KTT Vanilla Ice Cream vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear
An in-depth look at the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Vanilla Ice Cream and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear are both linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer a smooth and high-pitched typing experience. The Vanilla Ice Cream is known for its use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing, providing typists with a buttery and creamy feel reminiscent of the dessert it's named after. Its distinct high-pitched and clacky sound sets it apart from other switches in the market. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear features a transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing, allowing for maximum RGB lighting customization. With a POM stem lightly lubed for minimal friction, this switch offers a polished and satisfyingly smooth keystroke. Both switches are ideal for those seeking a smooth typing experience with a high-pitched sound profile. 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
43g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POK
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Spring
Double-staged stainless steel
Housing materials
The KTT Vanilla Ice Cream's housing materials offer a unique blend of components that contribute to a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. The proprietary KTT blend top housing is made of special mixed materials, while the bottom housing is constructed from POK material. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear features a polycarbonate top housing and UHWMPE bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, especially conducive to RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the UHWMPE bottom housing offers a bright sound signature with resonant clacks when typing.
In terms of material properties, the Vanilla Ice Cream utilizes a POK bottom housing known for its smoothness, durability, and shock resistance. This material provides a smooth and clacky experience, enhancing the overall performance of the switches. In comparison, the WS Aurora Clear's UHWMPE bottom housing is relatively newer and known for its very bright sound signature. This material contributes to the resonant clacks when typing, providing a distinct typing experience different from the Vanilla Ice Cream's POK bottom housing.
While the housing materials for the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream and Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches differ in composition and characteristics, both sets of materials are chosen for their specific sound profiles and performance benefits. The KTT switch features a blend of materials in the top housing and POK material in the bottom housing, delivering a clacky sound and smooth typing experience. In contrast, the WS Aurora Clear combines polycarbonate for the top housing and UHWMPE for the bottom housing, resulting in a sharp and bright sound signature with resonant clacking sounds. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, it is evident that the Vanilla Ice Cream is lighter in both aspects. The Vanilla Ice Cream has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, while the WS Aurora Clear has an actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams. The Vanilla Ice Cream provides a lighter typing experience, making it suitable for those who prefer a softer touch for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear offers a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel. Both switches offer different typing experiences based on the force required for actuation and bottoming out. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirement.
Travel distance
The KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter compared to the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch with a travel distance of 3.8 mm. With the Vanilla Ice Cream switch offering a shorter travel distance, it would be more suitable for those looking for a faster response time, such as gamers. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear switch would be ideal for those who prefer a deeper and more satisfying key press due to its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for travel distance and the experience desired while typing or gaming.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.
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, both the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch and the WS Aurora Clear linear switch offer a high-pitched typing experience. The Vanilla Ice Cream switch is noted for its additional marbly and resonant qualities, producing a sharp and clacky sound perfect for those who prefer a more distinctive auditory experience. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear switch focuses on a clean and sharp high-pitched sound without the marbly or resonant characteristics. Ultimately, both switches will provide a similar sound profile, but the distinction lies in the additional qualities each switch may offer.
In terms of feel, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch is often described as buttery and creamy, offering typists a smooth and fluid keystroke experience akin to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. This sensation is enhanced by the use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear switch is noted for its buttery feel as well as being mild and polished, providing a gentle and polished typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. While both switches offer a buttery feel, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch may provide a more creamy sensation due to its material composition.
Overall, both the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch and the WS Aurora Clear linear switch offer typists a smooth and high-pitched typing experience. The Vanilla Ice Cream switch differentiates itself with its creamy feel and clacky sound, while the WS Aurora Clear switch focuses on a polished and clean sound profile. Depending on personal preference, typists can choose between the distinctive qualities each switch offers, but can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel. Ultimately, both switches are excellent choices for those seeking a smooth and high-pitched typing experience with unique characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream and Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switches, consider the following factors. If you prioritize a light bottom out force of 48 grams, a smooth and creamy typing experience reminiscent of the dessert it's named after, and a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, then the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams, a smooth and high-pitched typing experience with maximum RGB lighting customization, and a transparent polycarbonate top housing with UHMWPE bottom housing, then the WS Aurora Clear linear switch could be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and bottom out force. Consider these factors carefully to choose the switch that best suits your typing style and preferences.
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