Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear vs. SP-Star Yanyu
An in-depth look at the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear and the SP-Star Yanyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear and the SP-Star Yanyu are two mechanical keyboard switches with distinct characteristics that suit different typing preferences. The WS Aurora Clear is renowned for its smooth and high-pitched typing experience. The transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing allow for maximum customization with RGB lighting. Additionally, the lightly lubed POM stem ensures minimal friction and a satisfyingly smooth keystroke. On the other hand, the Yanyu switches are best suited for those seeking a delicate typing experience or typing for extended periods. These switches have a material blend that produces a crisp sound profile. Both switches offer unique qualities, allowing users to tailor their typing experience to their preference. However, let's take a deeper dive beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
53g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
43g
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
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged stainless steel
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear and the SP-Star Yanyu differ significantly. The WS Aurora Clear features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent quality of polycarbonate makes it particularly useful for switches with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Yanyu utilizes a unique blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its top housing. This blend provides a sound profile that is pleasant, but not particularly sharp. It leans towards a brighter side, offering a different auditory experience compared to the WS Aurora Clear.
Moving to the bottom housings, the WS Aurora Clear incorporates a UHWMPE material. This newer material for switch housings contributes to a very bright sound signature and produces resonant clacks when typing. On the other hand, the Yanyu also uses the same blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its bottom housing. This blend, like the top housing, provides a very pleasant sound profile that is not overly sharp but falls on the brighter side. Both bottom housings offer a unique auditory experience and contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switch.
Although the top and bottom housings differ between the WS Aurora Clear and the Yanyu, it is important to note that the qualities of each housing material will be split between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will be more prominent, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Despite the differences in materials, both switches offer unique acoustic and tactile experiences, allowing users to tailor their preferences based on their desired sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, it is evident that they have notable differences. The WS Aurora Clear requires an actuation force of 53 grams, whereas the actuation force for the Yanyu remains unknown. In terms of bottom out force, the WS Aurora Clear has a heavier force of 63.5 grams, while the Yanyu has a lighter force of 43 grams. This means that the WS Aurora Clear offers a more substantial typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Yanyu provides a lighter typing experience, which can be beneficial for extended typing sessions or gaming. It is important to note that if both switches had the same force values, users can expect similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences and the desired typing experience - lighter for prolonged use or heavier for a more pronounced tactile response.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, we can see that the WS Aurora Clear has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Yanyu has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have become prevalent in recent times. Gamers, in particular, often prefer switches with shorter travel distances as they provide faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, the WS Aurora Clear with its slightly shorter travel distance would be a suitable choice. However, some individuals find short travel distances to be somewhat abrupt and prefer switches with a bit more depth. In this case, the SP-Star Yanyu with its slightly longer travel distance would be a better fit. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preference for either a shorter or longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Yanyu has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yanyu 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
In terms of sound, the WS Aurora Clear linear switch is best described as having a high-pitched sound profile. When pressed, these switches produce a sharp and crisp sound that may be preferred by those who do not enjoy the richer and bassier sound profiles of other keyboard switches. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch is described as having a more neutral sound profile. It falls within a moderate range in terms of both actuation force requirement and sound. However, it also has a thocky characteristic, meaning it produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed and released. Please note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
In terms of feel, the WS Aurora Clear linear switch offers a buttery, mild, and polished typing experience. The term "buttery" implies a smooth and fluid keystroke, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. This switch also falls into a mild category, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Additionally, the WS Aurora Clear has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. The SP-Star Yanyu linear switch shares a mild and polished feel, making it suitable for those looking for a more gentle typing experience. It also has a feathery characteristic, meaning it is exceptionally light to press and requires minimal exertion. This reduces finger fatigue and makes it comfortable for extended typing sessions. The Yanyu switch also offers a subtle resistance, maintaining a light typing feel without a resonant sound signature.
In summary, the WS Aurora Clear and SP-Star Yanyu linear switches have some differences in their subjective qualities. The WS Aurora Clear offers a high-pitched sound profile and a buttery, mild, and polished feel. In contrast, the SP-Star Yanyu has a more neutral sound profile with a thocky characteristic, and a mild, feathery, subtle, and polished feel. Depending on personal preference, the WS Aurora Clear may appeal to those seeking a smoother and high-pitched typing experience, while the SP-Star Yanyu may be more suitable for those needing a delicate typing experience or typing for extended periods. However, it should be noted that these descriptions are subjective, and individual results may vary.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are someone who values a smooth, high-pitched typing experience and wants maximum RGB lighting customization, it is recommended to choose the WS Aurora Clear linear switches from Wuque Studio. These switches have a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams, giving you a satisfying keystroke. They are known for their transparent polycarbonate top housing, UHMWPE bottom housing, and lightly lubed POM stem, all contributing to a smooth and seamless typing sensation. The sound profile of the WS Aurora Clear switches is described as high-pitched, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more delicate typing experience or need to type for long periods of time, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switches are an excellent choice. These switches have a light bottom out force of 43 grams, reducing finger fatigue and making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. The Yanyu switches are known for their crisp sound profile and are suitable for most intents and purposes. They provide a gentle typing experience with a subtle resistance and maintain a light typing feel. Additionally, these switches have a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the WS Aurora Clear and SP-Star Yanyu switches depends on your personal preferences and requirements. Consider factors such as desired typing experience, sound profile, and bottom out force when making your decision. Remember that both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different needs.
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