Haimu Viola Tricolor vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear
An in-depth look at the Haimu Viola Tricolor and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Haimu Viola Tricolor and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear. The Viola Tricolor is a tactile switch that is best known for its thuddy and punchy sound profile, adding a touch of character to your typing experience. It strikes a perfect balance between pronounced tactility and not being overly tactile, providing a satisfying feedback without overwhelming the user. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear is a linear switch that offers a smooth and high-pitched typing experience. With its 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 satisfyingly smooth keystroke. Both switches have their own unique qualities and appeal, making them suitable for different preferences and needs. 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
63.5g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Spring
Double-staged stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Haimu Viola Tricolor and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear have both similarities and differences. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate creates a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Similarly, the WS Aurora Clear also benefits from polycarbonate's translucency, enhancing its aesthetic appeal when combined with RGB lighting.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Viola Tricolor utilizes nylon, while the WS Aurora Clear incorporates UHWMPE. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that enhances the sound experience by producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its softness absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear's UHWMPE bottom housing is a newer material that contributes to a very bright sound signature, resulting in resonant clacks while typing.
The distinction in bottom housing materials highlights how the qualities each material brings to the switch will be split between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on either switch, the impact and resulting sound will be influenced by the bottom housing. Conversely, the top housing will have a more noticeable impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while the polycarbonate top housing provides similar benefits in both switches, the choice of nylon for the Viola Tricolor and UHWMPE for the WS Aurora Clear creates distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to note. In terms of weight, the Viola Tricolor's actuation force is currently unavailable, while the WS Aurora Clear has an actuation force of 53 grams. Both switches have a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is considered medium-heavy.
For those who prefer a lighter feel, the WS Aurora Clear would be the better option with its lower actuation force. This lighter actuation force allows for longer typing sessions, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, if a stronger push feel is desired for a more substantial typing experience, the Viola Tricolor may be the preferred choice. While we do not have the specific actuation force for this switch, it can be assumed to be heavier than 53 grams since its bottom out force is the same as the WS Aurora Clear.
In summary, the WS Aurora Clear is the lighter option with a known actuation force of 53 grams, making it suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. The Viola Tricolor, on the other hand, is heavier, providing a more substantial typing experience, but the exact actuation force is currently unknown. Both switches share the same medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams, ensuring similar results in terms of pressing all the way down.
Travel distance
The Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you will experience a consistent travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches offer this exact same distance, ensuring a similar tactile feedback and typing experience for users. Whether you choose the Viola Tricolor or the WS Aurora Clear, you can expect a satisfying key press with a travel distance of 3.8 mm in either case.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Haimu Viola Tricolor has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Viola Tricolor for $3.09.
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 Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offers a thuddy and punchy sound profile. These switches have a lower frequency range, providing a deeper and richer sound during key presses. The sound is characterized by a bassy and mellow tone, adding a touch of character to your typing experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch produces a high-pitched sound when pressed. The sound is sharp and crisp, creating a more vibrant and lively typing experience. If you prefer a more rich and bassy sound profile, the Viola Tricolor would be a better choice. However, if you enjoy a higher-pitched and sharper sound, the WS Aurora Clear is the way to go. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch is described as accented, offering a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. These switches provide a sharp sensation that is neither too soft nor too firm. They also offer an invigorating typing experience with pronounced feedback and a snappy feel. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch is known for its buttery and polished feel. These switches provide a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, making typing seamless and effortless. They offer a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users, with qualities that stand in a safe middle-ground zone. If you prefer a switch with a more pronounced tactile feel, the Viola Tricolor would be a better option. However, if you enjoy a smoother and more refined typing experience, the WS Aurora Clear linear switch is the one to choose.
Overall, the Haimu Viola Tricolor and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Viola Tricolor provides a thuddy and punchy sound profile with a balanced tactility, offering a satisfying feedback without being overly tactile. It creates an invigorating typing sensation. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear offers a smooth and high-pitched typing experience, with a focus on providing a buttery and polished feel. While they differ in these aspects, both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience. Depending on your preferences, you can choose the Viola Tricolor for a deeper and richer sound with a sharper tactile feel, or the WS Aurora Clear for a sharper sound and a smoother, effortless typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch that provides a thuddy and punchy sound profile with a balanced level of tactility, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch is an excellent choice for you. These switches offer a satisfying feedback without being overly tactile and strike a perfect balance in terms of sensation. 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 switch would be the better option. These switches have a transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing, allowing for a visually appealing keyboard with smooth keystrokes. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. Whether you prefer a deeper and richer sound profile with an accentuated and invigorating feel, or a sharp and crisp sound with a buttery and polished feel, both switches have their own unique advantages. In the end, it's important to consider your typing habits and preferences to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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