitched sound, producing a sharp and crisp noise when pressed. If you prefer a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, the Oil King would be the better choice. However, if you enjoy a crisper and higher-pitched sound, the WS Aurora Clear switch would be more suitable. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, both switches offer a smooth typing experience. The Gateron Oil King switch is often described as creamy, silky, buttery, and polished. This means that it provides a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. The lubrication applied at the factory and the specific materials used contribute to its smoothness. Similarly, the WS Aurora Clear switch is also described as buttery and polished, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience. Along with its mild characteristics, these switches offer a more gentle and approachable feel to most users. Overall, both switches prioritize smooth key travel and reduced friction, resulting in a sleek and satisfying typing experience.
Considering the subjective qualities of sound and feel, it's evident that the Gateron Oil King and Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switches have distinct differences. The Oil King offers a low-pitched, bassier sound and delivers a creamy, silky, and polished feel. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear provides a high-pitched sound and offers a buttery, mild, and polished typing experience. Depending on your personal preference for sound and feel, you can choose the switch that matches your desired typing experience. However, it's worth mentioning that both switches prioritize smoothness, so no matter which one you choose, you can expect similar satisfying results.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Gateron Oil King is an outstanding choice. These switches are praised for their buttery smoothness and dark chocolate bar snapping sound profile. With a bottom out force of 65 grams, they offer a satisfyingly tactile typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly lighter switch, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, these switches provide a smooth and high-pitched typing experience. The transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing allow for maximum RGB lighting customization, making them perfect for those who enjoy customizing their keyboards. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a low-pitched and bassy sound with a creamy and silky typing feel, the Gateron Oil King is the ideal option. On the other hand, if you prefer a high-pitched sound with a buttery and polished typing feel, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear is the recommended choice. Consider your preferences and priorities to choose the switch that best suits your needs.
Mentioned in this article
