Outemu Purple vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear
An in-depth look at the Outemu Purple 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 Purple and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear offer distinct typing experiences. The Purple switch is well-known for its tactile feedback, providing a satisfying bump with every keystroke. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear linear switch offers a smooth and high-pitched typing experience, perfect for those who prioritize a buttery and polished feel while typing. The WS Aurora Clear also stands out with its UHMWPE bottom housing, transparent polycarbonate top housing, and POM stem lightly lubed for minimal friction. These features allow for maximum RGB lighting customization and a seamlessly smooth keystroke. Both switches have their unique qualities and advantages, making them suitable for different preferences and 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
50g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Purple and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness, resulting in clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, polycarbonate is ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency. While both switches share this top housing material, they may differ in their bottom housing composition.
The Outemu Purple utilizes a nylon bottom housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear features a UHWMPE bottom housing, a new material for switch housings. This material offers a bright sound signature with resonant clacks when typing, providing a unique typing experience compared to nylon.
When a switch has different top and bottom housings, the qualities of each material are split between the two parts of the switch. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. While both the Outemu Purple and the WS Aurora Clear feature polycarbonate top housings, their distinct bottom housing materials contribute to their individual sound profiles and typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, there is a noticeable difference in weight. The Outemu Purple has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams, while the WS Aurora Clear has a slightly heavier actuation force of 53 grams. Both switches have a bottom out force that remains unknown for the Purple but is measured at 63.5 grams for the WS Aurora Clear, making it medium-heavy. The lighter actuation force of the Purple may be preferred by those who type for longer periods or engage in extended gaming sessions, while the heavier actuation force of the WS Aurora Clear may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, selecting the switch with the appropriate force requirements is crucial in achieving the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Outemu Purple 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 of these distances fall within the traditional range, with the Purple being on the longer side and the WS Aurora Clear being slightly shorter. Gamers, who often prioritize faster response times, may lean towards the WS Aurora Clear due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may prefer the Outemu Purple for its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Purple 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 Purple switch doesn't have a distinctive reputation, whereas the WS Aurora Clear linear switch is known for its high-pitched and sharp sound profile. If you prefer a crisper and more pronounced sound when typing, the WS Aurora Clear may be the better choice for you. Keep in mind that the overall sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Purple switch doesn't have a specific characteristic associated with it. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear switch is described as buttery, mild, and polished. This means that the linear switch offers a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, a gentle typing sensation, and a refined finish for reduced friction and seamless key travel. If you prefer a softer and more polished typing feel, the WS Aurora Clear switch might be more suitable for your preferences.
Considering the available information, the WS Aurora Clear linear switch seems to excel in both sound and feel compared to the Outemu Purple tactile switch. If you prioritize a high-pitched and sharp typing sound along with a smooth, gentle, and polished keystroke experience, the WS Aurora Clear would likely be the better option for you. However, if you are unsure about your preferences or want a more neutral typing experience, either switch could still provide a satisfactory result. Ultimately, it's important to consider how the sound and feel of the switches align with your personal typing preferences and overall keyboard setup.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, consider your preferences for typing feel and sound. If you prefer a light typing experience with undefined bottom out force and are looking for a versatile switch, the Purple may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you enjoy a smooth and buttery typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, along with a high-pitched sound profile and enhanced RGB lighting, the WS Aurora Clear could be the perfect fit for you. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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