Outemu Crystal Brown vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal Brown 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 Crystal Brown and Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear offer distinct options for different preferences. The Crystal Brown is a tactile switch that is best known for its None feature. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear is a linear switch revered for its smooth and high-pitched typing experience. The WS Aurora Clear's transparent polycarbonate and UHMWPE housing allows for vibrant RGB lighting customization, while the lightly lubed POM stem ensures minimal friction and a polished keystroke. Each switch has its own unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. 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
45g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
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 housing materials of the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear both feature polycarbonate as the material for their top housings. This choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches intended to be used with RGB lighting, making it a popular choice for keyboard enthusiasts looking for a visually appealing option. However, while the top housing material is the same for both switches, the bottom housing materials differ significantly.
The Crystal Brown utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the polycarbonate top housing. This is due to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the WS Aurora Clear features a UHWMPE bottom housing, a newer material for switch housings that offers a very bright sound signature. Typing on switches with UHWMPE housings results in resonant clacks, providing a unique typing experience for users.
The combination of different housing materials for the top and bottom of the switch impacts both the sound and feel of the keystrokes. The bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing material influences the sound when a key is released. While both switches share the benefits of polycarbonate top housings for a clear and resonant sound profile, the choice between a nylon or UHWMPE bottom housing will greatly affect the overall typing experience for users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, the Crystal Brown is lighter with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the WS Aurora Clear is heavier with an actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams. The Crystal Brown provides a medium-light typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the WS Aurora Clear offers a medium-heavy feel, appealing to users who desire a more substantial keystroke sensation. Both switches provide unique advantages based on personal preference, with the Crystal Brown being lighter and the WS Aurora Clear being heavier. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the user's typing style and desired experience.
Travel distance
The Outemu Crystal Brown tactile 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. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with 4.0mm being more standard and 3.0mm being on the shallower end. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the WS Aurora Clear for faster response times, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the slighter longer travel distance of the Crystal Brown. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a quicker, more responsive keystroke or a deeper, more tactile feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Crystal 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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch has a reputation for being quiet and precise, making it a popular option for those looking for a more subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch is known for its high-pitched sound profile, which provides a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. If you prefer a more bright and clear sound when typing, the WS Aurora Clear might be the better choice for you.
In terms of feel, the Crystal Brown switch is often lauded for its tactile feedback and satisfying keystrokes, giving typists a sense of responsiveness with each press. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear switch is described as buttery, offering a smooth and fluid typing experience that is effortless and uniform. Additionally, the WS Aurora Clear switch is also considered mild and polished, providing a gentle typing sensation and reduced friction for a sleek typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches differ in sound and feel, they both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. If you appreciate a quiet and tactile experience, the Crystal Brown may be more suitable for you, while if you enjoy a high-pitched and buttery typing feel, the WS Aurora Clear could be the better option. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your personal preference for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, your choice should be based on your preference for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and are looking for a versatile switch with no specific standout feature, the Crystal Brown may be the better option for you. However, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, enjoy a high-pitched sound profile, and desire a smooth, buttery keystroke experience, the WS Aurora Clear linear switch would be a perfect fit. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal typing preferences and what characteristics matter most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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