Gateron Quinn vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a plethora of options to choose from, each offering its own unique features and advantages. Two switches that stand out in the crowd are the Gateron Quinn, a tactile switch, and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear, a linear switch. The Quinn switches are renowned for their crisp, light switch-like tactility and deep, resonant sound profile, thanks to their specially designed nylon housings. With each keystroke, users are greeted with a rich and immersive sound, creating a truly unique typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear linear switches offer a smooth and high-pitched typing experience. With a transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing, these switches allow for maximum RGB lighting customization. The lightly lubed POM stem ensures minimal friction and a satisfyingly smooth keystroke. Both switches have their own merits and bring a touch of character to the typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and needs.

By the numbers

Gateron Quinn Tactile

Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear Linear

$6.00

$5.50 per 10

$8.00 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron Quinn and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear differ in their housing materials, with the Quinn featuring a nylon top housing while the WS Aurora Clear utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. The nylon housing of the Quinn offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing of the WS Aurora Clear creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate produces a clearer and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting capabilities.

Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Quinn and the WS Aurora Clear differ in their materials. The Quinn's nylon bottom housing, similar to its top housing, delivers a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer plastic of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound during typing. In contrast, the WS Aurora Clear utilizes UHWMPE for its bottom housing. This newer material provides a very bright sound signature, characterized by resonant clacks when typing on switches with such housings. This material choice adds a distinct auditory experience to the WS Aurora Clear compared to the Quinn.

It's important to note that the housing material used in the top and bottom components of a switch can influence the overall sound and feel. With the Quinn and WS Aurora Clear, the qualities of their respective housing materials are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Despite their differences, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience, whether through the deeper and fuller sound of nylon or the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate, or the bright sound signature of UHWMPE in the bottom housing of the WS Aurora Clear.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, there are some similarities and differences. In terms of weight, both switches fall into the medium-heavy category. The Gateron Quinn has an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, whereas the WS Aurora Clear has an actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This means that the Quinn is slightly heavier in both categories.

The actuation force of a switch is the amount of force required to trigger a keystroke, while the bottom out force measures the force needed to fully press down the switch. Both switches provide a tactile feedback, but with varying actuation and bottom out forces.

Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the WS Aurora Clear to be more suitable, as it has a slightly lower actuation force. This can be beneficial for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming sessions, as it allows for less strain on the fingers. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn provides a slightly heavier push feel, making it more suitable for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. The heavier bottom out force may also provide a satisfying sensation for those who enjoy a bit of resistance when typing.

Overall, while both switches fall into the medium-heavy category, the Gateron Quinn is slightly heavier in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The weight of a switch is an important factor to consider, as it can greatly impact the typing experience based on personal preference and intended usage. Whether one prefers a lighter or heavier switch, these options provide a range of actuation and bottom out forces to cater to different typing preferences.

Travel distance

The Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch have different travel distances. The Quinn has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the WS Aurora Clear has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In terms of traditional travel distances, both switches fall within the range. However, if you are looking for a faster response time, the Quinn with its shorter travel distance might be more suitable. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for quicker key presses. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial keypress, the WS Aurora Clear with its longer travel distance may be the better choice. Some individuals find shorter travel distances too abrupt, while others appreciate the added depth and feedback of a longer travel distance. Ultimately, your preference and desired typing experience will determine which switch is the most suitable for you.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch offers a unique combination of qualities. It has a deep and resonant sound profile, thanks to its specially designed nylon housings. With each keystroke, users can expect a rich and immersive sound that adds character to the typing experience. The sound can be described as bassy, clacky, low-pitched, and resonant. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch produces a high-pitched sound when pressed. If you prefer a sharper and crisper sound, this switch would be a better choice. Overall, the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch offers several descriptors. It is described as snappy, which means that it is super responsive and provides a lively typing experience. The switch is also polished, resulting in a smooth and refined finish that reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel. Additionally, it is considered to be bouncy, offering a spring-like feedback sensation with a vibrant feel. The Quinn switch can also be described as accented, providing a notable amount of tactility without being overwhelming. Moreover, it is both buttery and creamy, delivering a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear linear switch shares the buttery feel of the Quinn switch, emphasizing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. It is also mild, offering a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. Lastly, it is also polished, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel.

In conclusion, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch stands out for its deep and resonant sound profile, crisp and light tactile feedback, and a range of subjective qualities such as being snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch offers a high-pitched sound profile, a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, and subjective qualities like being buttery, mild, and polished. Although their sound and feel differ, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience. If you are looking for a more bassy and resonant sound with a crisp tactile bump, the Quinn switch would be an excellent choice. However, if you prefer a high-pitched sound and a smooth typing experience, the WS Aurora Clear switch would be a suitable option.

Conclusion

In closing, when choosing between the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for sound and feel.

If you prioritize a typing experience with a unique combination of crisp, light switch-like tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile, then the Quinn switches are the way to go. With their specially designed nylon housings, you can expect a precise, clean, and crisp tactile bump accompanied by a rich and immersive sound. The Quinn switch is best described as bassy, clacky, low-pitched, and resonant.

On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth, high-pitched typing experience with maximum RGB lighting customization, the WS Aurora Clear switches are the better choice. With a transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing, these switches offer a satisfyingly smooth keystroke. The WS Aurora Clear switch is best described as high-pitched, buttery, and polished.

Ultimately, your decision should be based on the sound and feel that you find most pleasing and comfortable. Consider your preferences and priorities when it comes to these factors, and choose the switch that will enhance your typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Quinn Tactile

$6.00

$5.50 per 10

Learn more

Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear Linear

$8.00 per 10

Learn more