Gateron Beer vs. Wuque Studio WS Morandi
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Beer tactile switch to the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch, there are distinct differences in both appearance and functionality. The Beer switch stands out with its translucent green color reminiscent of a Tsingtao beer bottle, offering a unique visual appeal. It has a light feel and stepped tactility, providing a gentle tactile feedback with a characteristic clacky sound. On the other hand, the WS Morandi switch focuses on innovation and aesthetics, featuring a light-diffusing column for enhanced RGB visuals. It offers a smooth and creamy feel with a slightly muted sound profile, striking a balance between form and function. While the Beer switch is described as 'clacky' and 'easy-to-press', the WS Morandi switch is 'buttery', 'creamy', and 'thocky'. 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
38g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
UPE
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
18mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Beer and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi, one noticeable difference lies in the material used for the top housing. The Beer utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, especially effective for showcasing RGB lighting. On the other hand, the WS Morandi features a POM top housing, known for producing a deeper and more muted sound. This contrast in sound profiles can cater to different preferences, with the Beer offering a clearer and more resonant sound, while the Morandi provides a unique and pleasing deeper sound.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Beer and the WS Morandi offer distinct characteristics based on their housing materials. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Beer contributes to a sharper and crisper sound, complementing the top housing for a cohesive sound profile. In contrast, the POM bottom housing of the WS Morandi delivers a deeper sound, adding to the overall unique sound experience of the switch. These differences in sound profiles highlight how varying housing materials can impact the overall feel and sound of a switch, catering to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
When considering the overall impact of different housing materials on a switch, it becomes clear that the choice of material for both the top and bottom housing plays a significant role in determining the sound experience. While the Gateron Beer's polycarbonate top and bottom housings create a sharp and crisp sound profile, the Wuque Studio WS Morandi's POM housings offer a deeper and more muted sound. By understanding how each housing material contributes to the sound profile, enthusiasts can make informed decisions based on their preferences for sound and feel when selecting a keyboard switch. Ultimately, whether using polycarbonate or POM housing materials, both switches provide unique sound profiles that cater to diverse tastes within the keyboard community.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Beer tactile switch to the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch, it is evident that the actuation and bottom out forces play a crucial role in determining the typing experience. The Beer switch has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a light and responsive typing feel. On the other hand, the WS Morandi switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial push feel for those who enjoy a firmer typing experience. While the Beer switch offers a lighter touch, the WS Morandi switch offers a moderate resistance, catering to different preferences in typing style. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on whether you prefer a lighter or heavier actuation and bottom out force for your typing needs.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch, we can see that the Beer has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the WS Morandi has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range considered standard for mechanical keyboard switches, with the Beer being on the shorter end and the WS Morandi on the longer end. The difference of 0.1 mm between the two switches may not be noticeable to the average user, but those who are more sensitive to keypress depth may prefer one over the other. Gamers looking for faster response times may lean towards the Beer with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more deliberate keypress may opt for the WS Morandi with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Beer has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Beer for $4.59.
The Wuque Studio WS Morandi has an MSRP of $4.30 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Morandi for $3.90.
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 Gateron Beer tactile switch offers a characteristic clacky sound signature, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch provides a more subdued and low-pitched sound profile, resulting in a quieter and more mellow typing experience. The Beer switch's sound is crisp and percussive, while the Morandi switch offers a deep and satisfying thocky sound. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard itself and the type of keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Beer switch is known for being easy-to-press and offering a stepped tactility. This means that it provides gentle resistance during key presses and has a more subtle tactile feel compared to other switches. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switch is described as buttery, creamy, and silky, offering an exceptionally smooth and fluid keystroke experience. The Morandi switch strikes a balance between being smooth and providing a unique dry, airy, and wispy smoothness, distinct from the usual creamy feel of factory-lubed switches.
In conclusion, the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities. The Beer switch provides a clacky sound and an easy-to-press, stepped feel, while the Morandi switch offers a more subdued and low-pitched sound with a buttery, creamy, and silky smooth typing experience. Both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on personal preference for sound and typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch, consider the key factors of bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and enjoy a clacky sound with stepped tactility, the Gateron Beer switch may be the perfect fit for you. On the other hand, if you appreciate a slightly heavier actuation force, a more subdued and thocky sound, as well as a buttery or creamy typing experience, the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switch could be the ideal choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and aesthetics.
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