Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear vs. Wuque Studio WS Onion
An in-depth look at the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear and the Wuque Studio WS Onion are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique typing experiences. The WS Aurora Clear is best known for its smooth and high-pitched typing experience, making it a great choice for those who value an enjoyable and satisfying keystroke. The transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing of these switches also allow for maximum customization with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the WS Onion offers a buttery smooth keystroke feel that is deeply satisfying, thanks to its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing. These switches provide a crisp and responsive feel, along with a neutral sound profile. Both switches offer characteristics such as being buttery and polished, but the WS Aurora Clear has a more mild and high-pitched feel, while the WS Onion has a more neutral profile. When choosing between these switches, it is important to consider personal preferences and the specific typing experience that best suits individual 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
53g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged stainless steel
Spring
WS CL635 Gold Plated Stainless Spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear and the WS Onion share many similarities. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. Therefore, in terms of sound quality and aesthetic considerations, users can expect similar results from both the WS Aurora Clear and the WS Onion.
However, where these switches differ is in their choice of bottom housing material. The WS Aurora Clear features a UHWMPE bottom housing, a relatively newer material for switch housings. This material produces a very bright sound signature, resulting in resonant clacks when typing. On the other hand, the WS Onion utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which is a more classic switch housing material. Nylon tends to create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature and higher sound absorption capabilities. Therefore, users can expect a slightly different typing experience in terms of sound when comparing the WS Aurora Clear and the WS Onion.
It's important to note that the unique qualities of each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. When using either the WS Aurora Clear or the WS Onion, the bottom housing will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed down. Conversely, the top housing will predominantly influence the sound produced when a key is released. This distinction allows users to have varying experiences and preferences based on the combination of top and bottom housing materials chosen for a switch.
Weight
When comparing the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, there are similarities and differences in terms of their actuation force and bottom out force. The WS Aurora Clear has an actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the actuation force of the WS Onion is unknown, but it also has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is the same as the WS Aurora Clear.
Considering weight as a factor, some individuals prefer a lighter switch as it allows for longer typing sessions, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. However, others prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. In this case, they would opt for switches with heavier forces.
While the actuation force of the WS Onion is unknown, it can be assumed that it would likely have a similar actuation force to the WS Aurora Clear since they both have the same bottom out force. Therefore, individuals looking for a medium-heavy switch with a bottom out force of 63.5 grams can expect similar results from both switches in terms of actuation force, providing a comparable typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, it is evident that the WS Aurora Clear has a slightly shorter distance, measuring at 3.8 mm. On the other hand, the WS Onion has a travel distance of 4 mm. While both switches fall within the realm of shorter travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, they offer distinct experiences. Gamers, for example, often prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. If responsiveness is your priority, the WS Aurora Clear would be the ideal choice. Conversely, individuals who desire a deeper keystroke may find the longer travel distance of the WS Onion more satisfying. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Wuque Studio WS Onion has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Onion for $5.53.
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
In terms of sound, the WS Aurora Clear linear switch is characterized by a high-pitched sound profile. This means that when pressed, it produces a sharp and crisp sound. If you prefer a sound that is not rich or bassy, the higher-pitched WS Aurora Clears would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, the WS Onion linear switch has a neutral sound profile. It has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of purposes and preferences. However, it's important to note that the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, both the WS Aurora Clear and WS Onion switches offer a buttery smooth keystroke experience. This implies a smooth and fluid typing sensation that is seamless and effortless. They provide a uniform typing feel that can be described as gentle and approachable for most users. Additionally, both switches are polished, meaning they have a smooth and refined finish resulting in a sleek typing experience. This polished characteristic could be attributed to the materials used in the switches or factory lubing. As a result, you can expect reduced friction and smooth key travel from both the WS Aurora Clear and WS Onion switches.
In conclusion, both the WS Aurora Clear and WS Onion switches offer desirable qualities for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. They both provide a buttery smooth typing experience with a polished finish. However, the WS Aurora Clear switch stands out for its high-pitched sound profile, which produces a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. On the other hand, the WS Onion switch has a neutral sound profile that is suitable for most intents and purposes. Both switches deliver a satisfying typing feel, with the WS Aurora Clear having a slightly higher-pitched sound and the WS Onion exuding a crisp and responsive feel. Depending on your preference for sound and desired typing experience, either switch would provide a pleasant and enjoyable mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth, high-pitched typing experience with maximum RGB lighting customization, the WS Aurora Clear linear switch is the way to go. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams, these switches offer a satisfyingly smooth keystroke thanks to the lightly lubed POM stem. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth keystroke feel with a neutral sound profile, the WS Onion linear switch is the better choice. These switches feature a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, providing a crisp and responsive feel. Both switches offer a buttery and polished typing experience, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the decision between the WS Aurora Clear and the WS Onion depends on your preferences for sound and feel, as well as your desired RGB lighting customization.
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