SP-Star Polaris Gray vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear. The Polaris Gray is known for providing a bouncy typing experience and has a clean and clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear offers a smooth and high-pitched typing experience, with maximum RGB lighting customization thanks to its transparent polycarbonate top housing. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. 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
N/A
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
Double-staged stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear both utilize polycarbonate for the top housing. This material choice enhances the sound profile of the switches, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially advantageous for those planning to use RGB lighting, as it allows for better light diffusion and illumination. Overall, both switches will provide similar results in terms of sound quality and visual aesthetics.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Polaris Gray uses polycarbonate while the WS Aurora Clear utilizes UHWMPE. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, leading to a clearer and more resonant sound profile. In contrast, UHWMPE is a newer material for switch housings and offers a distinct bright sound signature. This results in resonant clacks when typing on switches with UHWMPE bottom housings. Therefore, the WS Aurora Clear may provide a slightly different sound experience compared to the Polaris Gray due to the use of UHWMPE.
When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing material will be more prominent. The bottom housing directly impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is fully pressed. In contrast, the top housing material primarily affects the sound when a key is released. Therefore, while the top and bottom housings may have different materials, the overall typing experience and feel of the switches will still be similar, with the bottom housing material having a more noticeable impact.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, there are both similarities and differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Polaris Gray's actuation force remains unknown, while the WS Aurora Clear has an actuation force of 53 grams. This means that the Aurora Clear requires less force to initiate a keystroke compared to the Polaris Gray. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Polaris Gray requires 67 grams while the Aurora Clear requires 63.5 grams. This means that the Polaris Gray is slightly heavier when it comes to bottoming out.
Considering weight, some individuals prefer a lighter switch as it allows for extended typing sessions, making it ideal for work or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience might opt for a switch with a heavier force. In this case, the Polaris Gray would be the lighter option due to its lower actuation force, while the Aurora Clear would be slightly heavier due to its higher bottom out force. However, it is worth mentioning that both switches fall within the medium-heavy range for bottom out force. Ultimately, depending on personal preference, both switches offer similar results in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, providing varying typing experiences for different individuals.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, there is a slight difference between the two. The Polaris Gray has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Aurora Clear has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. While both switches are relatively similar in terms of travel distance, the WS Aurora Clear is slightly shorter by 0.2 mm. In general, a travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered more traditional, while 3.0 mm is considered more shallow. However, it is important to note that shorter travel distances are becoming more popular, especially among gamers who prefer faster response times. Choosing the shorter option can provide a higher level of responsiveness. On the other hand, some individuals may find short travel distances to feel too abrupt. If you prefer a deeper keypress, opting for the switch with the longer travel distance may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, individual preference and typing experience will play a significant role in deciding which switch to choose.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Polaris Gray has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Polaris Gray for $5.00.
The Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear comes in at $8.00 per 10 switches.
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 SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch is known for its clean and clacky sound profile. These switches have a low-pitched sound, which means they produce a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Additionally, the Polaris Gray switches are also described as thocky, meaning they produce a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed and released. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch has a high-pitched sound. These switches produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. If you prefer a more rich and bassy sound profile, the Aurora Clear switches may not be the best choice for you. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, both the Polaris Gray and WS Aurora Clear switches offer a mild and approachable typing experience. A mild switch provides a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. This means that the sound and feel of these switches fall within a safe, middle-ground zone that most people will find comfortable. Both switches also have a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. The materials used and factory lubing contribute to reduced friction and smooth key travel. The WS Aurora Clear switches are additionally described as buttery, indicating a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that provides a seamless and effortless typing sensation.
Overall, the Polaris Gray and WS Aurora Clear switches have distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a bouncy typing experience with a clean and clacky sound, the Polaris Gray switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth, high-pitched sound with a buttery and polished feel, the WS Aurora Clear switch would be a better fit. It's important to consider your personal preferences and the overall typing experience you desire. However, if you are unable to decide or obtain one of these switches, you can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel by selecting switches that have similar characteristics, such as low-pitched or high-pitched switches, along with a mild and polished feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a bouncy typing experience and a clean, clacky sound profile, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch would be an excellent choice for you. With a bottom out force of 67 grams, these switches provide a medium-heavy typing feel. They are described as having a low-pitched, neutral, and thocky sound profile, which produces a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. In terms of feel, the Polaris Gray switches are described as mild and polished, offering a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you value a smooth, high-pitched typing experience with maximum RGB lighting customization, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch would be a great option. With a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, these switches provide a similar medium-heavy typing feel. They produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, making them ideal for those who prefer high-pitched switches. In terms of feel, the WS Aurora Clear switches are described as buttery, mild, and polished, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with reduced friction and seamless typing sensation.
Ultimately, the choice between the SP-Star Polaris Gray and Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches depends on your personal preferences in terms of typing experience, sound profile, and lighting customization. Whether you prioritize a bouncy and clacky typing feel or a smooth and high-pitched typing experience, both switches offer unique qualities to enhance your mechanical keyboard setup.
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