KTT Purple Click vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear
An in-depth look at the KTT Purple Click 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 on the market are the KTT Purple Click and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear. The Purple Click is a clicky switch that is best known for its fairly high-pitched, satisfying click. The keystrokes are light, yet offer a pronounced tactility without being overwhelming, striking a perfect equilibrium. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear is a linear switch that provides a smooth, high-pitched typing experience. It features a transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing, allowing for maximum RGB lighting customization. The POM stem is lightly lubed, ensuring minimal friction and a satisfyingly smooth keystroke. While the Purple Click offers an invigorating and resonant typing experience, the WS Aurora Clear boasts a buttery and polished feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.90 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
18mm spring
Spring
Double-staged stainless steel
Housing materials
The KTT Purple Click and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it perfect for incorporating RGB lighting into the switch aesthetics. Overall, the top housings of both switches provide similar sound qualities and visual appeal.
However, when it comes to the bottom housings, the Purple Click employs nylon while the WS Aurora Clear utilizes UHWMPE. Nylon is a classic material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its relatively softer nature allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, UHWMPE is a newer material that offers a very bright sound signature. This translates into resonant clacks when typing on switches with this type of housing.
When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become apparent. The bottom housing material has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. In the case of the Purple Click, the use of nylon creates a deeper and fuller typing experience, while the WS Aurora Clear's UHWMPE gives a distinct bright clack. On the other hand, the top housing material plays a greater role in the sound when a key is released. Here, both switches share the same polycarbonate material, providing comparable sound profiles upon key release.
In summary, the KTT Purple Click and Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear share similar qualities in their polycarbonate top housings, offering sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profiles with the added benefit of being suitable for RGB lighting. However, their bottom housings differ. The nylon bottom housing of the Purple Click produces a deeper and fuller sound, while the UHWMPE bottom housing of the WS Aurora Clear offers a bright and resonant clack. Both switches rely on the top housing for the sound profile upon key release.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Purple Click clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Purple Click has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it easier to trigger a keystroke compared to the WS Aurora Clear's actuation force of 53 grams, which is slightly heavier. In terms of bottom out force, the Purple Click requires 55 grams of force, while the WS Aurora Clear requires 63.5 grams, making it a heavier switch.
Considering weight, the lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Purple Click make it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. This can be advantageous for individuals who need to type for extended periods, such as in a professional setting or during long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear's heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a more substantial typing feel, which some individuals may prefer for a tactile and responsive typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience. Those who prioritize a lighter touch may opt for the Purple Click, while individuals seeking a heavier and more tactile feel may lean towards the WS Aurora Clear.
Travel distance
The KTT Purple Click clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch have different travel distances. The Purple Click has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Aurora Clear has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. The 4.0 mm travel distance of the Purple Click is considered more traditional, while the 3.8 mm travel distance of the WS Aurora Clear is slightly shallower.
For gamers or those looking for faster response times, the shorter travel distance of the WS Aurora Clear may be more appealing. The shorter distance allows for quicker key presses and potentially faster reaction times in gaming scenarios. However, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance of the WS Aurora Clear to feel too abrupt or lacking in depth.
On the other hand, the Purple Click's longer travel distance of 4 mm may be preferable for those who enjoy a more substantial feel when pressing keys. The additional 0.2 mm can provide a sense of depth and satisfaction during typing or gaming sessions.
Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference. If a shorter travel distance and faster response time are important to you, the WS Aurora Clear would be a suitable option. However, if you prefer a deeper and more satisfying key press, the Purple Click with its longer travel distance would be the better choice.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Purple Click has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Click for $2.55.
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
The Purple Click switch is known for its high-pitched and satisfying click sound. Typing on this switch produces a crunchy sound reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. It offers a light keystroke with pronounced tactility, striking a perfect balance between being tactile without overwhelming. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear switch provides a smooth and high-pitched typing experience. It produces a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, but in a higher pitch compared to the Purple Click. The sound profile of these switches is clean and sharp. The feel of the Purple Click switch is invigorating, offering a snappy and reactive typing sensation with moderate to firm actuation force. It falls under the category of stepped switches, providing a mild bump with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. In contrast, the WS Aurora Clear switch offers a buttery and mild typing experience. It is smooth, fluid, and provides a seamless and effortless feel. The switch has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. In summary, the Purple Click switch offers a light, tactile keystroke with a high-pitched click sound, while the WS Aurora Clear switch provides a smooth and high-pitched typing experience with a buttery and mild feel. Both switches have their unique characteristics, and the choice between them depends on personal preference for sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the KTT Purple Click clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a high-pitched, satisfying click with light keystrokes and pronounced tactility, the Purple Click is the ideal choice for you. It offers an invigorating and slightly stepped typing experience, providing a snappy and reactive feel. Additionally, if you prefer the crunchy and resonant sound profile associated with clicky switches, the Purple Click is a great option.
On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and high-pitched typing experience with maximum RGB lighting customization, the WS Aurora Clear is the switch for you. With its transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing, it allows for vibrant lighting effects. The POM stem, lightly lubed for minimal friction, ensures a buttery and polished keystroke experience. The WS Aurora Clear provides a mild typing sensation, appealing to a wider range of users with its safe middle-ground qualities.
Ultimately, whether you choose the Purple Click or the WS Aurora Clear, both switches offer unique attributes that cater to different preferences. Consider factors such as sound, feel, and the overall typing experience that aligns with your personal taste. Overall, both switches are excellent choices, and you can't go wrong with either one. Happy typing!
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