TTC Silent Red vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Red and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch that offers a quiet and seamless typing experience, the TTC Silent Red and Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear are both excellent options to consider. The Silent Red switch is well-known for its smooth and consistent feel throughout, making it a perfect choice for those who prefer a muted sound profile in office or shared living space environments. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear switch is geared towards users who desire a smooth and high-pitched typing experience. Its transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing allow for exceptional RGB lighting customization. Additionally, the lightly lubed POM stem ensures minimal friction for a satisfyingly smooth keystroke. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
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 TTC Silent Red and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches both feature polycarbonate top housings. This means that they will have similar characteristics in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. The use of polycarbonate creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its relatively stiffer plastic composition. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for switches with RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect a consistent sound and visual experience when using either the Silent Red or the WS Aurora Clear switches.
However, where these switches differ is in their bottom housings. The Silent Red utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear features a UHWMPE bottom housing, providing a very bright sound signature and resonant clacks when typing. This newer material for switch housings offers a unique acoustic experience compared to traditional nylon.
It's important to note that the qualities each housing material brings to the switch will be split between the top and bottom. When pressing down on either switch, the user will feel the impact and qualities of the bottom housing. The bottom-out sound and feel will be influenced by the properties of the bottom housing material. Conversely, the sound when releasing a key will be more influenced by the characteristics of the top housing. Therefore, while the top housings of the Silent Red and WS Aurora Clear are the same, their contrasting bottom housings will result in different sound profiles and tactile experiences.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Silent Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, it is clear that both switches have a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This means that when pressing the keys all the way down, the user will experience a similar resistance regardless of which switch they choose. However, there is a difference in the actuation force between the two switches. The TTC Silent Red requires a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear has a slightly heavier actuation force of 53 grams, giving users a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. The choice between these switches ultimately depends on individual preferences and whether one prefers a lighter or heavier actuation force.
Travel distance
The TTC Silent Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch have slightly different travel distances. The Silent Red has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the WS Aurora Clear has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Although the difference may seem insignificant, it can have an impact on the typing or gaming experience. The Silent Red, with its shorter travel distance, is favored by gamers who prioritize faster response times. The shorter distance allows for quicker key presses, aiding in rapid keystrokes during intense gaming sessions. On the other hand, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance to be too abrupt, preferring a more substantial depth to their typing or gaming experience. In such cases, the WS Aurora Clear, with its slightly longer travel distance, might be the preferred choice. Overall, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness or depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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 TTC Silent Red switch is best described as muted. This means that it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. The Silent Reds are perfect for those who want a smooth and seamless typing experience without all the noise, making them an excellent choice for office or shared living space use. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear switch is described as high-pitched. This means that it produces a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. If you prefer a sound profile that is more rich and bassy, the WS Aurora Clear switches might be the better option for you. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, both the TTC Silent Red and WS Aurora Clear switches provide a buttery and mild typing experience. A buttery switch implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, offering a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Additionally, a mild mechanical keyboard switch offers a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. With both switches, the sound and feel will be approachable to most users as their qualities all stand in a safe, middle-ground zone. Moreover, both switches are described as polished, meaning they have a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. This can be attributed to the materials used in the switches and/or factory lubing, which reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel.
In conclusion, both the TTC Silent Red and WS Aurora Clear switches offer subjective qualities that can enhance your typing experience. If you're looking for a switch that delivers a smooth and seamless typing experience without all the noise, the Silent Reds are the perfect choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a high-pitched sound profile and maximum RGB lighting customization, the WS Aurora Clear switches are a great option. In terms of feel, both switches provide a buttery, mild, and polished typing experience, ensuring a smooth and refined keystroke. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and desired features. Regardless of your choice, you can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both the TTC Silent Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch have similar bottom out forces, making them both medium-heavy switches. However, they differ in terms of their sound and feel.
If you're looking for a switch that delivers a smooth and seamless typing experience without all the noise, the TTC Silent Red is the perfect choice. It has a muted sound profile, making it ideal for office or shared living space use. The switch also provides a smooth and consistent feel from top to bottom, with a padded bottom-out feel for maximum comfort.
On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth, high-pitched typing experience with customizable RGB lighting, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear is the way to go. These switches feature 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.
In terms of sound, the Silent Red produces a softer and quieter sound due to its muted characteristics. In contrast, the WS Aurora Clear produces a sharp and crisp high-pitched sound.
Both switches offer similar feels, described as buttery, mild, and polished. This means that both switches provide a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, with a gentle typing sensation that is approachable to most users. The switches have reduced friction and provide a sleek typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Silent Red and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear will depend on your preferences. If you prioritize a silent and comfortable typing experience, the Silent Red is the better choice. However, if you value customizable RGB lighting and enjoy a high-pitched sound, the WS Aurora Clear is the more suitable option. Consider your desired sound profile, level of noise tolerance, and typing preferences when making your decision.
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