Kailh Box Navy vs. Wuque Studio WS Morandi
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch that provides a heavy typing experience and exudes a nostalgic feel, then the Kailh Box Navy clicky switches are an excellent choice for you. These switches not only offer a satisfying sound signature reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s, but they also provide a distinct tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switches offer a different type of innovation and visual aesthetics. With their ultra-smooth feel and a unique UPE stem, these switches enhance the RGB lighting experience with a mesmerizing effect. They have a slightly shorter total travel and strike a perfect balance between form and function. While they still offer a satisfying typing experience, the WS Morandi switches produce a slightly more muted sound compared to the clicky Box Navy switches. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision on which switch is most suited for your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
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
Kailh Box spring
Spring
18mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Navy and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi differ in terms of sound profiles and aesthetics. The Box Navy features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which produces a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for use with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the WS Morandi employs a POM top housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound profile. While both materials have unique sound characteristics, the Box Navy's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and more defined sound compared to the WS Morandi's POM top housing.
In terms of bottom housing, the Kailh Box Navy utilizes a nylon material, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the WS Morandi adopts a POM bottom housing, which also contributes to a deep and muted sound profile. While both materials offer pleasing sound profiles, the Kailh Box Navy with its nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound compared to the WS Morandi's POM bottom housing.
When it comes to the impact on typing experience, the qualities of the bottom and top housings are divided. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Thus, if one were to use the Kailh Box Navy, they would experience a combination of the sharper and defined sound from the polycarbonate top housing and the deeper and fuller sound from the nylon bottom housing. Similarly, selecting the WS Morandi would result in a combination of the deeper and muted sound from both the POM top and bottom housings. Therefore, while there are differences in materials between the two switches, they can both provide satisfying sound profiles by complementing the qualities of the materials used in their respective top and bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch, it is evident that they have different force requirements. The Box Navy switch has a relatively heavy actuation force of 60 grams, meaning it requires a significant amount of pressure to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, the WS Morandi switch's actuation force is not provided, so it is unclear how it compares in terms of lightness or heaviness. In terms of bottom out force, the Box Navy switch is even heavier, requiring 90 grams of force to fully press a key. In contrast, the WS Morandi switch has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is considered medium in comparison.
Considering the weight of a switch is important as it can affect typing comfort and endurance. Those who prefer a lighter actuation force may find the WS Morandi switch more suitable for typing for extended periods, making it ideal for work or long gaming sessions. Conversely, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience and a stronger push feel may opt for the Box Navy switch with its heavier forces. It is worth noting that if both switches have the same force requirement, users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch have different travel distances. The Box Navy has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the WS Morandi has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have become increasingly popular recently. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness in your typing or gaming experience, the WS Morandi with its slightly shorter travel distance may be the better choice for you. However, it is worth noting that some individuals find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt. If you prefer a more substantial and deep key press, the Kailh Box Navy with its slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm might be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on your personal preference for travel distance and the typing experience you desire.
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 Box Navy comes in at $5.50 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 Box Navy clicky switch is well-known for its resonant and crunchy sound profile. Typing on these switches will result in a higher-pitched sound with a clean and sharp resonance, similar to the experience of typing on a vintage buckling keyboard from the 80s. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch provides a slightly more muted sound profile. Described as low-pitched, subdued, and thocky, these switches offer a bass-heavy and mellow tone with a dampened sound when pressed. This gives a more subtle and satisfying auditory experience. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Navy switch delivers a sharp, invigorating, and stiff typing experience. These switches are known for their high feedback intensity with a prominent and distinct tactile bump. The strong and crisp tactile feedback, along with the moderate to firm actuation force, creates an immersive typing sensation for those who enjoy a heavier and more tactile feel. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switch provides a buttery, creamy, and silky typing experience. Featuring an ultra-smooth UPE stem and a medium weight, these linear switches offer a seamless and effortless keystroke experience. The typing sensation is smooth and fluid, allowing for easy gliding of fingers across the keys with minimal resistance.
Based on the available information, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Navy switch provides a resonant and crunchy sound profile, accompanied by a sharp and invigorating feel. On the other hand, the WS Morandi switch offers a low-pitched and subdued sound, along with a buttery, creamy, and silky feel. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. If you are seeking a heavy typing experience with a clicky sound and prominent tactile feedback, the Box Navy switch would be a suitable choice. If you prefer a smooth and seamless typing experience with a more muted sound, the WS Morandi switch would be a great option.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are seeking a heavy typing experience and love the sound signature and tactility of a clicky switch, then the Kailh Box Navy switches are a perfect fit for you. Their heftiness and sound signature hark back to the vintage buckling keyboards of the 80s. On the other hand, if you are more interested in innovation and visual aesthetics, the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switches are an excellent choice. These switches not only offer a mesmerizing visual effect with their light diffusion but also provide a unique dry, airy, and wispy smoothness in their typing experience. The slightly muted sound profile of the Morandis adds to their appeal. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on your preference for heavy and clicky switches or a smoother and visually enhanced typing experience.
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