SP-Star Duck vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Duck 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 satisfying tactile typing experience, the SP-Star Duck switches are a top contender. These switches are known for their subtle tactility, providing a gentle feedback when typing. Not only do they offer a pleasant typing experience, but they also have a clean and crispy sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and high-pitched typing experience, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switches might be the perfect fit for you. With a transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing, these switches not only allow for maximum RGB lighting customization but also offer minimal friction and a satisfyingly smooth keystroke. Both switches are categorized as 'Buttery' and 'Mild', ensuring a comfortable typing experience. 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
N/A
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
Double-staged stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Duck and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear have some similarities and differences. Both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housings, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for the use of RGB lighting, making it visually appealing. Therefore, both switches offer similar sound qualities and aesthetic benefits in their top housings.
However, when it comes to the bottom housings, the two switches differ. The Duck utilizes polycarbonate in its bottom housing as well, contributing to the overall sound profile and feel of the switch. This ensures a consistent sound experience from pressing down to bottoming out. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear utilizes a newer material called UHWMPE in its bottom housing. This material offers a very bright sound signature, resulting in resonant clacks when typing. This suggests that the WS Aurora Clear may provide a unique bottom-out sound and feel compared to the Duck.
Considering the split between top and bottom housings, the qualities of each housing material will have distinct impacts on the sound and feel of the switches. When pressing down on either switch, the bottom housing will have more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, contributing to the overall typing experience. Conversely, when letting go of a key, the top housing will play a larger role in determining the sound produced. Therefore, while both switches share similarities in their polycarbonate top housings, the different material used in the bottom housing of the WS Aurora Clear may result in variations in the typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Duck tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, it is clear that both switches fall within the medium category in terms of bottom out force. However, the actuation force differs between the two switches. The SP-Star Duck tactile switch has an actuation force of undisclosed grams, while the WS Aurora Clear linear switch requires an actuation force of 53 grams. Thus, the WS Aurora Clear has a slightly lighter actuation force than the Duck.
Weight is an important factor to consider when choosing a switch, as it can greatly affect typing comfort and gaming experience. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience for prolonged sessions may lean towards the WS Aurora Clear linear switch due to its lighter actuation force. This switch allows for easier keystrokes, minimizing fatigue during long typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, some individuals may prefer a more substantial and robust typing experience, in which case they would opt for the SP-Star Duck tactile switch. The Duck switch, with its undisclosed actuation force, may provide a stronger push feel, catering to those who prefer a heavier and more pronounced keystroke.
In summary, while the bottom out force is similar for both switches, the actuation force diverges. The WS Aurora Clear linear switch is lighter in terms of actuation force, making it suitable for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, while the SP-Star Duck tactile switch offers a potentially heavier and more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the SP-Star Duck tactile switch is 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Duck being slightly longer and the WS Aurora Clear being slightly shorter. Gamers, who value faster response times, may prefer the shorter travel distance of the WS Aurora Clear. This allows for quicker key presses and potentially improved gaming performance. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial feel when typing or gaming may find the 4 mm travel distance of the Duck to be more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Duck has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Duck for $5.40.
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 SP-Star Duck tactile switch is known for its clean and crispy sound profile, which can be considered neutral. This means that it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making it suitable for most purposes. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch has a high-pitched sound when pressed. This produces a sharp and crisp sound, perfect for those who prefer a more vibrant typing experience. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
In terms of feel, both the Duck and WS Aurora Clear switches offer a relatively gentle typing experience. The Duck switch is described as mild, buttery, and polished. This means that it provides a more gentle and approachable feel, with a smooth and refined finish. It offers reduced friction and smooth key travel, resulting in a sleek typing experience. Similarly, the WS Aurora Clear switch is also described as buttery, mild, and polished. It offers a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation, similar to the Duck switch. Both switches fall into a safe, middle-ground zone in terms of feel.
Taking all available information into consideration, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch provides a more subtle tactile typing experience with a clean and crispy sound profile. It offers a mild, buttery, and polished feel, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch offers a smooth, high-pitched typing experience with maximum RGB lighting customization. It also provides a buttery, mild, and polished feel. While they differ in sound profile, both switches offer a gentle typing experience with smooth key travel. If you prefer a quieter and more subtle typing experience, the Duck switch would be a suitable choice. Alternatively, if you prefer a vibrant and high-pitched typing experience, the WS Aurora Clear switch would be a great option.
Conclusion
Overall, both the SP-Star Duck tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch offer unique experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. To sum up, if you're looking for a more subtle and clean tactile typing experience, the SP-Star Duck switches are perfect for you. These switches provide a gentle tactility and a clean and crispy sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and high-pitched typing experience with maximum RGB lighting customization, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switches are an excellent choice. These switches have a transparent polycarbonate top housing and a UHMWPE bottom housing, allowing for a satisfyingly smooth keystroke.
In terms of sound, the Duck switches can be described as neutral, providing a moderate sound profile suitable for various purposes. Meanwhile, the WS Aurora Clear switches have a high-pitched sound that produces a sharp and crisp noise when pressed, perfect for those who prefer a more unique sound profile.
When it comes to feel, both switches offer a buttery and mild typing experience. They provide a smooth and fluid keystroke, ensuring an effortless and uniform typing sensation. Additionally, both switches have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and a sleek typing experience.
Ultimately, your choice between the SP-Star Duck tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch depends on your preferences. If you prioritize a gentle tactility and a clean sound profile, the Duck switches are the way to go. However, if you prefer a smooth and high-pitched typing experience with customizable RGB lighting, the WS Aurora Clear switches are a great option. Consider your desired typing experience and sound preference to make an informed decision. Happy typing!
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