KTT Orange vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear
An in-depth look at the KTT Orange and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two options that stand out are the KTT Orange and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear. The KTT Orange switch is renowned for its bouncy feel, frictionless typing experience, and low-pitched sound profile. With its polycarbonate milky top housing, long pole POM stem, and vibrant orange nylon bottom housing, this switch provides a unique and visually appealing option. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear switches offer a smooth, high-pitched typing experience. With a transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing, these switches not only allow for maximum RGB lighting customization but also provide a buttery and polished keystroke. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
Double-staged stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Orange and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches offer similar benefits in terms of sound profile. Both switches feature polycarbonate in their top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The relatively stiffer plastic of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced by these switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for incorporating RGB lighting into the top housing for an aesthetically pleasing effect.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, there is a notable difference between the two switches. The KTT Orange utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing as well, providing consistency in sound profile throughout the switch. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear incorporates UHWMPE (Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene) for its bottom housing, which results in a unique sound signature. Wielding a more modern material, the WS Aurora Clear offers resonant clacks when typing on switches with UHWMPE bottom housings. This creates a distinct auditory experience compared to the KTT Orange.
It is important to note that the qualities of the housing materials are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. Pressing down on either the KTT Orange or the WS Aurora Clear will primarily allow you to experience the qualities of the bottom housing, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, releasing a key will be more influenced by the characteristics of the top housing. While both switches may differ in terms of the material used for their bottom housing, they both excel in delivering a satisfying and unique sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Orange linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, there are notable differences. The Orange switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 46 grams compared to the WS Aurora Clear's 53 grams. This means that the Orange switch requires slightly less force to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Orange switch is 53 grams, while the WS Aurora Clear has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This indicates that the WS Aurora Clear switch requires more force to fully press down. Therefore, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the KTT Orange switch more suitable, as it allows for longer periods of typing without excessive fatigue. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial and forceful typing experience may opt for the WS Aurora Clear switch, which offers a stronger push feel. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches contribute to distinct typing experiences, with the Orange being medium-light and the WS Aurora Clear being medium-heavy.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Orange linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, we find that the Orange has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the WS Aurora Clear has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. In terms of traditional standards, both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances. Gamers seeking faster response times may opt for the Orange switch with its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial depth in their keystrokes might find the WS Aurora Clear switch with its slightly longer travel distance more appealing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and desired level of responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange 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 KTT Orange Switches have a low-pitched sound profile. This means that they produce a more bass-heavy and mellow tone when pressed. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear switches have a high-pitched sound. This results in a sharp and crisp sound that some people prefer over deeper, bassy tones. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and the keycaps used. Overall, if you prefer a low-pitched sound, the Orange switches will be a good choice, while those who prefer a higher-pitched sound may opt for the WS Aurora Clear switches.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Orange Switches are described as bouncy and frictionless. Bouncy switches provide a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving the keys a lively feel and a rebound when pressed. Additionally, the Orange switches offer a frictionless typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear switches are described as buttery, mild, and polished. A buttery switch implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. These switches also fall into a safe middle-ground zone, offering a gentle typing experience that most people will find approachable. Moreover, the WS Aurora Clear switches have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Overall, if you prefer a more bouncy and frictionless feel, the Orange switches will suit your preferences, while those who prefer a buttery, mild, and polished feel may prefer the WS Aurora Clear switches.
Based on the available information, the KTT Orange and WS Aurora Clear switches offer different subjective qualities. The Orange switches have a low-pitched sound profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone when pressed, while the WS Aurora Clear switches have a high-pitched sound, producing a sharp and crisp sound. In terms of feel, the Orange switches are bouncy and frictionless, offering a spring-like feedback and a slick typing experience with minimal resistance, while the WS Aurora Clear switches are buttery, mild, and polished, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound and feel. It is also worth mentioning that both switches have factory-lubed stems, contributing to a refined and smooth typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are looking for a medium-light switch with a bouncy and frictionless feel, as well as a low-pitched sound profile, then the KTT Orange linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. It offers a unique typing experience with its milky top housing, long pole POM stem, and vivid orange nylon bottom housing. The factory-lubing ensures a refined and fluid key travel, providing a slick and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a buttery and polished feel, along with a high-pitched sound profile, then the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch is the perfect option. Its transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing allow for maximum RGB lighting customization, while the lightly lubed POM stem ensures minimal friction and a satisfyingly smooth keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your preferences for key feel, sound, and actuation force.
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