Jwick Splash Brothers vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear
An in-depth look at the Jwick Splash Brothers and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the Jwick Splash Brothers and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear. The Splash Brothers, named after the basketball duo Steph and Klay, are linear "speed" switches that offer a unique typing experience. With a shorter activation and a long pole stem, these switches provide a satisfyingly snappy and bouncy feel. Additionally, they produce a creamy sound signature that adds to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear switches are known for their smooth and high-pitched typing experience. Featuring a transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing, these switches allow for maximum RGB lighting customization. The POM stem is lightly lubed, ensuring minimal friction and a buttery smooth keystroke. While both switches offer their own set of advantages, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so that you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Extended long spring
Spring
Double-staged stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Jwick Splash Brothers and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear keyboards share many similarities. Both keyboards utilize polycarbonate for their top housing material. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal material for achieving precise and distinct key sounds. Additionally, both keyboards feature transparent housings, allowing for enhanced RGB lighting effects. Thus, if you are looking for a keyboard with a vivid and vibrant lighting display, both the Splash Brothers and the WS Aurora Clear will provide similar results.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the keyboards differ. The Splash Brothers employs nylon for its bottom housing, while the WS Aurora Clear utilizes UHWMPE. Nylon is a classic choice known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. It absorbs more sound due to its softness, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. On the other hand, UHWMPE is a newer material that offers a very bright sound signature. Typing on switches with UHWMPE bottom housing produces resonant clacks, enhancing the overall typing experience. Thus, the WS Aurora Clear stands out for its use of UHWMPE in the bottom housing, providing a distinctive acoustic response.
An important thing to note is that the qualities of the top and bottom housing materials influence different aspects of the switch's sound and feel. The bottom housing primarily impacts the sound and feel during the act of pressing down on the switch, known as bottom-out. In contrast, the top housing has more influence on the sound when releasing a key, known as the sound on the upstroke. This distinction means that while both the Splash Brothers and the WS Aurora Clear offer similar top housing benefits, such as clarity and resonance, their differing bottom housing materials may result in variations in the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, it becomes evident that they differ in terms of weight. The actuation force of the Jwick Splash Brothers is unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare it to the WS Aurora Clear's 53 grams actuation force. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Splash Brothers requires a lighter 48 grams, while the WS Aurora Clear requires a heavier 63.5 grams.
Weight becomes an important factor to consider when selecting a switch, as it can impact the typing experience. Some individuals prefer a lighter switch, as it allows them to type for longer periods without experiencing fatigue. This lighter weight is particularly beneficial for those using keyboards for work purposes or engaging in prolonged gaming sessions. On the contrary, there are those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. These individuals may opt for switches with heavier forces to achieve the desired tactile feedback.
Considering the specifications provided, if one desires a lighter switch, the Jwick Splash Brothers may be a suitable choice due to its lighter bottom out force of 48 grams. However, if a stronger push feel and more substantial typing experience are preferred, the WS Aurora Clear with its heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams would be a better option. While the actuation force of the Splash Brothers is unknown, it can be inferred that it will likely provide a similar result to the WS Aurora Clear due to their relative similarity in bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch have different travel distances. The Jwick Splash Brothers has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the WS Aurora Clear has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Jwick Splash Brothers, with its shorter travel distance, would be preferred by gamers who value faster response times. The shorter travel distance allows for quicker actuation and therefore quicker inputs in gaming. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear, with its longer travel distance, would be preferred by those who prefer a more substantial feeling when typing or gaming. The longer travel distance provides more depth and a more satisfying keystroke. Both options have their advantages, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Jwick Splash Brothers comes in at $2.49, 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 Jwick Splash Brothers switches have a creamy sound signature, providing a pleasant and neutral typing experience suitable for various purposes. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear switches produce a high-pitched and sharp sound when pressed, allowing for a more vibrant and crisp typing experience. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles, but the overall sound also depends on factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
In terms of feel, the Jwick Splash Brothers switches offer a mild and approachable typing experience. They fall within a safe middle-ground zone, providing a gentle resistance without being too feather-light. The switches are also described as snappy and bouncy, adding a lively and responsive feel to every keystroke. Additionally, the switches are polished, ensuring smooth and refined typing with reduced friction. Similarly, the WS Aurora Clear switches provide a mild and buttery typing experience, delivering a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation. They also fall within the safe middle-ground zone and offer a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Considering all the available information, the Jwick Splash Brothers and WS Aurora Clear switches offer different subjective qualities. If you prefer a neutral sound profile and a typing feel that is gentle, snappy, bouncy, and polished, the Splash Brothers switches are an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a high-pitched sound profile and a typing feel that is mild, buttery, and polished, the WS Aurora Clear switches are a great option. While the switches differ in sound and certain aspects of feel, both provide a smooth typing experience with a polished finish. Ultimately, your personal preference and usage requirements will determine which switch is the best fit for you.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a light switch with a unique typing experience and a creamy sound signature, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch would be a great choice for you. Its shorter activation and long pole stem provide a snappy and bouncy feel, making typing feel more alive. Additionally, the neutral sound profile makes it suitable for various environments.
On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and high-pitched typing experience with maximum RGB lighting customization, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch is an excellent option. With its transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing, this switch allows for vibrant lighting effects. The POM stem with light lubing ensures minimal friction and a satisfyingly smooth keystroke. The buttery and mild feel of this switch makes typing effortless and approachable for most users.
Ultimately, the choice between the Splash Brothers and WS Aurora Clear linear switches depends on your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. Consider the light bottom out force of the Splash Brothers and its unique typing feel and sound signature. Conversely, the WS Aurora Clear offers a customizable RGB lighting experience and a smooth, buttery typing feel. Evaluate your priorities and find the switch that aligns with your desired typing experience.
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