Outemu Blue vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch stand out as popular options. The Outemu Blue is best known for its satisfying click sound and tactile feedback, making it a favorite among typists who enjoy the audible feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear linear switches are known for their smooth and high-pitched typing experience, offering a more polished and buttery feel while typing. While the Blue switch is preferred for its distinct clickiness, the WS Aurora Clear is favored for its smoothness and customizable RGB lighting. 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
50g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Double-staged stainless steel
Housing materials
The Outemu Blue and the WS Aurora Clear both use polycarbonate for their top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which results in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches intended for RGB lighting. However, the WS Aurora Clear also offers UHWMPE for its bottom housing, which provides a very bright sound signature and resonant clacks when typing.
On the other hand, the Blue features a nylon bottom housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. The use of different materials for the top and bottom housing in these switches divides the qualities each material brings to the overall typing experience. The bottom housing is more impactful on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key.
Ultimately, both the Outemu Blue and the WS Aurora Clear utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which shares similar characteristics such as creating a sharp and crisp sound profile. However, the choice of bottom housing material sets them apart. The Blue's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, while the WS Aurora Clear's UHWMPE bottom housing allows for bright and resonant clacks. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, users can choose between the two based on the bottom housing material that best suits their typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, we see that the Blue has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the WS Aurora Clear's 53 grams. The Blue's bottom out force is unknown, while the WS Aurora Clear has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Outemu Blue may be the better choice. On the other hand, those looking for a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear with its heavier bottom out force. The actuation force of both switches is similar enough that users can expect a comparable typing experience in that regard. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Outemu Blue clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the WS Aurora Clear slightly shorter in travel distance compared to the Outemu Blue. The difference may not seem significant, but for those who prefer a more responsive key press, the WS Aurora Clear may be the better option. On the other hand, if you prefer a bit more depth and satisfaction in your keystrokes, the Outemu Blue may be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer a good balance between travel distance and functionality, so choosing between the two will ultimately come down to personal preference.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Blue comes in at $3.10, 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 Outemu Blue clicky switch is best known for its loud and tactile click, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a satisfying auditory feedback with each key press. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch is known for its high-pitched sound profile, providing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. This makes it a great option for individuals who prefer a more subtle and lighter typing experience without the rich bassy tones of other switches. Ultimately, the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to the feel, the Outemu Blue switch offers a tactile bump and audible click during actuation, providing a highly satisfying typing experience for those who enjoy a tactile feedback with each key press. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch is described as buttery and polished, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with reduced friction and seamless key travel. Additionally, the mild characteristic of these switches provides a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone, making it approachable to most users. The POM stem lightly lubed further enhances the smoothness of the keystrokes.
In conclusion, the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Blue switch provides a loud and tactile experience, the WS Aurora Clear switch delivers a high-pitched, smooth, and buttery typing sensation with a polished finish. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches can cater to a wide range of users looking for different typing experiences. Ultimately, choosing between these switches would depend on whether you prioritize a tactile, loud feedback or a smooth, high-pitched typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, you should consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a tactile and audible typing experience with no bottom out force, the Outemu Blue switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and high-pitched typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the WS Aurora Clear switch might be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you value most.
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