Dareu Snow vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear
An in-depth look at the Dareu Snow and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Snow and Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear both offer unique and compelling features. The Snow switch stands out for its innovative use of POK material, providing a deeper sound signature and a smooth linear typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear switch offers a high-pitched typing experience with its transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing, allowing for maximum RGB lighting customization. While the Snow switch is characterized as 'Thocky', 'Neutral', 'Low-pitched', 'Bouncy', the WS Aurora Clear switch is described as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'High-pitched', and 'Polished'. Choosing between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and customization options. 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
50g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Double-staged stainless steel
Housing materials
The Dareu Snow and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear both offer unique characteristics in their housing materials. The Snow utilizes POK for its top housing, providing a smooth, clacky, and durable feel to the switches. In comparison, the WS Aurora Clear opts for polycarbonate, which delivers a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile along with translucency ideal for RGB lighting. While the POK material offers exceptional durability and smoothness, the polycarbonate material stands out for its clear and resonant sound.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Snow features nylon, known for generating a deep and full sound profile due to its softer characteristics which absorb more sound. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear incorporates UHWMPE for its bottom housing, offering a bright sound signature with resonant clacks. The nylon bottom housing of the Snow creates a duller and rounder sound, contrasting with the UHWMPE's vibrant sound quality in the WS Aurora Clear.
Although the Dareu Snow and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear have different top and bottom housing materials, their design choices impact the overall sound and feel of the switches. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing has a more pronounced impact on the sound when releasing a key. Whether it's the smooth and durable POK of the Snow or the sharp and resonant polycarbonate of the WS Aurora Clear, both switches offer unique sound profiles and aesthetic considerations based on their housing materials.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Snow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch differ slightly. The Snow has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, placing it in the medium range. In comparison, the WS Aurora Clear has an actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it slightly heavier in terms of force required. Those looking for a lighter typing experience might prefer the Snow, while those seeking a more substantial push feel may opt for the WS Aurora Clear. Both switches offer a similar experience in terms of actuation and bottom out force, ensuring consistent performance for users regardless of their choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference for typing intensity and feeling.
Travel distance
The Dareu Snow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, which is shorter than the 3.8 mm travel distance of the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch. The Snow switch offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers who prioritize speed and agility in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear switch provides a slightly deeper keypress experience, which some users may find more satisfying and comfortable for extended typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference regarding travel distance and the desired feel of the keypress.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Snow has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Snow for $5.76.
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 Dareu Snow linear switch has a thocky sound profile that produces a deep, rich, and satisfying tone with each keystroke, thanks to the POK material used in its construction. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch offers a high-pitched sound that is sharp and crisp when pressed, creating a different auditory experience. Depending on personal preference, the Snow switch will provide a low-pitched and bass-heavy sound, while the WS Aurora Clear switch offers a brighter and more energetic sound, perfect for those who enjoy a lively typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Snow linear switch provides a bouncy sensation that gives a spring-like feedback when typing, making the keys feel lively and responsive. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch boasts a buttery and polished feel, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is gentle and approachable to most users. With the use of UHMWPE and POM materials, the WS Aurora Clear switch ensures minimal friction and a seamlessly effortless typing sensation.
Overall, the Dareu Snow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities to cater to different preferences. If you prefer a deep, thocky sound with a bouncy feel, the Snow switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you enjoy a high-pitched, sharp sound with a buttery and polished feel, the WS Aurora Clear switch is the ideal choice. Both switches provide a smooth and satisfying typing experience, so regardless of your selection, you can expect excellent performance and comfort while typing.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Dareu Snow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a deeper sound profile and a bouncy feel, the Snow switch with its medium bottom out force might be the best option for you. On the other hand, if you lean towards a higher-pitched sound and a buttery, polished feel, the WS Aurora Clear switch with its slightly heavier bottom out force could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your preferences and typing style.
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