Outemu Brown vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear
An in-depth look at the Outemu Brown 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 popular options that often come up are the Outemu Brown, a tactile switch, and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear, a linear switch. The Outemu Brown is known for its tactile feedback, providing a slight bump when pressed without the audible click found in some other switches. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear linear switches are praised for their smooth, high-pitched typing experience thanks to their unique construction with a transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing. Additionally, the POM stem of the WS Aurora Clear switches is lightly lubed for minimal friction and a satisfying keystroke. While the Outemu Brown offers a tactile feel ideal for typists who enjoy feedback, the WS Aurora Clear linear switches are great for those seeking a smooth and polished typing experience with maximum RGB lighting customization. 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
53g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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 Brown and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the Brown's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, while the WS Aurora Clear's UHWMPE bottom housing provides a bright sound signature with resonant clacks.
While both switches share the polycarbonate top housing material, the difference in their bottom housing materials impacts the overall sound and feel of the switches. The Brown's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound profile, while the WS Aurora Clear's UHWMPE bottom housing offers a bright and resonant sound signature. When typing on these switches, the qualities of the bottom housing will have a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will affect the sound when letting go of a key.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in a switch plays a crucial role in determining its sound profile and feel. Both the Outemu Brown and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear utilize polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and clear sound, but their bottom housing materials differ in creating either a deeper and fuller sound (nylon) or a bright and resonant sound (UHWMPE). Understanding the characteristics of these materials can help enthusiasts make informed decisions when selecting switches for their keyboards.
Weight
The Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch both have an actuation force of 53 grams. However, the Brown has a bottom out force of 65 grams, while the WS Aurora Clear has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This means that the Brown switch is slightly heavier than the WS Aurora Clear switch when it comes to bottoming out. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. For those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming, the WS Aurora Clear may be the better option. However, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel may lean towards the slightly heavier Outemu Brown switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Outemu Brown tactile 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 the shorter of the two switches, although the difference in travel distance is quite minimal. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Brown being slightly on the longer side. Gamers may prefer the WS Aurora Clear for its slightly faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those looking for a more substantial key press may prefer the Outemu Brown. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of key feel and response time.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Brown 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
The Outemu Brown tactile switch is known for its undefined sound profile, making it a versatile option for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch is renowned for its high-pitched sound, providing a sharp and crisp typing sound that may appeal to users looking for a more distinctive auditory feedback. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can be influenced by various factors such as keyboard construction and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Brown switch does not have a specific characteristic mentioned. Meanwhile, the WS Aurora Clear switch is described as buttery, implying a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation. With a mild typing experience, these switches offer a comfortable and approachable feel that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. Additionally, the polished finish of the WS Aurora Clear switch ensures reduced friction and a sleek typing experience, making it a favorable choice for those seeking smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Outemu Brown and WS Aurora Clear switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Brown switch provides a more versatile sound profile and a feel that remains unspecified, the WS Aurora Clear switch stands out for its high-pitched sound and buttery, polished feel. Depending on your preferences for sound and tactile feedback, either of these switches can provide a satisfying typing experience. Remember to consider factors such as keycap material and keyboard build when selecting a switch for your mechanical keyboard setup to achieve the desired overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience and sound. If you prefer a switch with a slightly higher bottom out force and a tactile bump, the Outemu Brown may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a smooth, high-pitched typing experience with maximum RGB lighting customization, the WS Aurora Clear linear switch would be a great option. Ultimately, the decision between these switches comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you are looking for in your mechanical keyboard. So, be sure to consider these factors when making your decision.
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