Outemu Gold vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear
An in-depth look at the Outemu Gold and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Gold and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear offer different typing experiences to suit various preferences. The Outemu Gold is a clicky switch, providing a tactile feedback with an audible click sound upon actuation. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear is a linear switch, offering a smooth and high-pitched typing experience without any tactile bump or audible noise. The WS Aurora Clear stands out for its transparent polycarbonate top housing, UHMWPE bottom housing, and POM stem which is lightly lubed for minimal friction. It also allows for maximum RGB lighting customization. The Gold switch's unique qualities are that it provides a clicky typing experience. If you prefer a satisfying click sound and tactile feedback, the Gold switch may be the way to go. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.80 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
Both the Outemu Gold and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound, making it a popular choice for switches intended for RGB lighting due to its translucency. In terms of aesthetics and sound profile, both switches offer a similar experience with their polycarbonate top housings.
However, when it comes to the bottom housings, the Outemu Gold uses nylon while the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear opts for UHWMPE. Nylon is considered a classic switch housing material that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, UHWMPE is a newer material known for its bright sound signature, delivering resonant clacks when typing on switches with such housings. These differences in bottom housing materials can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of typing on each switch.
The division of qualities between the top and bottom housings of the switches means that the sound profile and feel will vary depending on which housing material is used where. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This distinction highlights how the choice of housing materials can affect different aspects of the typing experience, making each switch unique in its own right.
Weight
The Outemu Gold clicky switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 53 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Outemu Gold requires 60 grams while the WS Aurora Clear requires 63.5 grams. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range in terms of overall force required. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Outemu Gold, while those who prefer a more substantial push feel may prefer the WS Aurora Clear. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Outemu Gold clicky 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 the Gold being slightly longer than the WS Aurora Clear. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the WS Aurora Clear, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Outemu Gold. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for keypress depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Gold 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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Gold clicky switch is known for offering a unique auditory experience yet the details are unknown. Meanwhile, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch is lauded for its high-pitched sound profile. This means that the Gold switch may provide a more distinctive and possibly louder click, while the WS Aurora Clear switch will deliver a sharper and crisper sound with a focus on higher frequencies. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by various factors like the keyboard chassis and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Outemu Gold switch does not have specific descriptors available. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear linear switch is described as buttery, mild, and polished. This means that the WS Aurora Clear switch will offer a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, ensuring effortless and uniform typing sensations. The mild characteristics of these switches indicate a gentler typing feel that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone. Additionally, the polished finish contributes to reduced friction and a sleek typing experience, enhancing overall comfort during use.
In conclusion, if you prefer a mechanical switch with a distinctive auditory feedback, the Outemu Gold clicky switch may be the ideal choice for you. However, if you prioritize a smooth and high-pitched typing experience, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch would be a great fit. Both switches offer their unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can achieve their desired sound and feel while typing. Regardless of your choice, remember that the overall typing experience is also influenced by factors like the keyboard build, keycaps, and personal typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, it's important to consider your preferences and usage. If you enjoy a clicky switch with a medium 60g bottom out force and are not particularly concerned with sound or feel, the Outemu Gold may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth, high-pitched typing experience with a slightly higher 63.5g bottom out force, along with maximum RGB lighting customization, then the WS Aurora Clear linear switch is the better option. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what characteristics you value most in your mechanical keyboard switch.
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