Kailh Plum vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear
An in-depth look at the Kailh Plum 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, two popular options to consider are the Kailh Plum, a tactile switch, and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear, a linear switch. The Plum offers a unique typing experience with its hefty feel and subtle tactile bump, breaking the conventional correlation between weightiness and tactility. Its sound profile is neutral and pleasing, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear linear switches provide a smooth and high-pitched typing experience. With a transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing, these switches not only offer maximum RGB lighting customization but also minimize friction with a lightly lubed POM stem, resulting in satisfyingly smooth keystrokes. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
No
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 housing materials of the Kailh Plum and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear have some similarities in terms of their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate, a stiff plastic that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material's translucency also makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Therefore, if you are looking for a switch with a clear housing and want to achieve similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics, both the Plum and the WS Aurora Clear can provide that.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, there is a notable difference. The Plum utilizes a nylon bottom housing while the WS Aurora Clear incorporates UHWMPE as its bottom housing material. Typing on the Plum's nylon bottom housing results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear's UHWMPE bottom housing offers a very bright sound signature, producing resonant clacks when typing on switches with such housings. This distinction in bottom housing materials can greatly impact the overall sound and feel of the switches.
It is important to note that the characteristics of the bottom and top housing materials are divided within the switch. When pressing down on the switch, you will feel the qualities of the bottom housing, which influences the bottom-out sound and feel. In contrast, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while both the Plum and the WS Aurora Clear have a polycarbonate top housing for a similar sound profile, the distinction in their bottom housing materials will result in noticeable differences in the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Plum tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, there are some notable differences. Starting with the Plum, unfortunately, the specific actuation force is unavailable. However, its bottom out force is 70 grams, which falls into the medium-heavy range. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear has a known actuation force of 53 grams, making it lighter than the Plum. In terms of bottom out force, the WS Aurora Clear requires 63.5 grams, which again falls into the medium-heavy category.
Considering the weight aspect, individuals who prefer a lighter switch may find the WS Aurora Clear more suitable, as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke. Having a lighter switch can be advantageous for those who need to type for extended periods or engage in marathon gaming sessions. On the contrary, for individuals seeking a more substantial and pronounced typing experience, a switch with a heavier actuation force may be preferable. Although the exact actuation force for the Plum is unknown, its bottom out force of 70 grams suggests that it may offer a heavier push feel compared to the WS Aurora Clear.
In summary, while the exact actuation force of the Kailh Plum tactile switch remains uncertain, its bottom out force is 70 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy category. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switch has an actuation force of 53 grams, making it lighter. Both switches share a similar medium-heavy bottom out force, ensuring comparable results in terms of bottoming out. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and whether one prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Plum tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, we can see that the Plum has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the WS Aurora Clear has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable choices for those who value faster response times. Gamers, in particular, tend to favor switches with shorter travel distances as it allows for quicker keystrokes. However, it is important to note that some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt. For those who prefer a deeper and more satisfying keystroke, the switch with a longer travel distance would be a better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness and key depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Plum comes in at $6.25, 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 Kailh Plum switch offers a neutral sound profile that is enjoyable and pleasing to the ear. It doesn't have any extreme characteristics and is suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, or if you plan to use it at home or work. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switch produces a high-pitched sound when pressed. This results in a sharp and crisp sound that is quite different from the rich and bassy sound profiles of certain switches. If you prefer a higher-pitched sound, the WS Aurora Clear would be a good choice. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Plum switch offers a mild typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. It provides a gentle and approachable feel for most users, with qualities that are not too pronounced or extreme. Additionally, it has a stepped feel, meaning it has two stages in its tactile feedback. This gives a more mild sensation compared to switches with a full bump throughout the keystroke. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switch offers a buttery and mild typing experience. It provides a smooth and fluid keystroke, resulting in a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Additionally, it is described as polished, indicating a refined finish that ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Overall, the Kailh Plum tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Plum switch has a neutral sound profile and offers a mild feel with a stepped tactile feedback, while the WS Aurora Clear switch produces a high-pitched sound and provides a buttery feel with a polished typing experience. Depending on your personal preferences, you can choose the switch that suits your desired sound and feel. However, it's worth noting that both switches provide unique characteristics that may appeal to different individuals.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering which switch to choose between the Kailh Plum tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences and priorities. If you value a unique tactile experience without a huge bump, along with a neutral and enjoyable sound profile, then the Plum switch would be a great option for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth, high-pitched typing experience with maximum RGB lighting customization, along with a buttery, mild, and polished feel, then the WS Aurora Clear switch is the way to go. Be sure to consider the bottom out force as well, with the Plum being slightly heavier at 70 grams compared to the WS Aurora Clear at 63.5 grams. Ultimately, both switches have their own distinctive qualities, so it's important to assess what you value most in terms of sound and feel to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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