Outemu Silent Grey vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Grey and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch to the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, there are notable differences to consider. The Silent Grey offers a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, making it perfect for those seeking satisfaction without the noise. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear provides a smooth, high-pitched typing experience with maximum RGB lighting customization thanks to its transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing. While the Silent Grey is more focused on tactile feedback, the WS Aurora Clear prioritizes smoothness and customization. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.60 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
The primary difference between the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Grey and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear lies in their bottom housings. The Silent Grey features a nylon bottom housing, known for producing a deep and full sound profile due to its softer nature. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear utilizes UHWMPE for its bottom housing, a newer material that offers a bright and resonant sound signature, resulting in loud clacks while typing. This contrast in bottom housing materials greatly impacts the overall sound and feel of the switches.
In terms of the top housing, both the Silent Grey and the WS Aurora Clear make use of polycarbonate, which creates a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is known for being relatively stiff, leading to a clear and resonant sound output. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing element to the typing experience. Despite their similarities in top housing material, the unique qualities of the bottom housing materials give each switch its distinctive sound signature.
Overall, the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Grey and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear play a crucial role in shaping the sound and typing experience of each switch. While both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, the Silent Grey's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, contrasting with the WS Aurora Clear's UHWMPE bottom housing that provides a brighter and more resonant sound. These differences highlight the importance of considering not only the top housing material but also the bottom housing material when selecting a switch for a customized typing experience.
Weight
The Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch both fall into the medium-heavy category in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Silent Grey has a slightly lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the 53 grams of the WS Aurora Clear. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Silent Grey requires 65 grams while the WS Aurora Clear only needs 63.5 grams. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the WS Aurora Clear may be the better option, as it has a slightly lower actuation force. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Silent Grey due to its higher bottom out force. Overall, whether you choose the Silent Grey or the WS Aurora Clear, you can expect similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the WS Aurora Clear has a slightly shorter travel distance than the Silent Grey. Both switches offer a moderate travel distance that falls between the traditional 4.0 mm and the more shallow 3.0 mm. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the WS Aurora Clear with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Silent Grey. Overall, while both switches offer a similar experience, the slight difference in travel distance may influence your choice depending on your personal preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Silent Grey 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 Silent Grey switch is known for its quiet and subtle typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a more subdued auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear switch is described as producing a high-pitched sound, which can be crisp and sharp when pressed. Whether you prefer a quieter typing experience or enjoy a more distinct sound profile, both switches offer unique auditory qualities that cater to different preferences.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Silent Grey switch is known for its pronounced tactile bump and smooth keystroke, providing a satisfying and tactile typing experience for users. In contrast, the WS Aurora Clear switch is described as having a buttery, mild, and polished feel, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke that is effortless and uniform. Whether you appreciate a more pronounced tactile feedback or prefer a gentler typing sensation, both switches offer distinct tactile qualities that can enhance your typing experience.
Overall, the Outemu Silent Grey switch and the WS Aurora Clear switch offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Silent Grey switch provides a quiet and tactile typing experience, the WS Aurora Clear switch offers a high-pitched sound and a buttery, polished feel. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches can cater to different typing preferences and enhance your overall typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a quiet and tactile typing experience, the Outemu Silent Grey switches would be a great choice for you. With a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, these switches offer a satisfying and silent typing experience. On the other hand, if you are seeking a smooth and high-pitched typing experience with maximum RGB lighting customization, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switches would be the ideal option for you. With a transparent polycarbonate top housing, UHMWPE bottom housing, and a lightly lubed POM stem, these switches provide a buttery and polished typing sensation. Ultimately, your decision between the Outemu Silent Grey and WS Aurora Clear switches will come down to whether you prioritize tactile feedback or a smooth linear typing experience with customizable RGB lighting.
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