Outemu Lotus vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear
An in-depth look at the Outemu Lotus 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 Lotus and Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear stand out as popular choices among enthusiasts. The Lotus is a linear switch that is best known for its innovative design and unique characteristics. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear is also a linear switch known for its smooth, high-pitched typing experience and excellent RGB lighting customization. The Lotus offers a distinct typing feel, while the WS Aurora Clear provides a buttery and polished keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference and specific needs. 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
35g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
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 Lotus uses nylon for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a switch with a deep and full sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. This creates a duller and rounder sound when typing, giving a unique typing experience. In contrast, the WS Aurora Clear utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing and UHWMPE for its bottom housing. This combination results in a switch with a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that offers resonant clacks when typing, thanks to the stiffness of polycarbonate and the bright sound signature of UHWMPE.
Both the Lotus and the WS Aurora Clear utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, allowing for a split in the qualities each housing material brings to the switch. The Lotus's nylon top and bottom housing provide a consistent deep and full sound profile throughout typing, while the WS Aurora Clear's combination of polycarbonate and UHWMPE creates a switch with contrasting sharp and bright sound characteristics. The impact of each housing material can be felt during different parts of the typing experience, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing affecting the sound when releasing a key.
In terms of aesthetics, the Lotus's nylon housing offers a classic look while the WS Aurora Clear's polycarbonate and UHWMPE combination provides a more modern and clear appearance. Both switches are suited for RGB lighting due to the translucent nature of their materials, although the Lotus's nylon housing may offer a slightly more muted and diffused lighting effect compared to the clear polycarbonate of the WS Aurora Clear. Overall, while each switch offers a unique typing experience based on their housing materials, both provide quality sound profiles that may appeal to different preferences.
Weight
The Outemu Lotus linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams compared to the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 53 grams. Both switches have a bottom out force, with the Lotus requiring 50 grams and the WS Aurora Clear needing 63.5 grams. The Lotus provides a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a more effortless keystroke. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear offers a more substantial push feel, which may be preferred by users looking for a bit more resistance in their typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for either a lighter or heavier actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Outemu Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, which is shorter than the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch with a travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Lotus offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it ideal for gamers looking for speed and agility. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear provides a deeper press with its longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial keypress feel. Both switches offer distinct advantages based on their travel distances, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Lotus 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 Lotus and WS Aurora Clear switches offer distinct differences in sound and feel. The Lotus switch is known for its silence, providing a quiet typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear switch is recognized for its high-pitched sound profile, delivering a sharper and crisper noise when pressed. When it comes to feel, the Lotus switch's tactile feedback is unknown, whereas the WS Aurora Clear switch is described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Additionally, the WS Aurora Clear switch is considered mild and polished, offering a gentle typing sensation with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Overall, if you prefer a quieter typing experience, the Lotus switch would be more suitable, while the WS Aurora Clear switch is ideal for those who enjoy a high-pitched sound and a buttery, polished feel. Regardless of your choice, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a light linear switch with a bottom out force of 50 grams and are more concerned with a smooth typing experience, the Outemu Lotus linear switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, and prioritize a high-pitched sound with a buttery and polished feel, then the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch would be the optimal option. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal preferences for force, sound, and feel when it comes to mechanical keyboard switches. Consider your typing style and what characteristics are most important to you before making a decision on which switch to choose.
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