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Akko Botany vs. Wuque Studio WS Morandi

An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Botany and Wuque Studio WS Morandi emerge as two fascinating choices for enthusiasts seeking a linear experience. The Akko Botany switch is celebrated for its crisp and lively clacky sound right from the box, appealing to those who relish a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. Conversely, the WS Morandi switch shines with its remarkable innovation and aesthetics, featuring a light column designed to enhance RGB visuals, along with an airy, smooth typing experience thanks to its UPE stem. This switch is characterized by its muted sound profile, making it an attractive option for users who prefer a more subdued auditory experience. While both switches deliver the linear feel favored by numerous gamers and typists, they cater to distinct preferences — the Botany for those who enjoy a lively sound and tactile feedback, and the WS Morandi for users who prioritize visual flair and a tranquil typing experience. 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

45g

Bottom-out force

60g

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Total travel

3.60 mm

Total travel

3.50 mm

Factory lubed

Yes

Factory lubed

Yes

Stem construction

Standard

Stem construction

Standard

Stem material

Nylon Pro

Stem material

UPE

Top housing material

Nylon

Top housing material

POM

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Bottom housing material

POM

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Spring

Stainless steel spring

Spring

18mm double-stage spring

Housing materials

The Akko Botany and Wuque Studio WS Morandi switches present a fascinating comparison in their choice of housing materials. The Akko Botany utilizes a nylon top and bottom housing, which is recognized as a classic in the realm of switch materials. Nylon, being a softer plastic, provides a deeper and fuller sound profile that absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. This characteristic results in a duller and rounder auditory experience, which lends a warm and muted quality to the typing sound. Conversely, the WS Morandi features POM for both its top and bottom housing, which is also known for creating a unique and pleasing sound profile. Though POM can offer some of the same dampening qualities as nylon due to its inherent softer properties, its sound, while similarly muted and deep, is characterized by a different tonal complexity that switches from nylon cannot fully replicate.

In examining the bottom housings, the differences become more pronounced. Both the Akko Botany and WS Morandi use materials that elicit a deep sound when bottomed out. However, the nylon bottom housing of the Botany takes on a more resonant and round quality that enhances the overall auditory profile. POM, utilized in the WS Morandi, while also crafting a deep sound, results in a sound experience that many users find uniquely satisfying but distinctly different from the woolly richness of the nylon. The variability in acoustic dampening properties between nylon and POM indicates that while the sound profiles of both switches can be categorized as deeper and more muted, the nuanced differences might cater to varied preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.

Moreover, considering the interactions of the top and bottom housings is vital to fully grasp the experiences each switch offers. The nylon housing in the Botany emphasizes the softness and warmth of the bottom-out sound, while its softer profile will influence the auditory quality upon releasing a key. In contrast, the POM housing in the WS Morandi, though still providing a muted experience, introduces an auditory complexity that can contrast with the Botany’s overall rounded sound. Even if one can expect similar deeper results from both switches due to the inherent qualities of nylon and POM, the tactile feel and sound upon key release will offer distinct experiences. Ultimately, it is this nuanced interaction between materials that defines the overall character of each switch, making them appealing to different users with varying preferences.

Weight

When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Botany features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience for extended periods, such as during long work hours or gaming sessions. In contrast, the WS Morandi switch requires a stronger actuation force of 50 grams and has a bottom out force of 60 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial and tactile feel when typing. This means that while the Botany switch is better suited for users seeking comfort and ease of use, the Morandi switch caters to those who favor a firmer push feel. As such, if you prioritize lightness for longevity in your typing or gaming sessions, the Akko Botany would be the preferred choice, whereas the WS Morandi would be ideal for someone looking for a heavier actuation experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Botany linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch, we find that the Botany switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the WS Morandi measures slightly shorter at 3.5 mm. This makes the Botany the longer option between the two, offering a more pronounced keypress feel. For users who enjoy a deeper, more substantial keystroke, the Botany switch may be the preferable choice, as its longer travel distance can provide a more satisfying tactile experience. Conversely, the WS Morandi's shorter travel distance allows for quicker actuation, which can benefit gamers seeking faster response times. Ultimately, the selection between the two comes down to personal preference regarding key feel and response, with the Botany offering a touch more depth compared to the WS Morandi.

Price comparison

Which switch is more bang for your buck?

The Akko Botany has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Botany for $3.11.

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 Akko Botany switch is characterized by a crisp, lively clacky noise that invigorates the typing experience, providing a satisfying auditory feedback that many typists find enjoyable. This could make it an excellent choice for those who appreciate the clicky sounds often associated with traditional mechanical switches. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switch offers a more muted sound profile, producing low-pitched tones that are dampened and subdued. The thocky quality of the Morandi adds a rich, deep texture without being overwhelming, making it suitable for environments where a more discreet keyboard operation is preferred. The sound experience from these switches can also be influenced by external factors like the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, the Akko Botany has not been described specifically, leaving it open to interpretation based on personal experiences and preferences. In contrast, the WS Morandi excels in providing a buttery, creamy, and silky sensation during typing. The design of the Morandi, enhanced by its UPE stem, leads to a seamless and effortless typing experience, allowing users to glide across the keys with minimal resistance. This characteristic is especially appealing to those who prioritize a smooth tactile feel and a uniform keystroke sensation.

In conclusion, if you prefer a more lively typing experience with pronounced sound, the Akko Botany switches will likely suit your needs. Meanwhile, the WS Morandi switches offer an innovative design that emphasizes muted acoustics and an exceptionally smooth feel. While the Botany provides an engaging auditory experience, the Morandi stands out for its comfort and subtlety in sound. Depending on your style and typing preferences, both switches can result in a satisfying keyboard experience but cater to distinctly different tastes in sound and feel.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter switch that delivers a crisp, lively audio feedback, the Botany is an excellent choice, particularly for those who enjoy the tactile feel and invigorating sound profile that enhances the typing experience. Its 45-gram bottom-out force makes it suitable for rapid typing and gaming, allowing you to press keys comfortably without too much effort. Conversely, if you value a smoother, more subdued experience and are drawn to a richer sound profile, the WS Morandi might be more to your liking. With a medium actuation force of 60 grams, the Morandi's buttery and creamy typing feel offers an effortlessly smooth experience, while its low-pitched and thocky sound is better suited for those who prefer a more muted auditory presence. Choosing between these two switches should reflect your priorities: whether you lean towards a more engaging auditory feedback with the Botany or the subtle elegance and smoothness of the Morandi.

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