Outemu Maple Leaf vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear

Overview

When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Maple Leaf, a tactile switch, and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear, a linear switch, present contrasting options for users. The Maple Leaf is known for its reliability, while the WS Aurora Clear stands out for its smooth, high-pitched typing experience thanks to its transparent polycarbonate top housing, UHMWPE bottom housing, and lightly lubed POM stem. The Maple Leaf falls into the tactile category, while the WS Aurora Clear is categorized as buttery, mild, high-pitched, and polished. If you're looking for a tactile feedback with the Maple Leaf or a buttery smooth keystroke with the WS Aurora Clear, either switch could suit your needs. However, let's delve a bit beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Maple Leaf Tactile

Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear Linear

$3.10 per 10

$8.00 per 10

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Housing materials

In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Maple Leaf and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear, one can see significant differences in sound profiles based on the materials used. The Maple Leaf's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and creating a duller, rounder tone. In contrast, the WS Aurora Clear's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, thanks to its stiffer composition resulting in a clearer, more resonant sound. The aesthetic difference between the two is also notable, as the clear polycarbonate housing of the WS Aurora Clear allows for RGB lighting usage, adding a visual appeal to the switch.

Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the contrast between the two switches continues. The Maple Leaf's nylon bottom housing offers a similar deep and full sound profile characteristic of nylon's softer nature, while the WS Aurora Clear's UHWMPE bottom housing introduces a bright sound signature with resonant clacks, giving a unique auditory experience when typing on switches with such housings. This difference in sound profiles between the bottom housings further emphasizes the distinct qualities each material brings to the overall typing experience of the switches.

Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Maple Leaf and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear will depend on the desired sound profile and aesthetic preferences of the user. While both switches offer unique characteristics based on their housing materials, the Maple Leaf provides a deeper, fuller sound with its nylon top and bottom housings, whereas the WS Aurora Clear offers a sharper, crisper sound with its polycarbonate and UHWMPE top and bottom housings. Whether opting for a more classic, muted sound or a modern, vibrant sound, users can select the switch that best suits their typing preferences.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, we find that both switches fall into the medium-heavy category, with the Maple Leaf being slightly heavier. The Maple Leaf has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, while the WS Aurora Clear has an actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This means that the Maple Leaf requires slightly more force to trigger a keystroke and fully press down compared to the WS Aurora Clear. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience to reduce fatigue during extended use, the WS Aurora Clear may be the better option. However, for users who enjoy a more substantial typing feel with a bit more resistance, the Outemu Maple Leaf would be the preferred choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.

Travel distance

The Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Maple Leaf has a shorter travel distance compared to the WS Aurora Clear. A shorter travel distance is often preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance can provide a more substantial feel when pressing down on the key. Both switches offer different experiences in terms of key feel, with the Maple Leaf providing a quicker actuation due to its shorter travel distance, and the WS Aurora Clear offering a slightly deeper press. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the type of typing or gaming experience desired.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Outemu Maple Leaf switch and the WS Aurora Clear switch provide distinct experiences when it comes to sound. The Maple Leaf switch does not have a specific sound descriptor available, so it may not have a unique sound signature. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear switch is known for its high-pitched sound profile, which produces a sharp and crisp noise when typing. Depending on personal preference, the WS Aurora Clear switch may be preferable for those who enjoy a more vibrant sound profile compared to the potentially neutral sound of the Maple Leaf switch.

When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Maple Leaf does not have a specific feel descriptor available, so it may not have a unique tactile feel. In contrast, the WS Aurora Clear switch is described with multiple feel descriptors. It is characterized as buttery, indicating a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Additionally, it is labeled as mild, offering a gentler typing sensation, and polished, resulting in reduced friction and a sleek typing feel. These qualities make the WS Aurora Clear switch suitable for those seeking a smooth and refined typing experience.

Overall, the Outemu Maple Leaf and the WS Aurora Clear switches offer contrasting subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Maple Leaf switch may provide a neutral sound and tactile experience, the WS Aurora Clear switch stands out with its high-pitched sound profile and buttery, mild, and polished feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound and typing sensation, either switch can deliver a satisfactory typing experience. However, it is essential for newcomers to consider their priorities in terms of sound and feel when selecting between these two switches to ensure they get a keyboard that matches their preferences.

Conclusion

In closing, when choosing between the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, consider your typing preferences. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and are not particular about sound or feel, the Maple Leaf may be a suitable choice. However, if you value a smooth and high-pitched typing experience with customizable RGB lighting, opt for the WS Aurora Clear. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique characteristics, so it's essential to prioritize what factors matter most to you when selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your needs.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Maple Leaf Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear Linear

$8.00 per 10

Learn more