Outemu Red Panda vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear
An in-depth look at the Outemu Red Panda and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, there are numerous options available to suit individual preferences. Two popular choices are the Outemu Red Panda, a tactile switch, and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear, a linear switch. The Red Panda is known for its light-medium amount of tactility and distinctive sound, with a bassier bottom-out sound and a clackier top-out sound. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear offers a smooth and high-pitched typing experience, along with maximum RGB lighting customization due to its transparent polycarbonate top housing. The POM stem of the switch is lightly lubed, ensuring minimal friction and a satisfyingly smooth keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so that you can make an informed decision about the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
The Outemu Red Panda and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear share similar top housing materials, as both use polycarbonate. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in switches. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize sound quality. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the use of RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switches. Therefore, users can expect similar sound and lighting effects from both switches.
However, the Red Panda features a nylon bottom housing, while the WS Aurora Clear utilizes UHWMPE as its bottom housing material. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that adds depth and fullness to the typing sound. It is softer compared to harder plastics, allowing it to absorb more sound and produce a duller, rounder sound profile. On the other hand, UHWMPE is a newer material known for its bright sound signature. Typing on switches with UHWMPE bottom housing generates resonant clacks, adding a distinct character to the typing experience. Therefore, the bottom housing material will significantly impact the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches.
In summary, both the Outemu Red Panda and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear benefit from the use of polycarbonate in their top housings, resulting in sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profiles. The translucency of polycarbonate also allows for the incorporation of RGB lighting. However, the Red Panda's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, while the WS Aurora Clear's UHWMPE bottom housing offers brighter and resonant clacks. The bottom housing material plays a crucial role in the overall typing experience, whereas the top housing material affects the sound when releasing a key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, there are some noticeable similarities and differences. The Red Panda has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams, requiring a slightly lighter push to trigger a keystroke compared to the WS Aurora Clear with an actuation force of 53 grams. Both switches fall under the medium category in terms of actuation force.
When it comes to bottom out force, the Red Panda has a slightly heavier force of 60 grams, while the WS Aurora Clear has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it slightly heavier. Both switches fall in the medium range with the WS Aurora Clear leaning towards medium-heavy.
Considering weight, those who prefer a lighter typing experience might favor the Red Panda as it allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, which is ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience might opt for the WS Aurora Clear with its heavier forces. The difference in actuation and bottom out forces between the switches contributes to a distinct feel and response when typing.
In summary, while the Red Panda and WS Aurora Clear have similar actuation forces in the medium range, the Red Panda has a slightly lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the WS Aurora Clear's 53 grams. The bottom out force of the Red Panda is 60 grams, while the WS Aurora Clear is slightly heavier at 63.5 grams, giving it a medium-heavy classification. The choice between the two switches ultimately depends on individual preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch is 3.3 mm, while the travel distance of the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch is 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers who value quicker response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel when pressing down on a key, the Red Panda with its shorter travel distance would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt, and for those who prefer a deeper and more satisfying key press, the WS Aurora Clear with its longer travel distance may be a better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for travel distance and the desired feel when typing or gaming.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Red Panda comes in at $3.40, 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 Red Panda tactile switch offers a unique experience. Typing on these switches produces a light-medium amount of tactility, accompanied by a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. This combination results in a thocky sound profile, which is deeply satisfying and reminiscent of a soft "knock" or a deep "thud" when the key is pressed and released. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch provides a high-pitched sound when pressed. These switches produce a sharp and crisp sound, adding a sense of precision and clarity to each keystroke. Those who prefer a more rich and bassy sound profile may find the high-pitched quality of the WS Aurora Clear switches appealing. However, the ultimate sound produced by both switches will also depend on other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch offers a mild typing experience that falls somewhere in the safe and approachable middle-ground zone. These switches have milder characteristics compared to switches with more pronounced qualities, offering a more gentle typing experience overall. The sound and feel of the Red Panda switches are designed to be appealing to a wide range of users, providing a comfortable and accessible typing sensation. The Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, on the other hand, offers a buttery and seamless typing experience. With a POM stem that is lightly lubed, these switches ensure minimal friction and a satisfyingly smooth keystroke. The uniformity and effortless nature of their typing sensation make them a popular choice among users who value a fluid and polished typing experience.
In conclusion, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities that cater to different preferences. The Red Panda provides a thocky sound profile with a mild and approachable typing experience, while the WS Aurora Clear offers a high-pitched sound and a buttery, polished feel. Both switches bring their own unique characteristics to the table, providing options for users seeking different sound and feel profiles for their mechanical keyboards. Depending on personal preference, users can choose either switch to achieve similar or contrasting results in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a medium bottom out force, light-medium tactility, and a bassier, raindrop-like bottom out sound, then the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch is a great choice for you. It offers a satisfyingly smooth keystroke and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, high-pitched typing experience with maximum RGB lighting customization, then the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch is the way to go. With its transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing, it gives a buttery and uniform typing sensation. Additionally, if you enjoy a sharper and crisper sound when typing, the WS Aurora Clear's high-pitched profile will be more appealing than the thocky sound of the Red Panda. In the end, the choice between these two switches ultimately depends on your personal preference for bottom out force, tactility, sound profile, and typing experience.
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