Outemu Silent Yellow vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Silent Yellow and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear both offer unique features to consider. The Silent Yellow is a linear switch, known for its silence during typing sessions. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear is also a linear switch but stands out for its smooth, high-pitched typing experience, thanks to its transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing. While the Silent Yellow is best suited for those who prioritize a quiet typing environment, the WS Aurora Clear caters to individuals seeking a buttery, polished keystroke with maximum RGB lighting 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
45g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.20 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
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Yellow and Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for those looking to enhance the sound of their keystrokes. The translucent nature of polycarbonate also makes it perfect for switches intended to be paired with RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic element to the overall design. However, the Silent Yellow features a nylon bottom housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the WS Aurora Clear incorporates a UHWMPE bottom housing, offering a very bright sound signature and resonant clacks during typing.
Despite both switches utilizing polycarbonate for their top housing, the difference in bottom housing material between the Silent Yellow and WS Aurora Clear sets them apart in terms of sound profile. The nylon bottom housing of the Silent Yellow creates a duller and rounder sound, contributing to a different typing experience compared to the WS Aurora Clear with its UHWMPE bottom housing that produces resonant clacks. This variance showcases how the choice of bottom housing material can impact the overall sound and feel of a switch, with each material offering unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the top housing may influence the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing a key.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Yellow and Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear play a crucial role in shaping the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile ideal for enhancing keystrokes. However, the difference in bottom housing material between the switches, with the Silent Yellow using nylon and the WS Aurora Clear utilizing UHWMPE, creates distinct sound signatures that cater to different preferences. Whether seeking a deeper and fuller sound or a brighter and more resonant typing experience, the choice of bottom housing material significantly influences the overall sound profile of a switch.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, it is evident that the Silent Yellow is heavier in both aspects. The Silent Yellow has an actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, while the WS Aurora Clear has an actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams. The Silent Yellow provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, making it suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear offers a lighter typing experience, which is ideal for long typing sessions or extended gaming periods. Although the forces differ between the two switches, users can achieve similar results based on their preference for a lighter or heavier key press.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent Yellow linear 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. The Silent Yellow has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the WS Aurora Clear. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Silent Yellow being slightly on the longer side. Gamers may prefer the WS Aurora Clear for its slightly shorter travel distance, allowing for faster response times. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Outemu Silent Yellow. Ultimately, both switches offer a balanced travel distance that can cater to different preferences, providing a comfortable typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Silent Yellow 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 Silent Yellow switch is known for its lack of sound, hence the "Silent" in its name. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear linear switch is renowned for its high-pitched sound profile, which produces a sharp and crisp noise when keys are pressed. This makes it a good choice for those who prefer a more noticeable typing experience with a lively sound. Keep in mind that the overall sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of these switches, the Outemu Silent Yellow does not have a specific feel descriptor provided. In contrast, the WS Aurora Clear switch is described as "buttery," offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Additionally, it is labeled as "mild," meaning it provides a gentle typing sensation that is approachable for most users. The switch is also referred to as "polished," suggesting a refined finish that leads to reduced friction and smooth key travel. Overall, the WS Aurora Clear switch seems to offer a comfortable and consistent typing experience that is pleasing to most users.
Taking all the available information into consideration, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch and the WS Aurora Clear switch offer contrasting qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the former is known for its silence, the latter provides a high-pitched sound and a buttery, mild, polished feel. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference for typing sound and sensation. If you prefer a quiet typing experience, the Silent Yellow may be the way to go, but if you enjoy a more pronounced sound and a smooth keystroke, the WS Aurora Clear might be the better choice for you.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are looking for a heavy linear switch with a bottom out force of 80 grams and are not particularly concerned about sound or feel, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy linear switch with a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, and value a high-pitched sound and a buttery, polished feel, then the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switch would be a better fit for your preferences. Consider these factors carefully when deciding between the two switches to ensure the best typing experience for your needs.
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