Kailh Berry vs. Wuque Studio WS Morandi
An in-depth look at the Kailh Berry and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that stand out are the Kailh Berry and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi. The Berry switches are best known for their hefty typing experience, featuring a springy type feel and a chalk-like texture. The sound profile of these switches is fairly deep, adding to the overall tactile experience. On the other hand, the WS Morandi switches offer a perfect blend of innovation and visual aesthetics. With their ultra-smooth linear movement, enhanced by a light-diffusing column, these switches create a mesmerizing effect when paired with RGB visuals. The unique dry and airy smoothness provided by the UPE stem in the WS Morandi switches sets them apart from the typical creamy feel of factory-lubed switches. With a slightly shortened total travel and a long pole design, they strike the perfect balance between form and function. While the sound profile of the Morandi switches is slightly more muted, it offers a buttery, low-pitched, and thocky typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so that you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
18mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Berry and Wuque Studio WS Morandi both utilize different materials for their top housings. The Berry incorporates a polycarbonate top housing, while the WS Morandi features a POM top housing. The use of polycarbonate in the Berry creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. On the other hand, POM housings in the WS Morandi produce a deeper and more muted sound. While both materials offer unique sound profiles, the Berry's polycarbonate provides a more clear and resonant tone, while the WS Morandi's POM delivers a pleasingly deep sound.
In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Berry is translucent, allowing for RGB lighting to shine through. This makes it especially suitable for users who desire illuminated keycaps. Conversely, the POM top housing of the WS Morandi does not possess these transparency qualities. Therefore, if RGB lighting is a priority, the Berry would be the more suitable choice.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Berry employs a nylon material, while the WS Morandi uses POM. Nylon is considered a classic switch housing material and provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to its relatively softer nature, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder tone. Similarly, the POM bottom housing in the WS Morandi also generates a deep and muted sound. While they differ in their compositions, both materials offer a similar sound experience.
When it comes to pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing material has a significant impact on the sound and feel of the switch. The qualities of the bottom housing will determine the bottom-out sound and feel experienced while typing. On the other hand, the top housing material affects the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, users will notice the distinctions between the Berry and WS Morandi primarily in these aspects.
Overall, the Berry and WS Morandi differ in their choice of materials for both the top and bottom housing. The Berry's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound, particularly suited for RGB lighting, while the WS Morandi's POM top housing provides a deeper and more muted sound. However, both switches exhibit similar characteristics in terms of their bottom housings, with both nylon and POM producing a deep and dull sound profile. Understanding these differences will aid users in selecting the most suitable switch for their preferences and use cases.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch, it is important to note that the specific values for the actuation force are unavailable for both switches. However, we can still draw some comparisons based on the information provided.
In terms of bottom out force, the Kailh Berry switch requires a force of 70 grams, which can be considered medium-heavy. On the other hand, the WS Morandi switch has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is slightly lighter and falls into the medium range.
With regards to weight, the lighter actuation force of a switch allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. While the specific actuation forces are unknown for both switches, it can be assumed that they are similar given their medium bottom out forces. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience and ease of use.
Ultimately, the choice between a lighter or heavier actuation force depends on personal preference. Some users may prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience, in which case they may opt for switches with heavier forces. Others may prioritize lighter forces for improved endurance.
Travel distance
The Kailh Berry linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch have slightly different travel distances. The Berry has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the WS Morandi has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have become increasingly popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. If you prioritize a more responsive feel, the WS Morandi with its 3.5 mm travel distance may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly deeper and more satisfying keypress, the Kailh Berry with its 3.6 mm travel distance would be the switch to opt for. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches boils down to personal preference.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Kailh Berry comes in at $6.25 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 Kailh Berry linear switch is known for its fairly deep and low-pitched sound profile. This gives it a bass-heavy and mellow tone during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch has a slightly more muted sound profile. It is also described as low-pitched, but it offers a more subtle and dampened sound when pressed. Additionally, it has a thocky characteristic, producing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used, so individual experiences may vary. However, based on the provided information, using either switch will result in a similar low-pitched sound, with the WS Morandi offering a slightly more subdued and satisfying tone.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Berry linear switch is described as having a hefty and springy typing experience. It also features a chalk-like texture when typing on them, which can provide a certain level of tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch offers an ultra-smooth and buttery typing experience. It is described as having a unique dry, airy, and wispy smoothness, distinct from the creamy feel of factory-lubed switches. With its medium weight, slightly shortened total travel, and long pole design, the Morandi switch strikes a perfect balance between form and function. It provides a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel. Both switches offer different but equally appealing tactile experiences to cater to different preferences.
Taking all the available information into account, the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch have their own distinct subjective qualities. The Berry switch offers a hefty and springy typing experience with a chalk-like texture, while the WS Morandi switch provides an ultra-smooth and buttery typing experience with a unique dry and airy smoothness. In terms of sound, both switches have a low-pitched profile, but the Berry switch has a deep and rich bass-heavy tone, while the Morandi switch offers a slightly more muted and thocky sound. While the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by other factors, such as the keyboard board and keycaps, both switches are designed to provide an enjoyable and satisfying typing experience. Whether you prefer the heavier and springy texture of the Berry switch or the smooth and buttery sensation of the Morandi switch, you can expect a high-quality switch that meets your personal preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering the choice between the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch, there are a few key factors to consider.
In terms of the typing experience, the Berry switch offers a hefty and springy feel with a chalk-like texture. On the other hand, the WS Morandi switch provides a unique dry, airy, and wispy smoothness, with a slightly more muted sound profile. It strikes a balance between form and function, offering a medium weight and a shortened total travel, making it a visually appealing and comfortable option.
In terms of sound, both switches have a low-pitched profile, but the Berry switch offers a deeper and richer sound, while the WS Morandi switch has a more subdued and thocky sound, which can be satisfying and less intrusive.
When it comes to feel, the Berry switch has a textured or scratchy feel, which may appeal to those who prefer some friction when typing. The WS Morandi switch, however, offers a buttery, creamy, and silky typing experience, with a seamless and effortless keystroke.
Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences. If you prefer a heavier, springy feel with a deeper sound and some texture, the Kailh Berry switch may be the right choice for you. If you value a visually appealing switch with a lighter, smooth feel and a more muted sound, the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switch may be the better option. Consider your typing preferences and the overall aesthetic you desire, and you'll be able to make an informed decision on which switch suits you best.